Motorcycle Reviews - Part 1
Buy Inspection Guidelines

Motorcycle reviews are an essential part of buying a bike. Since buying a bike is a costly affair and you want to avoid buying a piece of junk. You want to make sure you do it right - the first time. So before you decided to go check out a motorcycle, give my useful motorcycle reviews (part 1 & part 2) a look.

When arriving at the sellers place - check it out.
It often says a lot about the person. When you meet introduce yourself and be friendly you want the person to like you since it will improve the negotiation later on. A great way to get into conversation is to ask the phone questions again. You know what the answers should be so double check if you still are getting them (be aware of different answers). When talking make sure not to be too enthusiastic about any aspects of the bike. You don’t care about sound, pipes, extra’s! You might think it’s great but right now you don’t show that (it will save you money)!

Ask to see documentation of the motorcycle.
Before you actually start checking the bike itself. Spread them out over the table – check the history of maintenance, big repairs, etc. Ask the seller to explain them. Then check plate numbers, license numbers, odometers (with repair receipts).

Review the bikes general wear and tear.
Tires, footpegs, seat, grips, knobs, buttons, handles, hinges. You want to match the distance on the bike with the condition it is in. If it doesn’t figure ask why. When I sell a bike it needs to be bright and shining. So I always wonder why a dirty bike is being sold, Why doesn’t the seller take time to clean it up? You should also wonder why. Do any parts look brand new, wonder why?

Give the bike a quick inspection. (kinda from a distance)
Focus on some difficult access points. Try to see if it’s clean, not rusty, no damage etc.

What to bring to motorcycle reviews: Light, pair of pliers, screw driver, pen & paper!

The date of manufacture is usually stamped on the frame or close to the steering head. Use it to check the details of the bike and registration papers.

Based on your experiences so far decided if its worth continuing or if you should leave the bike. So too old, too much wear, dirty, no documents, many repairs, bad maintenance, vague answers, not honest answers are all signs to not buy the motorcycle.

If you decide to go on with the inspection have them put on a pot of coffee (just kidding). Here is Motorcycle reviews Part 2 - Detailed Bike Inspection Points. Work your way around the bike in a systematical way.