pre-purchase inspection (NSR150SP) - what should i look for?

[heyjezza]

i can't seem to find answers to the above question! wonder if my search button is broken what should i look for when buying a 2nd-hand bike? specifically, a honda NSR150SP, most of which are at least 10 years old and have changed hands more than 2x (some even 4x!)

 

(1) do i buy from a dealer or go private? i've read enough horror stories in this forum to know it really depends on luck .. even the most reputable dealer still suffers from capitalism .. but still, what would you prefer?

 

(2) what should i look for generally? when buying a 2nd hand car, a basic check would include frame inspection to see whether it's been in a major collision before, checking engine/oil/fluid temps, leaks, sound test (cabin and exhaust) etc. ... what would be the bike equivalent?

 

(3) what should i look for specifically, in a NSR150SP? this is bike specific so owners, ex-owners please fill me in! seems that the NSR150SP is a choice selection for modders, so what should i watch out for?

 

(4) let's say i think i've found the right bike, is there someone i can bring her to just to affirm this? i'm looking for mech recommednations, or if you feel you're up to the task, i'll be happy to provide a token sum or buy lunch for your inconvenience. doubt this will happen for at least 3-4mths tho as i've only just started 2b.

 

sry, i don't have any friends who ride .. hence my many questions on sbf. your kind assistance is very much appreciated!

[kurarensu]

iya so many question.. post @ sp thread k?

 

if u buy bike.. jus tell urself.. NO PERFECT BIKE.. 100% will have minor prblms here n there as usual..

 

u wan perfect bike.. pls go get a 1st hand brand new bike.. any problems frm the bike also caused by u.. if not.. if it's manufacturer fault u gt warrenty oso

[Oreosworld]

i can't seem to find answers to the above question! wonder if my search button is broken what should i look for when buying a 2nd-hand bike? specifically, a honda NSR150SP, most of which are at least 10 years old and have changed hands more than 2x (some even 4x!)(1) do i buy from a dealer or go private? i've read enough horror stories in this forum to know it really depends on luck .. even the most reputable dealer still suffers from capitalism .. but still, what would you prefer?(2) what should i look for generally? when buying a 2nd hand car, a basic check would include frame inspection to see whether it's been in a major collision before, checking engine/oil/fluid temps, leaks, sound test (cabin and exhaust) etc. ... what would be the bike equivalent?(3) what should i look for specifically, in a NSR150SP? this is bike specific so owners, ex-owners please fill me in! seems that the NSR150SP is a choice selection for modders, so what should i watch out for?(4) let's say i think i've found the right bike, is there someone i can bring her to just to affirm this? i'm looking for mech recommednations, or if you feel you're up to the task, i'll be happy to provide a token sum or buy lunch for your inconvenience. doubt this will happen for at least 3-4mths tho as i've only just started 2b.sry, i don't have any friends who ride .. hence my many questions on sbf. your kind assistance is very much appreciated!

 

Basically for (1) the diff is through shop is most expensive bcoz of middle man and u have so called more assurance bcoz they will like give u warranty bla bla for dunno how many months. Buy private its cheaper but its partially luck the bike no prob and also wat the previous owner does/does not tell u.

 

(2) and (4) more or less linked u can the mech of the previous owner or ur fren's to check the bike. Exterior appearance u can easily see yourself and not very important compared to interior.

 

(3) ur question not clear at all

 

(4) If u just started learning 2b ur not gonna get your license for an average of 4-6 months or longer depending on how free u are as well. So until then y u wanna think so much abt bike? Touch wood u 1st attempt dont pass thats another 1 month+ of waiting for retest

[heyjezza]

iya so many question.. post @ sp thread k?

 

if u buy bike.. jus tell urself.. NO PERFECT BIKE.. 100% will have minor prblms here n there as usual..

 

u wan perfect bike.. pls go get a 1st hand brand new bike.. any problems frm the bike also caused by u.. if not.. if it's manufacturer fault u gt warrenty oso

 

 

 

it is precisely because i understand that there is no "perfect" 2nd hand bike, which is why i'm here asking for advice to minimise the risk that i will end up with a heaping pile of ****.

 

the SP thread might be the right place to ask (4), but not the rest.

 

thank you for replying anyway. i am reminded to walk away from shops that will hard-sell me with such statements.

[heyjezza]

Basically for (1) the diff is through shop is most expensive bcoz of middle man and u have so called more assurance bcoz they will like give u warranty bla bla for dunno how many months. Buy private its cheaper but its partially luck the bike no prob and also wat the previous owner does/does not tell u.

 

(2) and (4) more or less linked u can the mech of the previous owner or ur fren's to check the bike. Exterior appearance u can easily see yourself and not very important compared to interior.

 

(3) ur question not clear at all

 

(4) If u just started learning 2b ur not gonna get your license for an average of 4-6 months or longer depending on how free u are as well. So until then y u wanna think so much abt bike? Touch wood u 1st attempt dont pass thats another 1 month+ of waiting for retest

 

thanks. useful reply!

 

(1) so what would you do? go to a shop and hope for an ethical trade, or buy private and then pray it's not rubbish? .. what did you do?

 

(2) when u say interior meaning the engine? so ultimately, there's no way to tell that a bike is good/rotten, aside for the usual search for accident marks (e.g. bent frame, signs of fibre)?

 

(3) oh i meant problems unique to SP. e.g. if i wanted to buy an alfa romeo, i would push it's engine and see if it overheats/dies (common problem associated with that make).

 

(4) don't think it will take that long. i hope not anyway haha. nature of my work is such that i can schedule it around my life's objectives - currently, to get my class 2b asap (i don't like to drag things out) .. so unless i overestimated my abilities or events beyond my control (e.g. no lesson places), i think it should take 2-3mths (as advised by CDC staff).