What to look for in a USED motorcycle?

[AlwaysWong]

I see a ton of posts about automobile purchases, but hardly any about motorcycles.

I just got my license a short while ago and am now ready to buy a cheap beginner bike. I'd like to spend under $1500 and prefer something between 500-750 cc's. I don't care if it's a cruiser or a sport bike... as long as it runs well and is fairly easy to maneuver. I'm pretty knowledgeable about cars, but hardly know anything about bikes. So, what should I be looking out for? Any recommendations as to make/model? Since my price limit is low, it'll almost definitely be Japanese (Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, or Kawasaki)... something from the 80's. Those 250cc mini pocket rockets are not for me. Thanks.

Helmet recommendations are welcome as well.

 

[Zorro]

When you get your bike. Make sure you get a real good life insurance policy. And make me the benificiary

 

[Monel Funkawitz]

Nude women, gold bullion, stock certificates, bonds, winning lottery tickets, singing frogs, alien life, keys/title to a Ferrarri... that kinda stuff.

 

[The Stigenator]

First check www.cycletrader.com see what they have got also check recycler for stuff.

There are certian things to evaluate for a used bike. If its been dropped or abused you have to be careful.. especialy if the person is a squid. You can use these two sites to guide you.
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html
http://www.zip.com.au/~cs/moto/FAQs/Used_Bike_Checklist.html

As for helmets... I have a the previous model to this.. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/product.asp?Dept=4&ID=6124 Its pretty decent I like it. I love the nose block / breather block above the nose. The helmet is cheap and pretty good, just a tad bit noisy.

Otherwise go with HJC or Bieffe or one of the other brands http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/department.asp?Dept=4. Try and make sure its DOT certified (check website of manufactuer the one above sometimes says "will pass") also make sure you got atleast SNELL M95 rating..I prefer M2000 rating. I am getting a new helmet (vega) soon.

As for bikes, I suggest somethign under 500 cc for sports street bikes and 750 for cruisers. The single cylinder shadow from honda is awesome starter bike.

Just shop around see what you can get.

 

[911paramedic]

A good helmet??

(used to wear a simpson 32 in '84, looked like darth vador)

 

[The Stigenator]

<< A good helmet?? (used to wear a simpson 32 in '84, looked like darth vador) >>



your talking of this one right http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/product.asp?ID=3942

 

[Gaard]

Found this '83 Honda 650 Nighthawk a couple of years ago. It had 14,000 miles on it, was clean as a whistle, and the guy only wanted $750 for it. I ran to the bank, got the money, and that night I was tooling around town.

Alas, too many asswipes out there convinced me to get rid of it. People sure are dicks on the road.

 

[AlwaysWong]

Thanks goodguy... those are really good websites. What type of anti-theft device is good to use on a motorcycle anyway? Can I just slip a bike chain through the rear wheel or something?

 

[The Stigenator]

I personally prefer the Kryptonite Disc lock.. while that just prevents someone from rolling the bike off, an bike alarm wont be bad.

The best defense is to park it in a well travelled area, in the night it be in a lighted spot and if possible chain it to something.;

I dont bother much with mine cause my bike isnt "HOT" like other bikes, but still I would get a disc lock just for keep sakes.