| When buying a used dirt bike there are many things | | | | be indicators that the forks are on their way out which |
| which you must look out for. Firstly, find out where the | | | | means money will need to be spent on them. |
| bike is coming from. Many competition bikes are never | | | | Head bearings - check the handlebars move smoothly |
| registered so therefore proving somebody is the | | | | and the wheel has no play when off the floor. These |
| owner can often be difficult. Ideally the current owner | | | | are indicators that head bearings could have had it. |
| will have receipts for the bike but this is unlikely if you | | | | Rear swing arm - Check for movement in the back |
| are purchasing an older bike. | | | | wheel, if it can be moved around and is loose, then this |
| Ask questions about the bike, see if the person selling | | | | is an indicator that it may need new bearings or a |
| it to you knows anything about it or whether he is just | | | | problem with the swing arm. |
| trying to shift a stolen bike. If you are sure that the bike | | | | Rear shocks - push down on the back of the bike, if it |
| you are buying is not stolen then give the bike a good | | | | does not come back up in a smooth and controlled |
| check over. | | | | manner then the bike has lost its dampening properties. |
| Off road bikes obviously have to withstand a lot of | | | | Also check the condition of the shocks, you can tell if |
| hard use, whether they've been taken off huge jumps | | | | they look healthy or not by taking a good look. If they |
| or ridden aggressively off road they are bound to | | | | are not looking too good then you may have to shell |
| have some wear and tear. There are many checks | | | | out on new shocks, which can cost between |
| you can do to the bike in order to make sure you are | | | | £200-£400 depending on the type of shock |
| buying a dream bike rather than a costly trip to the | | | | you have. (Twin shocks are usually cheaper and you |
| garage. | | | | may find one at around £80. |
| Obviously check the overall condition of the bike. What | | | | Engine - Obviously the engine must be checked, make |
| are the panels like? If they are cracked or marked | | | | sure you test ride the bike to see if you think it is |
| badly then this could show signs of misuse. Check | | | | running well. Also make sure you get to try to start the |
| what oil the bike has been run on, if it is the cheaper oil | | | | bike, often signs of a tired bike are shown when |
| then it is likely that the person you are buying the bike | | | | starting. Also go through the gears and make sure the |
| off doesn't care about the bike, or doesn't have a clue | | | | bike has a maintained engine rev to ensure the clutch |
| about them. Try to get as much information as you | | | | is not slipping. |
| can about the current owner as this could give you a | | | | Exhaust - These are important, especially for two |
| great insight as to how the bike has been treated and | | | | stroke bikes, check there are no dents or holes in |
| whether it is likely to continue running. | | | | them as this will greatly affect the bikes ride and |
| There are also a few other checks to perform before | | | | performance. |
| you jump into buying a used dirt bike. Check the main | | | | Any other stuff such as paperwork if the bike is |
| wear and tear spots. These are: | | | | registered. In the UK if the bike is registered then you |
| Forks - Check the movement of the front forks. Push | | | | will need a V5 (registration document), and also an |
| them up and down to see if they move smoothly and | | | | MOT certificate if the bike is to be ridden on the road. |
| do not jerk. Check for leaks on the forks, these could | | | | |