Tips for buying a Used dirt bike, quad, atc.

[Dracus124]

I had just thought of this guide on buying any used cycle.

Rules.

1. If they say it runs, have them start it up. Usually you will get a response like "I don't have any gas/2 stroke oil for gas"

2. If you believe its a good buy, buy it if you have money.

3. After you get the bike, check for spark, if there is no spark, replace ALL the wires, it will only take about an hour, And do it one wire at a time, and try to get the color coded wiring as best you can. If there still is no spark, break out the volt meter (ALL of you should KNOW how to use one) and check the coil, Do all of this before you give the verdict on the CDI, Coil, or what ever it is. 9times out of 10 it's a bad grounded wire or fried wire.

4. Always look for signs of a blown head gasket. (Learned this on the hard way on my 350x) If it has a blown head gasket make sure you know how to fix it first.

5. In my opinion, you should always replace the gaskets in the head. A 2stroke is not nearly as complex as a 4 stroke (DAMNED 4STROKES!)
*** On a two stroke, just pull the jug off, replace gaskets, set jug back on and torque it on down. Its about as easy as it gets, just don't break the bolts when you torque it!

6. Tighten EVERY bolt starting from the back tire and work your way up, especially on a rough looking bike. On the heads, know your own strength, give the head bolts a little force, if they don't get tighter, they probably wont without breaking!

I will think of more ideas, me and my Grandfather (R.I.P) bought alot of used motorcycles, and i mean ALOT. I have used this process many times and it never failed me yet

[Dracus124]

Number 5 is for when you dont have a torque wrench/torque specs.

[NOS_350X]

blown headgaskets arnt very common, And on a Two stroke first thing you should do anytime is throw a new piston in it. That way you know exactly how much time is on it and you can check for wear and scaring on the jug. Just doing the gaskets is pointless.

[Dracus124]

They may not be common, but it happens. I bought a 2 stroke on sunday, im pulling the jug off and inspecting every thing, its got sparks (stupid me for touching the plug) besides, i know how much time on it is, 14,989 miles on it, its an enduro, so it should be alright.

[Dracus124]

Anyone else can put some used bikes tips in. That is a good idea to change the piston, NOS_350X

[Lantz Ltd]

:lmao: Also, make sure you are getting the bike you paid for!:lmao::lala:

[Dracus124]

ha ha thats funny Lantz....

[Lantz Ltd]

I sorta thought it was.:chuckle:

[3razors]

#1 is I would try and find a machine with the least amount of hours on it possible, one that hasn't been beat to death and rebuilt over and over again.

Same as with a car find the one with 40K miles on it instead of 140K, you will be much ahead of the game.

[big_calo]

Always change the oil right off and any other liquids, who knows when the last time it was done. We do this for any thing that has a motor that we buy.

[city hunter]

I always check out the sprockets for major wear, that way you know if you will be paying extra down teh road for misc parts like that. Also check the front forks if they have them, if they are real squishy be prepared for a rebuild on em. If it's a 4 stroke listen for chain rattle.

[parrothead]

What about a paper trail? if the seller says cash only and doesnt want to give a bill of sale, have your local sheriff's # handy, and have em' run the numbers. You don't want to wind up w/ a hot ride, trust me! You get caught with stolen goods youre guilty, whether you knew or not. better safe then sorry.