1. Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

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

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by saftie, Nov 10, 2017.

  1. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,173
    Likes Received:
    1,485
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nothern Indiana
    Agree with Simmy about DMV ...
     
  2. saftie

    saftie Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    1,121
    Likes Received:
    282
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    New York, NY
    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
     
  3. saftie

    saftie Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    1,121
    Likes Received:
    282
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    New York, NY
    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)
     
  4. MattiThundrrr

    MattiThundrrr Not a guru

    Messages:
    3,690
    Likes Received:
    1,665
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    America's friendly hat
    Yup.
    You meant to say "most axle nuts"
     
  5. RCHER

    RCHER New Member

    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Beatrice Nebraska
    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.
     
    Jetfixer likes this.
  6. saftie

    saftie Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    1,121
    Likes Received:
    282
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    New York, NY
    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 :)
     
    Toomanybikes, Chitwood and Jetfixer like this.
  7. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,173
    Likes Received:
    1,485
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nothern Indiana
    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:D . 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 . :oops:
     
  8. saftie

    saftie Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    1,121
    Likes Received:
    282
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    New York, NY

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

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,173
    Likes Received:
    1,485
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nothern Indiana
    I have a torpedo but I'm out of propane to lazy to get it filled .
     
  10. joe elliff

    joe elliff Active Member

    Messages:
    666
    Likes Received:
    241
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    illinois
    ...
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2018
  11. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,203
    Likes Received:
    719
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    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
     
  12. Ketchup

    Ketchup Member

    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    41
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Texas
    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.
     

Share This Page