Bike Inspection Tonight

[Charles89]

Hey guys,

I'm going to go have a look at a Suzuki GS500F tonight in Moorabbin and I was just wondering if there's anyone that have experience with bikes can help me out...

Because I don't know much about it.. It will be around 6:30pm..

Any help will be appreciated!

Cheers!

[barraspalding]

FYI - the GS500F will be alot more sit-up than the likes of GSXR 600's, and power and its delivery I can assume would be different also.

Alot more 'Commuter' than street racer. If thats what your after.

[UNR33L]

I got a GSX650F, the newer model with the inline 4. Great bikes for the more situp position and still got plenty of grunt.

Cant help tonight tho sorry!

[Birds]

Would come and take a look / test ride, but I'm not available that early sorry.

[GTRRKT]

Birds....send your GF along. She must know a thing or two about bikes

[Birds]

She does but I don't loan her out

[GTRRKT]

[Charles89]

So can anyone help tonight? lol

[xALmoN]

why not make it later, so adam can help you?

[Cowboy1600]

How'd you go with this, Charles? Did you have a squizz at the bike?

[Charles89]

Had a look at it, didn't even bother going for a test ride.

It has been dropped and repaired with masking tape and massive dent on the petrol tank lol.

I'm looking at Ninja 250R's now hehe

[Cowboy1600]

Had a look at it, didn't even bother going for a test ride.

It has been dropped and repaired with masking tape and massive dent on the petrol tank lol.

I'm looking at Ninja 250R's now hehe

Mind if I ask what your budget is? Just for the bike?

I'll have a poke around for a good LAMS bike.

Anything you are set on or definitely not interested in?

[Booki]

Have you had any motorbike experience before ? ie dirtbikes?

I had a CBR250R and Suzuki GSF250V on my L's, then got a DRZ400SM.

Been riding dirt for a few years prior getting into road bikes, so already had the basics down.

Pending on your previous experience, would determine what kind of bike i would recommend you.

Those Suzuki's though are apparently not to bad for a LAM's bike.

Oh yea...and DONT forget your gear. A mate of mine just got a brand new KLX250SF, we went for a ride on the weekend. He rode in shorts...I was disgusted.

Come on man, Dress for the fall not for the ride.

Edited February 22, 2012 by Booki

[Booki]

You might find this a good read too.

Full credit goes too Ian Smith from netrider.

http://www.netrider....ectionchecklist

The FIRST TEST is LOOK

Does the bike look OK?

Does the bike look straight?-look from rear/front and side on

Eyeball-front and rear wheels- are they in line?

Eyeball-is the rear wheel square in the swing arm? check markings at chain adjusters on swing arm

Does bike have all operating bits?- brake&clutch lever, throttle grip, mirrors (2) and not broken..!

Does bike have lights and 4 indicators?

Does the bike have 2 switch blocks?- with horn switch, safety switch, indicators etc

Are tyres OK?.. NOT flat, squared off and have cuts or holes, can you see tyre belts?

Are the wheels complete? no broken spokes or if alloy, no scrapes or cracks

Is bike complete?�has (both if pillion separate) seats, mudguards, hugger, both pillion pegs?

Does fairing look OK, square to frame? Does it have all retainers, no empty bolt or screw holes?

What is condition of bike- cosmetically? check for rust, check tank for dings

What is mechanical condition-is engine clean or oil covered?

Is there oil or fluid on the outside of the front forks?

Is there oil dripping off the bottom of the engine?

Is the oil dripping off or covering the rear suspension?

Check for Petrol leaks from tank or fuel lines or carbys (or injection)

Check levels of �coolant, brake fluid, engine oil (all will have markers for the correct levels)

Check chain-clean/dirty?

Check Sprockets�pointy teeth? no lubrication?

Do electrical harnesses appear retained or and clipped in place, no loose wires running everywhere?

Remove seat and have a look �does it have tools, owners manual?

