what to do when you get that new used bike home - help appreciated

Hey guys,

so i decided to build a small website to store some bike pics. while working on it, i decided to add a knowledge section that i will fill over time. btw, Len was cool enough to allow me to link to his super duper thread.
I am now writing an article about what to do, inspect when you bring a used bike home.
I would appreciate any inputs to extend the list. the article will not cover what needs to be done, it is more a first inspection kind of thing to figure out what you got yourself into.

here we go:
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So you managed to get your new (to you) used bike home. Now what? Sure, you can just hop on it, ride it and hope that nothing falls off, nothing breaks and you survive. The previous owner did say that his 30 year old and still "original" bike was still in good shape, right? RIGHT?

Well, from my own experience I can tell that old bikes always have some sort of issues - whether the PO (previous owner) knew about it or not. Read any forum and you will see that pretty much everyone agrees. Also, check out the pics below to see what I found on some bikes that were disasters waiting to happen.

Personally, I don't ride a new to me motorcycle until I fully inspected it. Most of the time, I actually strip the entire bike. this will give me access to sections that are normally hidden from view. Yes, it will take some time and prevent you from enjoying your new ride, but better safe than sorry. Here is a checklist of things you should definitely check and look out for. Ideally you have done most of it before you purchased the bike, but it is normal that you got excited and forgot.. Make sure you have your manual at hand. Also remember, the below is to find any issues first - fixing them is a different chapter...

Visual inspection:

• Check for anything that just doesn't look right
• Are there bolts that look newer/different from others?
• Any fluid leaks (tip: put paper towels under the bike for a night and check for stains)
• Exposed wires
• Rust that might weaken your frame or mounts
• Signs of Bondo, JB weld, silicone, etc
• Brake pads
• chain
• tires and rims
• Fluid levels (oil, brake and clutch reservoir fluids)
• Kinked cables, old and tired looking rubber hoses
• Gasoline smell
• Bent handlebars?
• Any holes in the frame that look out of place?

Now it's time to actually wiggle, push and pull a few things...

• Pull clutch and brake levers. They should be on the firm side, not soft
• Lift the wheels and spin them, listen for noise
• Wiggle the wheels to check wheel bearings (movement or play might be an indicator that something is wrong)
• Lift the chain and check adjustment (see manual for that)
• Push down on handlebars to check fork springs
• Do the same for the rear
• Test all lights, turns, horn

Now let's have a look at some bolts to make sure they are tight. You can't really tell by looking at them, so get a wrench. For starters, you can use a regular wrench and check if bolts and nuts are tight. if there is doubt, use a torque wrench and your manual.

Are bolts and nuts tights on the following:

• handlebars
• forks
• axle nuts
• engine mounts
• shocks

By now you should have a good idea of what you have in front of you. Remember: If you touch/fix something, you might as well do it right at that point in time. Don't hand tighten something that you can torque down correctly right then. You may forget to come back to it later...

 

* practice saying the following, until even you believe it; "Oh that thing. I bought it years ago. I'm surprised that you haven't noticed it before honey."

 

You mentioned checking the wheel bearings, but how about getting the front wheel in the air and turning the bars side to side feeling for notchiness in the head bearings?

Date codes on tires and brake hoses?

 

first thing i do is wash it, no sense in getting all dirty while you do all that other stuff

 

+1
You also get a much better look at the bike that way.

 

Great additions so far, thank you.

 

First thing I do before I waste the soap.
Blow off around spark plugs before removing them.
Remove left crank cover and see if motor turns freely.
If it doesn't park it and pour some penetrating oil in cylinders and replace plugs.
After a week remove plugs and try rocking engine with bike in 5th gear, be gentle.
If it turns great. Do a compression test, if not more penetrating oil and see it next week.
If still won't budge park it in the parts bike pile.

 

Yes, great advice. Assuming it is not seized bc of something else...
This is what I found after penetrating oil didn't work after two weeks. Was really hoping it didn't have to come to an engine overhaul.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yaex1ot0m1o31t3/20171014_173627.jpg

 

For most serious purposes, penetrating oil should consist of a 50/50 mixture of acetone (or diesel), and automatic transmission fluid.

 

Hide it in the garage before my wife see it.....

 

I like to sit on the bike and make motor noises with my mouth.

 

How many times have I done that?!!!?! Lol!!!!

 

Find a local or online group of enthusiasts (not just riders) to help with technical details and motivation. For example:
https://vjmc.org/
http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
http://www.themotocollective.com/
http://www.xjbikes.com

I know a lot of riders, but most don't work on their own bikes and their only advice is to buy something new.

 

New bikes... Meh. Try to find a new 4 cylinder engine in a bike that doesn't look like a cross between an alien mantis and a bicycle helmet.

 

Do a compression check , check and charge battery ...Unless you know the P.O. never trust what they tell you... like "carbs have been professionally went thru" ....mine had 2 different main jets and were dirty inside ...lie number 1 and lie number 2 recent tune up ....3 different types of spark plugs one a HD split fire ..., Bike did not run quite right , had stock airbox ,but a K&N filter ( mistake) put in stock paper filter problem solved. " New battery" was low on electrolyte and water ..... replaced fuse block looked like birds nest ..loose blade fuses ...replaced with blade type fuse block to solve this.

