Buying A Used Bike | GTAMotorcycle.com

Buying A Used Bike

M

McJ

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Hey GTA,

So as a new rider I have been scouring Kijiji for good deals on used bikes. Problem for me is that Im not really comfortable buying a used bike myself as I dont really know what to look for. Is there anyone out there that is knowledgeable about buying used bikes/ what to look out for (specifically for a ninja 250) that might be willing to come check out a bike with me, possibly even test riding it for me to help me make sure that im not buying something that goings to explode on me within 20 kms. Id be willing to pay if i had to,

Thanks
 
Depends where you find the bike (location wise). If it's around Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington area - I could take a peek, especially anywhere close to QEW.
I am no mechanic (cleaning the carbs was the most complicated thing I did on a motorcycle by myself) but I did purchase and assist in purchasing of around 20 vehicles. I also used to own an older gen EX250.

PM if you find one in the areas I listed and if I have time, I may be able to help out.


Other than that, just do a normal inspection - check for leaks, like engine oil, coolant, shock oil. Check if lines look like they will burst. A set of new tires will cost you around $250 so check those for cracks, wear and date of manufacturing (anything older than 5 years may be questionable, older than ~8 - needs replacing). Check if it cold starts well. These bikes need to warm up nice to run smooth though, so don't worry too much if it sounds uneven at first. Let it run for a while. Check exaust fumes, see if it runs rich. Check all the lights and indicators. Look at the wiring underneath the seat and the fuse back to see if it's been tampered with. If you don't know how to ride or the owner won't let you, sit on the bike and go through all the gears.
If it's been dropped, make sure the handlebar is straight and that the frame looks okay. If the chain is all stretched out and/or rusty, you may need a new one and new sprockets, that's another 200 bucks there.
Finally, if you don't feel comfortable with the seller, walk away. There are tons of those bikes around.
 
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It would help if you posted a location...kingston and hamiton are far ways apart...
 
e90 said:
+1 on this bike.. I've ridden this myself and can vouch for it's quality and safety. It's also priced extremely well and comes with quality upgrades. Highly recommend this one so you don't have to look around + have the headache of getting a lemon.
Click to expand...

Are the throttle cables adjusted? :p

That's a nice looking 250.
 
PM me your email and I'll send you an inspection checklist with pictures for what to look for. It's a bit in depth but just pick and choose what you wanna check.

Best bet is to test ride if the owner allows, or get him to ride it around for you to hear it. If it's a 250 make sure to get him to start it cold. When it starts make sure to at least get the bike in gear and move it up/down the driveway, or rev it. Will tell you immediately if the carbs are gunked.
 
DemonPig said:
Depends where you find the bike (location wise). If it's around Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington area - I could take a peek, especially anywhere close to QEW.
I am no mechanic (cleaning the carbs was the most complicated thing I did on a motorcycle by myself) but I did purchase and assist in purchasing of around 20 vehicles. I also used to own an older gen EX250.

PM if you find one in the areas I listed and if I have time, I may be able to help out.


Other than that, just do a normal inspection - check for leaks, like engine oil, coolant, shock oil. Check if lines look like they will burst. A set of new tires will cost you around $250 so check those for cracks, wear and date of manufacturing (anything older than 5 years may be questionable, older than ~8 - needs replacing). Check if it cold starts well. These bikes need to warm up nice to run smooth though, so don't worry too much if it sounds uneven at first. Let it run for a while. Check exaust fumes, see if it runs rich. Check all the lights and indicators. Look at the wiring underneath the seat and the fuse back to see if it's been tampered with. If you don't know how to ride or the owner won't let you, sit on the bike and go through all the gears.
If it's been dropped, make sure the handlebar is straight and that the frame looks okay. If the chain is all stretched out and/or rusty, you may need a new one and new sprockets, that's another 200 bucks there.
Finally, if you don't feel comfortable with the seller, walk away. There are tons of those bikes around.
Click to expand...


Thank You, Thats actually quite helpfull

LoneRonin said:
It would help if you posted a location...kingston and hamiton are far ways apart...
Click to expand...


Fair Point, my bad...the Bike would be in the GTA... looking like brampton possibly.
 
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