Remove seat and have a look� at the battery �.is it clean or covered in white powder?

Does bike have a side stand?, a centre stand?

Is bike registered?. CHECK DATE!�is rego sticker displayed?

Does the bike have service stickers on it?�a service history available?

The SECOND test is TOUCH and... LISTEN

Grab exhaust (whilst COLD!) and shake..does it rattle? does it squeak, is it attached firmly?

Grab handle bars�are they loose?, do switch blocks seem tight? are mirrors attached firmly?

Shake handle bars�is front wheel loose (bearing check)

Shake handle bars�do they flop in either direction, is there any rattle or squeaks

Grab gearshift lever�does it only move up and down?(not sideways)

Grab brake pedal...does it only move up and down?(not sideways)

Grab rider and pillion pegs�does it only move up and down?(not sideways)

Grab brake lever�is it stiff to work, or does it move freely

Grab clutch lever�.is it stiff to work, or does it move freely

Grab rear wheel (preferably while on a stand)..can you twist wheel sideways?

Are there any noises during the operations of the levers?�squeaks

Is the chain adjusted correctly?�25-30mm sag in middle of bottom chain run

Check all lights work..turn them on, Headlight High Beam? Stop Light? Instrument lights?

The THIRD test is SIT

Sit on bike and compress forks (hold front brake to do so)..squeaks, groans?

Bounce up and down on seat�noise from rear suspension?

Twist handle bars, do they move freely or are they stiff? (head stem bearing check)

Twist handle bars�do they flop from side to side (loose head stem bearings)

Are the bars or the clip-ons loose?

Do all normal controls appear there?�.levers, pedals, switches

Bounce bike up and down�rattles?

Is seat loose? does it move when you sit on it ? torn? foam soft and saggy?

Finally�ENGINE/GEARBOX (assuming bike is running and has Fuel in tank)

Is the engine easy to start or does it require a SPECIAL start routine! like� pump choke 3 times etc�

Is the engine rattly on start up, does it blow smoke (watch 2 strokes)�does exhaust rattle?

Noise level excessive?�no baffles?, exhaust leaks?

Push in choke�will bike idle without choke once warm?

Put bike in gear�lurch? easy to select gear?

Do safety check before riding bike�do brakes work? (test them)

Go for a ride�check Engine rattles, chain (zmmmy)noise, gearbox operation and noise (NO grinding noises)

How does it STOP?, CORNER? ACCELERATE? CHANGE GEAR?�smooth or jerky?

Is throttle smooth to use?

Are all controls easy to use?

Edited February 22, 2012 by Booki

[Charles89]

Mind if I ask what your budget is? Just for the bike?

I'll have a poke around for a good LAMS bike.

Anything you are set on or definitely not interested in?

Hmm.. My budget would be around 3-4k give or take, would be willing to spend a tad more if it's a good bike and I guess LAMS bikes can hold their value pretty well.

I've been reading for awhile now, I'm pretty set on a Ninja 250R, definitely want a super sports.

Have you had any motorbike experience before ? ie dirtbikes?

I had a CBR250R and Suzuki GSF250V on my L's, then got a DRZ400SM.

Been riding dirt for a few years prior getting into road bikes, so already had the basics down.

Pending on your previous experience, would determine what kind of bike i would recommend you.

Those Suzuki's though are apparently not to bad for a LAM's bike.

Oh yea...and DONT forget your gear. A mate of mine just got a brand new KLX250SF, we went for a ride on the weekend. He rode in shorts...I was disgusted.

Come on man, Dress for the fall not for the ride.

I barely have any experience with bikes... I know how to ride them but that's about it....

And yeah, I definitely won't really cheap out on gear, as it is the only thing that is between my skin and the road lol

The bike is gonna be used to get me from A to B really, but I also want it to look good haha

[Birds]

Realistically, should be buying your safety gear first before you even sit on a bike. Too many people buy a bike and then spend what they have left over on safety gear. Don't let your budget decide safety gear, let your safety gear decide your budget. It should be quality and comfortable no matter the expense. Then you can sit on a bike and see if the bike is comfortable with the safety gear you've chosen instead of the other way round...