 

Good stuff.
Thank you sir

 

I should have added always take a flashlight with you when looking at a bike even in broad daylight sometimes a flashlight can show things . If your inexperienced at looking at bikes , if you have a friend or relative that has owned bikes take them with you. if you've bought the bike use Saftie 's check list walk around bike several times noting any point that needs attention ..#1 make bike safe to ride (tires, brakes, brake hoses , lights) #2 make it reliable (Carbs,Electrics) then #3 any cosmetics you want .A well tuned and running bike is what you want , you do not want to get stuck in Ichy Butt New Mexico with a dead bike . (Unless you want to visit there.) Resist the temptation to start "customizing " until you have first 2 items in hand. Cheers sorry Saftie was not trying to hijack your thread I like it .

 

Oh no worries.
All good info and I will try to separate the info, even though tricky.
Some things go into the first part which is inspecting the bike, other stuff into fixing it up/making it safe. Tricky where to draw the line. Like do I put valve clearance into first or second topic.

 

Yes, that's a good point which I have covered under general advice. Same list as I have posted in my showcase

 

Maybe the 1st most obvious step was missed.
Take the registration to your state/provincial DMV office and change ownership before spending any money on it.

 

Agree with Simmy about DMV ...

 

I usually don't, to be honest. In NY, you need insurance to do that. And if it's a long project, I'd hate to pay while not in use. Last time I checked, you can't pause insurance as they provide that info to the dmv. But I do see the point and would prefer to do it every time. But usually I don't

 

Updated list. i took the freedom to quote K-moe.
i might have to rephrase the cotter pin section for matti though...

Visual inspection:

• Check for anything that just doesn't look right
• Are there bolts that look newer/different from others?
• Any fluid leaks (tip: put paper towels under the bike for a night and check for stains)
• Exposed wires
• Rust that might weaken your frame or mounts
• Signs of Bondo, JB weld, silicone, etc
• Brake pads
• chain
• tires and rims
• Fluid levels (oil, brake and clutch reservoir fluids)
• Kinked cables, old and tired looking rubber hoses
• Gasoline smell
• Bent handlebars?
• Any holes in the frame that look out of place?
• Cotter pins: they keep nuts in place and should be found on must axle nuts and brake mounts

Now it's time to actually wiggle, push and pull a few things...

• With rear wheel off the ground and bike in 4th or 5th gear, turn it. If the engine is not seized it should move.
• Pull clutch and brake levers. They should be on the firm side, not soft
• Lift the wheels off the ground and spin them, listen for noise
• Wiggle the wheels to check wheel bearings (movement or play might be an indicator that something is wrong)
• Lift the chain and check adjustment (see manual for that)
• Push down on handlebars to check fork springs
• Do the same for the rear
• Test all lights, turns, horn
• With front wheel in air, move handlebars side to side to check for notchiness (steering bearings)

Now let's have a look at some bolts to make sure they are tight. You can't really tell by looking at them, so get a wrench. For starters, you can use a regular wrench and check if bolts and nuts are tight. if there is doubt, use a torque wrench and your manual.

Are bolts and nuts tight on the following:

• handlebars
• forks
• axle nuts
• engine mounts
• shocks

By now you should have a good idea of what you have in front of you. Remember: If you touch/fix something, you might as well do it right at that point in time. Don't hand tighten something that you can torque down correctly right then. You may forget to come back to it later...

Before you start modifying and/or customizing your bike:

• make it run perfectly first
• it might be a good idea to actually register the bike and make sure it is actually yours before spending time and money

And last but not least - the wife:

Practice saying the following, until even you believe it; "Oh that thing. I bought it years ago. I'm surprised that you haven't noticed it before honey."(quote K-Moe from xjbikes.com)

 

Yup.
You meant to say "most axle nuts"

 

My wife went on a trip with her sister. While she was gone, I was busy. When she returned she looked in the garage and didn't say anything. But after a while she couldn't hold back anymore and said " I see you bought a motorcycle while I was gone ". I told her to take another look in the garage. I bought two motorcycles. I'm a lucky guy. I heal quick.

 

At least she noticed. Mine wouldn't be able to tell. Can be a good or bad thing.

I bought a pickup truck a few weeks back. 1200 dollars, put some money and work into it and now have a great running and reliable truck. She was not happy and is still upset. To make up for it, I gave her 400 dollars for a backpack she always wanted. She bought it but is not using it because she is afraid to make it dirty. It still sits wrapped in a dust bag which is inside another protective bag.
So that's 1/3 of a pickup truck just sitting there. Am I upset? No. So why is she? At least I'm driving mine. Cant win

 

My wife is not real pleased ( what else is new) I bought another tank , both side covers the tail piece, another cluster , now just bought the factory hard saddle bags . Recently got a spare engine .....all I need now is a frame , forks , and wheels and I could have another bike . I just received my gaskets set, clutch disks should be here this week . But this weather sucks would like to work in the garage but is too cold .

 

I got a small puppy heater, works well for me and my one car garage

 

I have a torpedo but I'm out of propane to lazy to get it filled .

 

...

 

I think you need to add more about "rubber" parts. A few suggestions:

Tires - check date code - are they more than 5 years even if they have good tread?
Carburetor boots - cracked or dry rotted
Rubber bushings/vacuum hoses/fuel lines - cracked or hardened

 

Don't forget to inspect for bugs/insects/spiders, and/or FOG the bike.

My 550 unknowingly came pre-installed with copious amounts of jumping spiders with egg sacks and nests in every knook and cranny of the bike. I was smooshing them in my garage, house, and on the XJ for months to follow. Had they been poisonous things might have turned out a bit differently (spider bite while riding).

Oddly enough, I had great success with leaving out a circular Tupperware container filled with motor oil (used to soak the clutch plates!) as a form of water trap. No idea why they were attracted to it, but it worked.