Used Bike Checkout
Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 4:07 pm
Just wanted to pass my checkout procedure by you guys for comment and improvements. This is specifically for the R1150R as I'll be going to look at one this weekend (again!) but applies generally to any motorcycle. Please recommend any additions, deletions, or mods.
Call ahead to make sure bike is COLD.
Before starting engine:
Feel to see if engine is cold.
Check engine oil level. (Is tip of dipstick warm?)
Check tires, condition and pressure.
Check for leaking fluids - engine, transmission, final drive, brakes, shocks
Check for true wheels and rubbing brakes
Check brakepads for wear.
Check electrical components and lights
Check under right-side instrument panel for frayed wiring
Check smoothness of final drive by rotating rear wheel in neutral
Check fuel cap opening for corrosion
Check throttle and choke for smoothness
Check clutch and brakes for smoothness
Check suspension for smooth travel
Check for smooth steering
Pull spark plugs and examine for oil, pitting, or glazing.
Start engine:
Should start easily and idle smoothly.
ABS check light should flash then go out(help here please)
ABS servos should whine and then stop whining (help here please)
Ensure tachometer is working.
Check operation of all electrical components and lights
Cycle through gears with clutch in - ensure 'N' light functions properly
Place in 1st and roll forward slowly.
Check brakes - should grab erratically (servo-ABS)
Go faster. Check for acceleration and suspension operation
Stop to zero from various speeds.
Get engine hot.
Get brakes hot.
Listen for incorrect mechanical sounds in all gears and while stopping.
Feel for incorrect engine vibrations in all gear and at variety of speeds.
Return to owner.
With bike on centerstand, idling, hot, check for fluid leaks.
Sniff for telltale smells of burnt gear or engine oil.
Stop engine:
Re-examine wheels and brake for true.
Check for fluid leaks.
Check final drive smoothness.
Check tire pressure.
Pull and examine plugs.
After ten minutes or so:
Restart engine. Should start easily without choke.
Ride again.
Return.
Check anything suspicious on first examination.
If no surprises, bike is considered to be 'thoroughly checked out'.
Thanks.
Call ahead to make sure bike is COLD.
Before starting engine:
Feel to see if engine is cold.
Check engine oil level. (Is tip of dipstick warm?)
Check tires, condition and pressure.
Check for leaking fluids - engine, transmission, final drive, brakes, shocks
Check for true wheels and rubbing brakes
Check brakepads for wear.
Check electrical components and lights
Check under right-side instrument panel for frayed wiring
Check smoothness of final drive by rotating rear wheel in neutral
Check fuel cap opening for corrosion
Check throttle and choke for smoothness
Check clutch and brakes for smoothness
Check suspension for smooth travel
Check for smooth steering
Pull spark plugs and examine for oil, pitting, or glazing.
Start engine:
Should start easily and idle smoothly.
ABS check light should flash then go out(help here please)
ABS servos should whine and then stop whining (help here please)
Ensure tachometer is working.
Check operation of all electrical components and lights
Cycle through gears with clutch in - ensure 'N' light functions properly
Place in 1st and roll forward slowly.
Check brakes - should grab erratically (servo-ABS)
Go faster. Check for acceleration and suspension operation
Stop to zero from various speeds.
Get engine hot.
Get brakes hot.
Listen for incorrect mechanical sounds in all gears and while stopping.
Feel for incorrect engine vibrations in all gear and at variety of speeds.
Return to owner.
With bike on centerstand, idling, hot, check for fluid leaks.
Sniff for telltale smells of burnt gear or engine oil.
Stop engine:
Re-examine wheels and brake for true.
Check for fluid leaks.
Check final drive smoothness.
Check tire pressure.
Pull and examine plugs.
After ten minutes or so:
Restart engine. Should start easily without choke.
Ride again.
Return.
Check anything suspicious on first examination.
If no surprises, bike is considered to be 'thoroughly checked out'.
Thanks.