[Rowdyr32]

Booki that is all fine in the internet world but doesn't happenin the real world. No one looks at a bike that closely ever. You'll know when you find a good one straight away. I would get someone who has ridden and worked on bikes to see/ride it before you paid the final amount. Just put a $50 deposit down if your keen. 95% people will accept it.

I've been riding since I was 14 so had a fair few bike over the years. Both road/dirt and they get abused..and worked on. Over 50,000kms on the road plus who knows how many in the bush and at the mxtrack.

To be truthfull buying a road bike is pretty much the same as buying a high end pushy. There not that big an investment and they love to cop a thrashing. If it feels tight and is rediculously clean and owned by a festidous person with reciepts it'll be ok at a guess. If the owner is from the western suburbs or paky way for example you may need to think twice about it. You know what I mean. Don't take offence people.

Most of what goes wrong with bike is an easy fix for a few hundred dollars if you give it a go. To easy to work on. Love ebay!

The main thing you want to look for that that speal didn't mention or I missed it is - Any abrasion to the bike..Fork bottoms, pegs, bar ends, all levers, rear end swinging arm, inside fairings for cracks, engine cases and the muffler. It it has been dropped you'll know in about 20 seconds. Second thing is if it has it doesn't really matter if it wasn't to hard a drop. I've dropped mine doing a stoppie and also on a resurfaced road. They were both slow speed buy the time it hit the ground it did a lot of big dollar damage if you replaced it to be like new but it doesn't effect the bike at all and you can hardly notice it from 2 metres. Didn't replace anything after it. Just bent the clutch lever back. Could be a good way to save a grand or two. No matter what you think you will drop it one day. I don't know anyone who hasn't at some stage. If you don't feel comfortable its prob not for you. You'll become a real temporary Asutralian!! Also smoke on startup( make sure engines cold, touch it) and on decel when warm when revved.

If its your first bike and your not into speeding you don't need $2000 leathers. If a car hits you or runs over you the quality of your leathers won't help at all. They mainly effect how long you can slide before it wears though. Most decent gear will get you through a 100kmh stack. A $300 helmet meets the same standard as a $800 but it weighs a little less. Try to get an aramide one. Don't trust plastic myself. Also good good gloves. Not a $80 pair. Get some like the races wear. You know their good for 300kmh offs. My good alpinestars has have lasted years and over 30,000km's so far with no wear but cost $300. I need my hands, don't know about you?

I'd buy my gear after getting a bike myself. I'd rather a better bike and not so flashy gear but still good quality gear. Thats me though. Less image and more go for the money.

Birds never ever spoken to anyone ever who has bought a bike depending on how it feels with your gear on. Never ever, ever, ever heard that before. Did a salesman tell you that. In the end if you like a bike how it looks/rides and has everything you want just buy it. Expecially if your only spending 4k. No LAMS bikes look good in my opinion. I'd just buy a real 600 for that money and risk the overpowered fine. But thats me. Rules are for breaking.......Even my first road bike is banned now a KR1S 2 stroke but only cost 1k. Was just off matching a 600cc.

Ps - 250 4 strokes are like riding lawnmower powered push bikes, so slow.. Don't expect to much power to feel scared of. You'll be right. The plus side - Cheap to commute on!

[dezz]

I'll be in the market for a 250 soon. No riding experience (license test next week), so it's probably safest to start on a 250 (going for a ninja as well as they're the best looking of the LAMS IMO). Not so worried about the overpowered fine as I am with insurance not paying out in the event of a claim..

[ylwgtr2]

Booki that is all fine in the internet world but doesn't happenin the real world. No one looks at a bike that closely ever. You'll know when you find a good one straight away. I would get someone who has ridden and worked on bikes to see/ride it before you paid the final amount. Just put a $50 deposit down if your keen. 95% people will accept it.

