chpsk8er630

alright. I'm going to look at an f4i for a friend. Bike hasn't been stunted and has never been dropped as the guy says. Any tips on what I should look for. Only like 6000 miles on it I think. Just wanted some ideas on what to check. I'm gonna test ride it for my friend since I can compare it to my bike.

YogiR6

Dings Dents Cratches and Funny sounds. If you find any try and get him to respond quickly. If he hesitates for more than 3 seconds he's lying. Under 1 second. Hes lying.

in between.... He's lying.

Standupnfall

Title, VIN and engine #s, Anything else is easy

YogiR6

^^^ Much better Advice ^^^

Rocketcrotch

take a measuring tape, and cross measure the frame.

Standupnfall

What?

I think I know what you're getting at but where do they even spec this info for reference?

Rocketcrotch

Just find two static points on each side of the frame. ie center of rear axle (if adjusted correctly) to a lower motor mount, should be places duplicated on each side. and measure both of them. If there is a significant difference, the frame could be bent. Sort of like cross measuring for square when you build ****.

Longfellow

Look to see if there are any holes drilled in the drain plug or oil fill plug. (indication it's been raced)

Look at the bolts holding the mirrors on. The nickel plating wears out quick if they get loosened and tightened up every so often. (another racing indication)

Look at the color of the coolant. If it's pink, it's probably water wetter. (racing again)

Look at the tires. If they are WAYYYYY bald in the middle, he either rides in straight lines alot, or he is a fan of burn outs. If they are worn to the edge, it's been raced or ridden hard.

Make sure the damn gauges work.

Scratches on the cases, fairings, turn signals, mirrors, tail section.

Start it up when it's dead cold. A puff of smoke for a few seconds after initial start up is normal.

Listen for cam chain tensioner noise.

Longfellow

Oh yeah, look at the sprockets and chain. Make sure the sprocket teeth aren't curling or bending.

Run your finger along the edge of the rim, both sides, to check for chunks missing or any cracks. Make sure it's not out of round.

And if they say they had recent work done, like valves adjusted or ANYTHING that you can't visibly see that it is new, ask for paperwork or a copy of the invoice. Tell him if he doesn't have a receipt or a copy of the invoice, then the new parts don't mean dick. Then you deduct the price from there.

On the test ride, take off in higher gears. Check for slipping, abnormal rev patterns. Also look for these things when engine braking.

Also, make sure it stops.

Don't show up all excited to see the bike. If they try to hype you up about the bike, just negate everything they say. "Yeah this bike is definitely unique." "Eh, I looked a few just like it yesterday."

And remember, even Mother Theresa would lie to sell a motorcycle.