theoctopus and I came up with this guide. Mods, feel free to change or add info.
First, look up the Vin# info using the guide attached. Make sure it matches the description of the bike. A seller that doesn't know what he has is most likely not the type that will know about problems and costs. This may be a good haggling point.
- Make sure the headers are firmly seated against cylinder heads, look for cracks and broken studs. Also make sure the exhaust is firmly connected to header and to bottom of bike. ($200 -header, $150- stock pipe, up to $300 for a broken stud)
- No play in wheel bearings ($50 per wheel)
- Belt in good condition with no real nicks or tears ($200)
- Brakes feel smooth and no pulsation. Pulsing means a new rotor and pads are required. ($200 per brake)
- Smooth idle (could be a number of things. Fuel pump, injectors, timing, mapping, intake manifold leak)
- No oil on the rear cylinder/fan, rocker box gasket leaks are common. ($800 to fix)
- Oil lines leak-free and well seated/attached
- No frame damage under the pucks or anywhere else(that's a big one, it should have a salvage title and could lower price by up to $1500)
- Turn front wheel to both stops while running to make sure there are no electrical issues ($100-$200 for new harness)
- Jump pins on the diag port to collect any codes in the history
- Ask, is it tuned? and who tuned it? make sure it's reputable tuner. If it's not tuned and has a K&N and aftermarket muffler, this could be bad in the long run.
- Look for scratches on the swing arm, this shows if it's been down or dropped ($200)
All prices mentioned are cost of parts only and does not include labor.
Ask about the maintenance schedule, has everything been done on time? Fork oil and seals are important at 20k.
Keep in mind that aftermarket parts don't add value. Don't let them tell you they do. They only add value if factory parts are included as well, and value is determined by what you can make off of selling those parts.
Look up KBB or NADA price for the bike in perfect condition and subtract the $ of what you'd have to fix and that should give you the value of the bike.
http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles
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Originally Posted by 34nineteen
