Noobie

[ZMEFLY]

Hey guys and gals. I am new to MotoHouston.com and currently don't own a cycle but would like to. I hope to get some pointers on what to look for when looking for a used bike. So any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[DuBwEaR]

welcome

[thatboygeorge]

welcome is this gonna be ur first bike?

[B.S. Motorsports]

not going to get much help around here exept get a used 250 or 500

Im not a big fan of all that but deff. stick with a used low power non ss bike... Im not trying to be a hipicrit just talking from my own experiance...

[dotcom]

last thing we need is a fellow member losing their life just because they want to be cool...welcome aboard... here you will always have a seat at this table

[KiNG $h!T]

werd welocome

[ZMEFLY]

It will be my first bike but I have ridden friends bikes and have owned many dirt bikes. I know street bkies are totally different but I realize they can get away from an inexperienced rider really quick. I am not interested in doing tricks or even wheelies for that matter though I like the look of the sport bikes. I am 28, 6'4" 240lbs and would like to start on at least a 600 or a 1000. If you guys believe a 1000 would be overkill and that a 600 would safice, please chime in.

[Solracer]

sv 650.

[bandit]

Welcome! Get a bandit 1200!!

[Chris24]

considering your experience and height/weight, i think a 1000 would be good for you,.. but not to start with, sorry. get at least a 500, a 600 would be ideal, and i would say a 750 tops. but go with the 600. half the fun is upgrading you know. :icon_thum

and definatly get something old, used and cheap, but still reliable aka not a deathtrap (like my bike! :confused1 :laughing6 )

bikes like a ninja 500 you can learn on, and then sell it for the same price you got it easily. gives you more time to save for the upgrade.

ok things to look for, this is off the top of my head, but by no means complete.

electrical: headlights, tail lights, blinkers, horn, starter, charging system work?
tires: look for cracks, wear, how much tread is left. etc
frame/subframe: should be straight. if bent, be wary of wreck, could mean more probs.
plastics: most bikes have been down, have scratches. but look for major damage.
nuts/bolts/gaskets: older bikes tend to be missing random shit. look for details.
chain/sprockets: look for wear, do they need to be replaced?0
fluids: oil level, how clean is oil, check brake fluid, cooling fluid.
brakes: check the rotors, calipers and pads, MAKE SURE THE BRAKES WORK! lol.
title: should be up to date, i.e. not in some dudes freinds brothers name that your not buying it from, also be wary of titles that say SALVAGED.
seller: i think this is one of the most important things. trust your gut. is the guy lieing to you or not telling you something? sometimes you can just tell. how badly do they want to sell it and why? this can tell you alot.

damn,... that is scary that was off the top of my head. you'd think i was a mechanic or some crap...i wish! to be honest, i dont know how to check alot of that stuff, but i know it needs to be. i guess its different for every bike, so you might just have to ask them to show you.

oh yeah, one more thing...welcome to motohouston! :hello:

and go take the MSF!

[itsjustme]

hello
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_39.gif

[rob78]

welcome

[Los]

Hi :hello:

[DuBwEaR]

1000cc is to big for your first street bike. you can go plenty fast on a 600.

[PETE]

welcome

[SE_Ryder122]

welcome aboard and good luck finding a bike.