Used Bike...what to look for....

[Fly Girl]

OK...so Im new at this. Had someone helping and kinda fell through.

I am looking for a Used bike--Starter Bike.

I have been directed to look at the

Yamaha FZ6
Suzuki Bandit 600
Kawa Ninja 650

I have gone to dealership and sat on all of them...checked them out.

Unfortunatley in my area there are NOT alot of used ones...Ive found several 2-3 hours away and dont mind riding to look at them but--Dont really know what to look for.

Im willing to learn about the bikes and what to look for, ask, etc.

Can Anyone give me any advice ? Even sites.

Thanks

:thumbup:

[L♥VE]

OK...so Im new at this. Had someone helping and kinda fell through.

I am looking for a Used bike--Starter Bike.

I have been directed to look at the

Yamaha FZ6
Suzuki Bandit 600
Kawa Ninja 650

I have gone to dealership and sat on all of them...checked them out.

Unfortunatley in my area there are NOT alot of used ones...Ive found several 2-3 hours away and dont mind riding to look at them but--Dont really know what to look for.

Im willing to learn about the bikes and what to look for, ask, etc.

Can Anyone give me any advice ? Even sites.

Thanks

:thumbup:

Have you tried craigslist?

[Fly Girl]

Hi Hon...yes Ive been looking there...found a couple....but dont really know what to ask....besides...-Wrecked, -Clean Title, -Brakes/Tires.....etc...
I was actually looking at these to...for Money/Condition to learn on....

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/mcy/614414264.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/632928735.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/616963763.html

Karen

[CHASE-R]

Go for what feels right for you and your skill level. Don't ever buy a bike that someone else says is "YOU". If you feel like a 600 is for you, don't let a salesman try to sell you on that old,"A girl should start on a 250". Sit on every one you can possibly find to see if it fits. Not too tall not too heavy. You don't have to sit in a very aggressive seating possition if it is not comfortable for you.

If you are looking at a sport bike look at the tire wear. These bikes sell used with low miles and look really good but mostly these are HARD miles. Example..Cruiser with low miles and good tires usualy means the bike was just for site seeing and not too abused. Sport bike with low miles BUT worn tires with little to no chicken strip, rubber flecks on the inside of the rear fender, pegs scraped but no other damage. Probably ridden hard and fast. only 1200 miles but a HARD 1200 miles. Look for obvious damage. Scratched or broken lights, engine guards, frame sliders, plastics. Ask why the seller is selling this "Steal of a bike". Ask anyone you can that has a bike like the one you are looking at to see if they have any problems that need to be addressed.

This forum is great for the help and knowledge you are looking for.

Love mentioned Craig's list. There are some great deals there for used bikes there. Good luck.

[Fly Girl]

Go for what feels right for you and your skill level. Don't ever buy a bike that someone else says is "YOU". If you feel like a 600 is for you, don't let a salesman try to sell you on that old,"A girl should start on a 250". Sit on every one you can possibly find to see if it fits. Not too tall not too heavy. You don't have to sit in a very aggressive seating possition if it is not comfortable for you.

If you are looking at a sport bike look at the tire wear. These bikes sell used with low miles and look really good but mostly these are HARD miles. Example..Cruiser with low miles and good tires usualy means the bike was just for site seeing and not too abused. Sport bike with low miles BUT worn tires with little to no chicken strip, rubber flecks on the inside of the rear fender, pegs scraped but no other damage. Probably ridden hard and fast. only 1200 miles but a HARD 1200 miles. Look for obvious damage. Scratched or broken lights, engine guards, frame sliders, plastics. Ask why the seller is selling this "Steal of a bike". Ask anyone you can that has a bike like the one you are looking at to see if they have any problems that need to be addressed.

This forum is great for the help and knowledge you are looking for.

Love mentioned Craig's list. There are some great deals there for used bikes there. Good luck.


Thanks so much...that was actually my next thought...so many of the salesmen here are trying to get me to buy a 250.

