Professional Documents
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: Terms of agreement .......................................................................................................... 3
1.1 TERMS ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 2: Helpful diagrams ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 DIAGRAMS TO HELP YOU LOCATE COMPONENTS........................................................................................................ 4
SECTION 3: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.2 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 4: General Specifications ...................................................................................................... 9
SECTION 5: Overall Appearance ......................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 6: Crash History ................................................................................................................... 11
SECTION 7: Racing or Abusive Care .................................................................................................. 13
SECTION 8: Brakes .............................................................................................................................. 15
SECTION 9: Clutch ............................................................................................................................... 17
SECTION 10: Gas Tank .......................................................................................................................... 18
SECTION 11: Seating ............................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION 12: Tires.................................................................................................................................. 19
SECTION 13: Electrical and Battery ...................................................................................................... 20
SECTION 14: Suspension ...................................................................................................................... 21
SECTION 15: Wheels .............................................................................................................................. 23
SECTION 16: Chain/Sprockets .............................................................................................................. 24
SECTION 17: Exhaust ............................................................................................................................ 25
SECTION 18: Engine/Fluids/Carburetors .............................................................................................. 25
SECTION 19: Centerstand checks (Optional) ....................................................................................... 27
SECTION 20: Service ............................................................................................................................. 27
SECTION 21: Accessories ..................................................................................................................... 27
SECTION 22: Titles and Paperwork....................................................................................................... 28
SECTION 23: Test Ride (Optional)......................................................................................................... 29
This document was prepared by Lambda Consulting based on information from various sources. The
majority of information was taken from the “Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide,” by Adam Glass (1998-
2010). The author of this document does not take credit for any information but has organized and compiled
information into a usable media for consumers interested in purchasing a used motorcycle. This document
is not for sale and is free for distribution with due credit. If there are any suggestions please email the author
at cool_mikel@hotmail.com.
The author takes no responsibility for the decisions made by a consumer based on the inspections
performed in this document. This document is not a legal document, nor does it replace an inspection by a
certified mechanic; this document is merely used to provide more insight into the condition of a motorcycle
for an inexperienced motorcycle buyer. The buyer is responsible for researching the specific bike model to
learn of any manufacturing defects or short-comings. The intent of this document is not to help choose a
motorcycle, but to help gauge the condition of a previously owned bike for purchase.
SECTION 3: INTRODUCTION
3.1 PURPOSE
3.1.1 The purpose of this document is to help consumers who are purchasing a used motorcycle to
be able to conduct a low-level inspection to more accurately gauge the vehicle‟s condition.
3.2 SCOPE
3.2.1 The following is a list of the contents included in this qualification:
i. General information: Record general motorcycle specifications
ii. Overall Appearance: Check for cleanliness and straightness.
iii. Crash history: Look for notifications or clues for crashes.
iv. Racing or abusive care: Look for notifications or clues that the motorcycle has been
raced or abused. Racing puts tremendous stress on the machinery and accelerates
wear.
v. Brakes: Ensure condition of brakes and ancillary components are in good condition.
vi. Clutch: Ensure the clutch is operating as intended without excessive wear/damage.
vii. Gas Tank: Check for internal rusting and general condition.
viii. Seating: Cosmetic and functional condition.
ix. Tires: Check current condition of tires.
x. Electrical and Battery: Ensure electrical system powers instruments and lights.
xi. Suspension: Check for leaks, straightness and dampening.
xii. Wheels: Inspect physical condition.
xiii. Chain/sprockets: Check for wear in case of required replacement.
xiv. Exhaust: Equal exhaust pressure should be attained.
xv. Engine/fluids/carburetors: Starting and idling operation of engine and carbs.
xvi. Centerstand checks: Applicable tests if a centerstand is available for bearings,
brake operation, etc.
xvii. Service: Service history and documentation.
xviii. Accessories: Extras that are included in the seller‟s package.
xix. Titles and paperwork: Clean title and correct VIN.
xx. Test-ride: If applicable, what to look for during the test run.
Misc comments:
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Inspect the under-side of the rear fender for a This indicates burnouts have been
thick streak of balled-up and flung off rubber. performed.
SECTION 8: BRAKES
Procedure Description Pass / Fail Comments
Level may need adjustment, air bubbles may be
Squeeze the brake lever. There should be in the brake line, brake pads may need replacing,
increased resistance as the level reaches its or something is wrong with the master cylinder
final position. (worst case). Bleeding air lines is about $5 and ½
hour of labor.
Put the bike in neutral. Roll the bike forward
If the bike experiences extra resistance rolling
and gently apply the front brakes. They
after the brake is disengaged it means the brakes
should engage and move smoothly. Now
are dragging and it could mean the calipers will
release the brakes and roll the bike. The bike
require work.
should roll without any additional resistance.
Stand in front of the bike and squeeze the
brake lever hard and try to drag the bike If the bike moves there is something wrong with
towards you with the handlebars. The bike the brakes.
should not budge.
Roll the bike forward and use the rear brake.
It should engage smoothly. If the rear brakes There is a problem with the rear brake or the pad
are drum brakes, check the indicator needle requires replacing.
to ensure the pad is inside its usable range.
SECTION 9: CLUTCH
Procedure Description Pass / Fail Comments
Most owners won‟t know but a good owner
Ask the owner how many kilometers since will. If the level can move about 5/8” before
the clutch cable has been changed. the cable goes taut the adjuster probably just
needs a turn or two.
Put the bike in first gear and squeeze the
clutch all the way in and roll the bike forward.
It should feel like neutral, with possibly a little
The clutch may be a bit sticky if the bike isn‟t
more resistance. Slowly let the clutch out and
warmed up.
feel for the friction zone. Engagement should
be fairly smooth and not abrupt. Put the bike
back in neutral.
(Optional) If the bike has a hydraulic clutch
(for bigger bikes) check fluid color and level
Fluid may require change if the color is very
through the master cylinder‟s sight glass. It
dark or the level is too low.
should be light amber and within the
operating limits.
If the bike has high mileage (over 48k+) ask if
$100-300 and 1-2 hours of labor.
the clutch has been changed.
Straddle the bike, grab the front brake and Squeaking noises or binding is very bad. No
push down vigorously on the forks. They resistance means the dampers may need
should go down and back up with resistance. replacing.
Ask the owner when the last time suspension Suspension fluid should be changed every
fluid was changed. year or two.