Purchasing a New Bike - What to Look for?

[burzac]

Guys,

I am fairly new to riding, and definitely new to Buells. I am going to be buying a Firebolt, used, within the next couple weeks. Due to a limited budget, I wont be able to get anything new.

When taking one out for a ride and looking it over, what should I look for, listen for, and feel for to know if anything is wrong or out of place?

 

[soadnathan]

I'm new to this too so this is all from what I have learned after buying my first bike in April.

Looking at it:
Do you know if the bike has ever been put down? If he claims not then just check the bar ends, mirrors, etc for any proof that its been on its side. Have the owner start it for you, preferably cold, to ensure it turns over easily. Make sure the oil doesn't look jet black. Last but especially not least since I have read so many horror stories, check the wheel bearings for rust or excessive grease.

Riding it:
Not as much help there, but pay attention to the clutch response and shifting when you go through gears. Aside from that, brakes, engine power delivery (if you have the space) I'm sure there are others on here who can be of more help.

Basically copied & pasted responses for a similar thread that I posted on another forum a few months ago

Good luck!

 

[burzac]

All good stuff. Thank you for the help! i hate that you have to drive so far just to look at the bike. I feel like my mind is going to need to be mostly made before I decide to drive 500 miles to get a bike. That is all great stuff though, helps a lot!

 

[soadnathan]

Yep, and you need to be willing to say no if something does end up being wrong with it. I drove about 350 miles down to Miami but luckily I went into it knowing that it had been set down once.

 

[burzac]

Right, i am willing to say no if need be. Me and the seller have been talking for like two weeks straight and i feel pretty prepared going into the deal - but i am keeping my options open.