I think the 250 would be a great bike....my concern is that Im will be riding locally alot. But I will be wanting to ride long distance--ie Raleigh, Gap (Rally) etc....Cant get an answer on comfort, umph to go the distance....anyone here have the new Ninja 250? or old? Also How bout the Buell Blast...500...Got mixed feelings from ppl. Had several say they were to light--blow around to much...Anyone got one ?

Thanks GUYS...:spruce_up:

[CHASE-R]

Thanks so much...that was actually my next thought...so many of the salesmen here are trying to get me to buy a 250.

I think the 250 would be a great bike....my concern is that Im will be riding locally alot. But I will be wanting to ride long distance--ie Raleigh, Gap (Rally) etc....Cant get an answer on comfort, umph to go the distance....anyone here have the new Ninja 250? or old? Also How bout the Buell Blast...500...Got mixed feelings from ppl. Had several say they were to light--blow around to much...Anyone got one ?

Thanks GUYS...:spruce_up:

That new Ninja 250 has had some great write ups. The realy upgraded alot of stuff. I'm not sure about the UMPH you want. The Buel Blast is a 500 but I tend to hear more about the bigger brother if you want a good bike. The Suzuki GSE-500 is what I was looking for for my SO. It looks like a scaled down version of the GSX 750. A newer 600 should be pretty good for what you want it for. The Kawi 626 and the 650 are sweet.

[PlayfulGod]

dont forget the sv650 either.

[sofakingtore420]

chain wear and slack.....grease coming from the shocks ...bad scratches on the stator and clutch covers ...those are bout all i can think of to add

[ncdixie]

I would also be careful about modifications on a used bike. It is my opinion that a new rider would bennefit with a pretty stock bike first and modify later if you desired to. Most sportbikes are pretty "hot" stock anyways.

[PlayfulGod]

I would also be careful about modifications on a used bike. It is my opinion that a new rider would bennefit with a pretty stock bike first and modify later if you desired to. Most sportbikes are pretty "hot" stock anyways.

stock turn signals n rear fenders suck :lol: But yea avoid alot of power mods.

[Fly Girl]

;)Thanks Guys. Im Looking and will definatley take all the help I can get....I TRULY appreciate you taking your time to answer me.

Karen

[Tiptip231]

I agree with CHASE-R the new 250 is hott... good starter

[DJ Nathan V]

Have you ever ridden anything with a clutch and gears before?

[Fly Girl]

Have you ever ridden anything with a clutch and gears before?

Yes...I have ridden Dirt Bikes and ATVs.
But that was a long time ago. I just last week rode a Dirt Bike. Different in Dirt and sand
:ok:

[DJ Nathan V]

Yes...I have ridden Dirt Bikes and ATVs.
But that was a long time ago. I just last week rode a Dirt Bike. Different in Dirt and sand
:ok:

Just checking. I'd stay at 675cc or less still on a sportbike but since you've got some clutch and throttle time I'd say get the SV650 or Ninja 650R. Smooth progressive power, but still enough to really rip. Since it's been a little bit but you have the time the SV650 (IMHO) would be perfect.

This is a buddy of mine on his SV650:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/2417257716_a172b15e44.jpg?v=0

[Fly Girl]

Thanks GUYS you ROCK....

Karen

[Amblyopic]

I agree w/ pretty much what these other folks have been saying.

One thing I'd also advise would be a used Katana. A bit heavy, yes, but still fun and (for me, might be different for you) comfortable to ride on.....


But def. check tire wear (most probably won't be willing to spend the $$ to replace tires if they're getting rid of it), forks, chain, pegs (see if they were scraping pegs, etc) or any other obvious signs that someone made that bike their b*tch.

You should be OK. Might wanna take a fellow rider who's gotten some experience along with you, just as an extra set of eyes.... My $0.02

[micheelgeorge]

Check the oil prior to starting, is it clean? Or at least filled to the correct level? Check the coolant (if applicable) is it filled properly? Check the air filter as well if possible. After all the checks, start the motor...does it start and run smooth? Any visible smoke coming out of the pipe(s)? Does the throttle rev smoothly? Any odd noises coming from the engine, like valve ticking or coughs, spits, sputters, or rattles? Does the clutch engage easily and does the shifter click naturally as you go into gear?
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micheel

Used Cars (http://used.gov-auctions.org)