What do you do on a pre buy check

I got a byline on a bike I am interested in. It is not running 25k on the clocks and will need work. I figure the following is the minimum to make a decision.
1. Pull ignition cover for seal inspection and free crank.
2. Oil in the case
3. Seized calipers
4. Tank condition
5. Wheel bearing seizure
6. Pipes general condition.
7. Pull head cover and view valve train and cams
8. Wire loom/connections peruse
9. general other broken stuff

This one is in the worst starting shape that I have had, but supposedly is only down two seasons. I am up to the task, my vision and confidence is high. I am not much of a fabricator but I can follow directions and instructions. The price is good.

What else concerns you when buy a non runner old KZ1000?

R

Finger test in the exhaust. Pics?
Steve

Oh and check the plugs.
Steve

First look for what is missing. They add up in cost.

1. Mirrors
2. Turn signals
3. Side Covers (very expensive)
4. Fenders.
5. Etc., you know what I'm saying. All can add hundreds to the cost. I paid a $135.00 for one side cover with emblem.
6. Airbox present?
7. Condition of the rear shocks (very expensive).

Next expensive wear items.

1. Tires (check date code as well)
2. Battery.
3. Chain life: condition and the amount of adjustment left. Take into account if it needs adjustment already when determining how much adjustment you have left.
4. Rear sprocket (Not too expensive I guess).
5. Brakes: Rebuilt kids, and pads. (add up to about $100 altogether)
6 Engine condition.

Things not too expensive to fix but are a pain to fix or a deal breaker.
1. Fork seals. Do you see wetness around the lower dust covers. Granted if it looks dry, it can simply mean that all fluid has leaked out.
2. Frame damage / alignment. Look for frame damage / misalignment.
3. Bent wheels.
4. Malfunctioning instruments. (pain to fix)
5. Engine turns over. If so, you can take a can of starting fluid and portable battery jumper. Spray the carbs with the throttle open (about 3 squirts each). Try starting it. This way you eliminate the carburetors and fuel out of the equation by replacing it with the starting fluid. That is how I first heard my bike running when I went to look at it.

Good luck.

Does it run. If not offer 1/2.
Steve

Not a bad checklist but if it was my bike there is NO WAY I would let someone pull the valve cover on my bike just to look at the valve train. Your not really going to see anything and it's not really easy to do and you usually ruin a valve cover gasket.
I would also add to the list, smell the gas and pull a carb drain screw. If it smells bad then you can use that to negotiate the price some more.

An old bike that hasn't run in 2 years? lol

Check the engine isn't seized, broken fins or cracked cases. Rot in tank or any major rust anywhere else.

Besides that, plan on replacing anything that wears out like the drive, tires, cables, etc. If it's that old and a project, no sense nit picking that stuff.

Yep that's why I want it. R. :lol:

baldy110 wrote: Not a bad checklist but if it was my bike there is NO WAY I would let someone pull the valve cover on my bike just to look at the valve train. Your not really going to see anything and it's not really easy to do and you usually ruin a valve cover gasket.
I would also add to the list, smell the gas and pull a carb drain screw. If it smells bad then you can use that to negotiate the price some more.

I would also never let someone take apart the bike and inspect it as long as we are talking low cost non running stuff, If I knew I had it priced right I'd just wait for the next buyer.
I did gamble with a Yamaha XT600 that I bought non running, I told the seller if he lets me pull the oil filter and there was no metal I'd give him his asking price, if I found metal he would sell it at my offer price. He agreed, no metal and I gave him his asking price.

If I could have afforded it I would have given him the $300 he was asking for the 550 shaft. Once I got it running the next day I felt guilty for getting it free. :dry: He was happy for me. :whistle:
Steve