1> Tyres, paint,
plating, dents, scratches and other things which are visual.
2> Check level
of engine oil. If correct and oil quality is good, then it
means the previous owner has looked after the bike properly.
3> All lights should
function. Both blinkers and all switches should be working and all
wiring and wire
joints should be firm and insulation should be in place..
4> Take the bike
off-stand and roll it front-back with gear in neutral.. Listen for
sounds. There should be no sound. Now put the bike in each gear
one-by-one, and do front-back with clutch pressed. Should be no
sound.
5> Sit on the bike
with bike off-stand, and do "khachak-khachak" like riding
a horse. You will get an idea about suspension. While doing this,
apply front brake and try to push bike forward to check front fork
functioning and oil seals for leakage of suspension fluid.
6> Check freeness
of all cables. Also check especially all cable ends to see if any
ends are frayed or some strands have come off.
7> Check spokes
of both wheels. See if any are missing. Also hold spoke by hand
and tug hard to see if any are loose. Though tightening spokes is
an easy, simple and quick job, loose spokes show lack of attention
on the part of previous owner. Make a note of it.
8> Put bike on
main stand with rear wheel not touching the ground. Ask the owner
to start the bike, and put it in second gear and raise engine. The
wheel will turn. Sit on the ground, straight behind the rear wheel
and look at it turning. Watch turning tyre carefully. If there is
any rim bend or wobble, it will become immediately apparent. Point
it out to the owner. Do the same with front wheel. You will have
to turn it by hand. Turn it as hard and fast as you can. Faster
the wheel truns, easier and more pronounced the bend or wobble and
will be easier to identify.
9> Check for leaks
of oil from crank-case, front forks and carburettor overflow.
10> Open both side
panels. In most bikes (not Bullet) On one side is battery. check
it and see level of electrolyte (distilled water) in it. Also check
both junctions of the battery for sulphate deposits. Do not touch
these sulphate deposits with your fingers. It is poisonous and if
touch eyes can go blind. Point out shortcomings. IN 2-STROKE BIKES,
Under the panel on the other side is the 2T oil tank. Check oil
level and check for leaks, cracked 2T tank (it is made of plastic),
etc.
11> Start the engine
and listen for uncommon sounds, such as piston slap, loose or broken
rings, bearings etc. Most important is engine firing sound. Is it
uniform? This can be heard better at very low rpm. At high rpm,
it is difficult to notice it.
12> Now take a
test ride. Check braking, roadholding, handling, steering etc. etc.
13> check fuel
average" with measusring bottle. Fuel average depends on condition
of the bike, tuning, riding style, speed, road, load and traffic
conditions and 273 other factors.
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