I've been riding since I was 14 so had a fair few bike over the years. Both road/dirt and they get abused..and worked on. Over 50,000kms on the road plus who knows how many in the bush and at the mxtrack.

To be truthfull buying a road bike is pretty much the same as buying a high end pushy. There not that big an investment and they love to cop a thrashing. If it feels tight and is rediculously clean and owned by a festidous person with reciepts it'll be ok at a guess. If the owner is from the western suburbs or paky way for example you may need to think twice about it. You know what I mean. Don't take offence people.

Most of what goes wrong with bike is an easy fix for a few hundred dollars if you give it a go. To easy to work on. Love ebay!

The main thing you want to look for that that speal didn't mention or I missed it is - Any abrasion to the bike..Fork bottoms, pegs, bar ends, all levers, rear end swinging arm, inside fairings for cracks, engine cases and the muffler. It it has been dropped you'll know in about 20 seconds. Second thing is if it has it doesn't really matter if it wasn't to hard a drop. I've dropped mine doing a stoppie and also on a resurfaced road. They were both slow speed buy the time it hit the ground it did a lot of big dollar damage if you replaced it to be like new but it doesn't effect the bike at all and you can hardly notice it from 2 metres. Didn't replace anything after it. Just bent the clutch lever back. Could be a good way to save a grand or two. No matter what you think you will drop it one day. I don't know anyone who hasn't at some stage. If you don't feel comfortable its prob not for you. You'll become a real temporary Asutralian!! Also smoke on startup( make sure engines cold, touch it) and on decel when warm when revved.

If its your first bike and your not into speeding you don't need $2000 leathers. If a car hits you or runs over you the quality of your leathers won't help at all. They mainly effect how long you can slide before it wears though. Most decent gear will get you through a 100kmh stack. A $300 helmet meets the same standard as a $800 but it weighs a little less. Try to get an aramide one. Don't trust plastic myself. Also good good gloves. Not a $80 pair. Get some like the races wear. You know their good for 300kmh offs. My good alpinestars has have lasted years and over 30,000km's so far with no wear but cost $300. I need my hands, don't know about you?

I'd buy my gear after getting a bike myself. I'd rather a better bike and not so flashy gear but still good quality gear. Thats me though. Less image and more go for the money.

Birds never ever spoken to anyone ever who has bought a bike depending on how it feels with your gear on. Never ever, ever, ever heard that before. Did a salesman tell you that. In the end if you like a bike how it looks/rides and has everything you want just buy it. Expecially if your only spending 4k. No LAMS bikes look good in my opinion. I'd just buy a real 600 for that money and risk the overpowered fine. But thats me. Rules are for breaking.......Even my first road bike is banned now a KR1S 2 stroke but only cost 1k. Was just off matching a 600cc.

Ps - 250 4 strokes are like riding lawnmower powered push bikes, so slow.. Don't expect to much power to feel scared of. You'll be right. The plus side - Cheap to commute on!

Can't we out west afford decent bikes????im not offended at all but what a stupid thing to say....seriously....you've made yourself sound like a dickhead mate .....

[Birds]

lol WTF. I bought my R1 from Melton, no receipts or service history, guy was a truck driver and it was also cheaper than anything else on the market. Absolute bargain and in perfect condition. It doesn't matter where it's from, the bottom line is if it looks, feels an sounds good.

Also, jumping on a bike and assuming it's comfortable until you get your safety gear on is dumb. Everything changes when you don the gear, this is why I say to buy your safety gear first. How are you planning on test riding the bike without gear anyway? Don't tell me you're one of those, short-trip-a-helmet-will-do people.

And...never dropped a bike in my life. Not saying it won't happen, but not everyone drops. Who knows, maybe cause I don't do "stoppies" it hasn't happened to me yet...

P.S. I hate black people and would never buy anything from them, no offence intended.