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