"You go there, you find the seller doesn't actually have a bike to sell, he's just baiting you into his cellar- It's not a huge deal, just go with him, do what he wants. It'll cost you a couple hundred bucks in therapy to get over it but again, not a deal breaker..."
I never heard him say deal breaker. He said “not a deal breaker” several times though. I don’t understand what people are picking these videos apart for lol nothing he’s said is invalid
i bought a sport 4 wheeler from someone like that, he bought it brand new, rode it a hand full of times, and let it sit in his garage for 5 years... was in pristine condition, just needed air in the tires and the carb cleaned... gave him 1,000.00 for it, sold it for 3,000.00 about a year later after i had my fun with it. i did put new back tires on it before i sold it... all in all i was in about 12-1300 bucks... easily doubled my money and then some, AND I GOT TO ENJOY THAT TOY for a year... i kinda wish i still had it, i know i'm gonna miss it next riding season, it's too hot for that shit now, but i know i'm gonna miss it. probably gonna get a dirtbike this time though.
That's what I was thinking. I just bought a 2006 Softail Deluxe and it had a ton of surface rust and a few scratches here and there. Just minor scratches. But the surface rust got him to knock $2,000 off the price.. 2 days of me cleaning that it looks show room condition now.
Thanks for the info, especially about the title stuff! That's an often-overlooked element that NEEDS to be there. I asked a guy on craigslist to see pics of his title and VIN stamped on the bike, and he got all defensive. He ended up flaking and deciding not to sell. He might not have been a scammer, just maybe he wasn't quite ready to part with his ride yet. But beware, there are scammers out there. Make sure the title and VIN are legit.
@@theimmortalsleazus8057 Yes. As nonya biz said, they don't want to meet you because they are probably a poor liar and would rather have their friend meet you and act dumb about the bike. You go and ask their friend questions about the bike and he just shrugs his shoulders and says he doesn't know anything about the bike. Just walk away from the deal unless the bike is in really good shape and cheap.....Of course verify the vin and title etc too.
@@Mr.M1STER I have actually done this myself when i was selling my car while i was in the military. Had to leave it behind and didnt get it sold so i had my buddy do the mettings and everything for me and if the buyer had any questions that he didnt know, he would call me with them there
At about 3:25, text on vid says there is a link to full checklist in description. I don't see a link to any checklist. (assume it's a list of things to look at when evaluating used bike)
The reason he says “not a deal breaker” is because a deal is a flexible thing. These are all points that alter the deal, but there’s almost always the possibility of a deal. He is a used motorcycle dealer after all...
I didn't take many of comments as negative, just guys busting chops, the guy does a great job describing what to look for and I hope he doesn't change his style. I say the more people bust chops, the more enjoyable the video is. But then again, my friends and I are at the mental age of 14 and do that to each other all the time. LOL
I think the whole idea with any transaction like this whether it be a motorcycle or a car or boat, tractor, house, whatever. Little things don’t have to be deal breakers if the price is right. Some people can afford small repairs. Some people like buying projects to work on 🤷🏼♂️ for other people bad tires and a scratch or two could be enough to send them running back home!
To test your triple tree bearings, roll the bike backwards to forward then squeeze the front break while watching the triple tree. If it's bad, the tree will pop upwards. Bearings will need to be replaced.
Lance Littleton literally what I did when I got my mustang, straight piped v8, I noticed the windshield was cracked and the brake didn’t work. But later on a vacuum leak started and the fuel pump died.
@@SantiRecon308 Relatable i bought a twin turbo b4 once, took it around the block and it drove sweet, then it was driving home the thing blew up and it turned out the car couldn't run for more than 10 minutes before overheating and the headgasket was blown. :(
Went to look a Sportster recently. Bike looked good, sounded good, clean with a few scratches. Guy didn't want me to take it for a ride and that was a sticking point, then the guy started telling me about how many Burn Out Contest he won with this Sportster. I walked immediately. Used is fine but no way I wanted to buy a bike some Jackleg abused like that.
