buying a used motorcyle - need reccomendations& have q's
luvbug00 wrote: Ok so I want to get brad a motorcycle for a wedding present. But I want to get a used one because he may ruin his first one ( being a novie type rider) so does anyone know what i should be looking for to weed out the bad bikes? Like any part of a bike that is essential to have the thing work well?? or any advice at all?
J-rod replied: looking for a street bike (i.e. harley type) or a crotch rocket (CBR, GSXR type)
luvbug00 replied: crotch rocket 
mckayleesmom replied: Im going to reccomend taking out a life insurance policy....  . Dh wants to get a motorcycle and I cringe at the thought. I already told him Im getting a bigger policy if he does. 
J-rod replied: first and foremost..make sure the frame is good. no dents twists, etc. ask if ever wrecked. check the tires and brakes. look for an unmodified bike....normally means beat on less. get a vehicle history report...if your unsure. check the chain gear and sprocket for any play.
thats a start 
if you got any specific questions ask me. ive been looking for a long time...but ill never buy one now...i have a problem with speeding...and now have a family  i WILL have a custom bike one day...either a harley or chopper.
luvbug00 replied: umm Ok I get the frame and I can do tires and brakes 
but what is the chain gear and sprocket?? 
I'm not too keen on him getting one he WILL have to sign a promise to me that he will NOT ride it anywhere on the highway or out of the local area.
J-rod replied: chan gear is the chain going to the rear tire...like a driveshaft on a car. transmits the power to the rear...if it snaps it "may" hurt him if it hits him....but its also costly to repiar.....if your buying from an individual....ask them to take it to a shop and meet you for an inspection.
your a girl use this to your advantage. (not trying to be sexist...jsut it can help you out)
mckayleesmom replied: Do you have a male friend that knows anything about Bikes? Take them with you.
luvbug00 replied: Brad chased off all my male friends but I can take his BF I guess...
found this one
http://bike-exchange.com/display_picture.p...%20&type=Sports
it says it was ridden by a girl. but it looks too big to be a girls bike..????
J-rod replied: that 250 is the smallest bike like that. perfect for a girl. (small size) how big is Brad..... im sure he will outgrow that bike really soon. so if you buy a 250...expect to sell it and buy a 600 in a matter of a few months.
edit - lookss to be a nice bike otherwise. imo start with a 600cc. non-race edition. (RR) if he is careful in the beginning....he will be able to ride the bike and enjoy it ALOT longer. if he's a big guy. im 6'1 ~215-220 so id never buy a 250...too small for me.
luvbug00 replied: ok I feel dumb. he's 5'11 and 200 odd pounds.
J-rod replied:
he'd prolly be ok on a 250 for a while...has he ever ridden a bike before?
luvbug00 replied: just arround the block for fun. not seriously but it's his DREAM to own one.
thanx for all the advice I really appricate it!
J-rod replied: have you looked on www.cycletrader.com they also publish a trader magazine.
there are a couple GOOD dealers on there that sell good bikes.
DVFlyer replied: Find him a used 600cc sport bike from a local motorcycle dealer. Private party sales are great but can be risky. Dealers, of course can be risky too, but the bike will usually come with some sort of warranty.
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