The great people at Basic Bike Information journal have been sharing their hard-won knowledge about what’s concerned when looking out and fixing up previous bikes.
WORDS and PHOTOS: Matt Hull
What are you shopping for?
Advert
Take pleasure in all the pieces Extra Bikes by studying the month-to-month newspaper, Learn FREE On-line.
Have a look at what you’re getting – is it full? If it’s a runner, then get a journey in case you can (ensure you have insurance coverage, and most sellers will insist on money of their hand first). Hopefully, it’s chilly first (had that they had it working earlier than you got here – then why?). Hear it run. Are the tyres authorized (1mm tread)? Or have cracks within the sidewall?
Right here’s a fast guidelines. Centrestand – does it elevate the bike up? Wheels – are they straight? Examine the spokes for free or damaged ones; rock the wheels for play within the wheel bearings; search for worn chains (will draw back from the rear of the sprocket) and worn sprockets… enamel like shark’s enamel. Are the fork stanchions pitted? Are the pinnacle race bearings free/notchy/stiff? Do the clocks work? Is there rust on the backside of the petrol tank? Is the seat ripped? Is there play within the swingarm? Do the brakes work/really feel alright? Are the varied cables in good order? And we haven’t even acquired to the engine or gearbox but. Ask questions – heaps. What oil do they use? When do they verify the valve clearances? What issues have that they had? Does it like choke when chilly or not? You’ll be getting an concept of the proprietor, which provides you an concept of how the bike’s been handled. In the event you’re critical, then take somebody who isn’t sporting rose-tinted specs…
Legality
Advert
Is there a (V5) logbook? Is the identify that of the vendor? Does the tackle tie up with the story? Sadly, many bikes are being bought by the household of a deceased proprietor, during which case there ought to be proof. If unsure, politely stroll away.
Legitimacy
What’s ‘matching numbers’? That is when the registration quantity, engine quantity (stamped on the block) and body quantity match from the manufacturing unit data. They need to no less than match these on the logbook. Some bikes could have had their reg quantity bought and reissued with an age-related plate; others can have had an engine go pop and it was extra economical to swap the engine with one other. This isn’t an issue so long as all the pieces provides up, nevertheless it have to be mirrored within the worth.
Advert
Paperwork
Paperwork is among the greatest methods to look again into the machine’s previous. Previous MoT certificates, service receipts, elements receipts and even previous tax discs may help construct up an image of whether or not you’re looking at an previous household pal or a swiftly put-together mis-mash for a fast revenue.
Worth
Advert
Set a finances. Don’t, beneath any circumstances, purchase the most cost effective you’ll be able to afford – you aren’t the exception. Discuss to membership members and verify seller advertisements. Public sale costs are an correct reflection of worth however are extra relevant to costly machines. Know the way a lot work will value: how a lot will a rebuilt wheel, an exhaust or an oil leak value to repair? And beware, just like the plague, ‘shiny shit syndrome’. Look past good paint and chrome. Do your homework.
Previous bikes can break, leak, misfire, not begin and have scratches. There’s no guarantee, and so they assume some quantity of frequent sense. Brakes are poor and lights are horrible. Sorry to be harsh, however we are saying this as most issues previous bike specialists see are house owners who don’t know what they’ve acquired into.
Examine again tomorrow for half II: You’ve purchased one, what subsequent?