True list: Engine starts and runs, no weird sounds, revvs quickly as expected, no significant oil leaking (add cost to put new seals), oil isn't exceptionally dirty on dipstick Trans: Shifts smooth but doesn't feel worn out, not leaking, no jerking (possibly broken tooth) Suspension: Stiff, no side wobble, feels tight (not as in uncomfortable, as in no egging out bolt holes or excessively worn parts) Electrical: Lights work without flickering, turn signals not too beat up, battery started good (and after test drive start it again while its warm, this also lets you know if the alternator is working), speedometer works (or YOLO) Tag: Up to date otherwise it often costs a ton in government harrasment taxes, title in their name and matches the numbers and model/engine size cosmetic: dents/paint/scrapes, these really don't matter and probably already reflected in price tag. You'll replace the tires soon anyways, that's a wearable item about the same as fuel in the tank
Great video! About to buy my first bike. 43 and have zero knowledge, my wife says I'm having a midlife crisis but I have always wanted to ride. Doing plenty of research and this video has helped me tremendously. Thank you!!!!!
I strongly recommend you find someone who knows what to look for on a used motorcycle. While minor drop damage may be insignificant, something like notchy steering head bearings could get you killed.
I bought a bike at 24 and my girlfriend and her step dad said I was having a "quarter" life crisis. Even though I took the MSF course at 21! People will always talk, even your loved ones. Since this was 9 months ago I hope you're loving your first bike!
“Met the guy at a McDonald’s parking lot, he doesn’t have the bike with him but a photo album of the bike, promised me he would show me the bike after I pay. we just have to ask those questions; when did you take the pictures ? Are these top quality photos? Will I ever own or see the bike itself ? again not a huge dealbreaker”
I was ripped off on my first bike. Wish I would have seen this video before I bought the bike. Very informational video thanks for the heads up brother safe riding.
Something that I apply when buying ANY used vehicle; INSPECT THE ENGINE. Seriously; it doesn't matter the condition of the body or a car's interior. The cleanliness of the engine and transmission will tell you more about how well they took care of the vehicle than anything else. If the engine is dirty or rusty, they either didn't take care of the vehicle or they cheap-skated it. If it's about the usual amount of dirt or rust, then it's likely the same as most other used vehicles; runs good, not likely to have any immediate problems. If it's in excellent condition, that means they took care of it well and is likely worth every dollar they're asking.
If its on blocks and won't start.....it's not a deal breaker, but just be aware and ask questions.... probably going to be a couple hundred bucks to fix... no worries....
If you ask how much is it and he says how much do you have and then you say really how much is it and then he says I said how much do you have and then proceeds to pull out a humongous wrench and a sheriff's badge. That just might be a deal breaker.
yea, this Sean guy rarely knows what he's talking about. I really don't know how he ended up employed at a motorcycle dealership. he as a person, is one big deal breaker
I laid my Heritage classic down in the garage last year. I wanted to sweep the floor so I moved the bike up a few feet. I didn't notice the kickstand move up. Well over she went. No damage. She went over easy.
That has hapened to the best of us. A friend dropped his Goldwing on a slope. Didn't realize he should have put it in gear. Rolled forward, off the sidestand, his buds scrambled to catch it, but too late. Minor damage but embarassing nevertheless.
At Least the guy Tried to Help Someone NOT get ripped off,... Just wish he would have let us Know at WHAT Mileage Certain Items Fail, such as the Chain, Brakes, Fork Seals, Etc... and what to look for on the Spark plugs, to let us know if the Motor has Internal problems... But STILL Nice that He took the time to TRY and Help Others. :)
Great video... I have always told the owner of the bike I am interested in to not start it before I get there. I then feel the pipes and engine to make sure it is a true cold start.
I just bought a 1992 Honda shadow missing hardware carbs need rebuild needs paint. He wanted 500 I paid 200. I soaked engine because exhaust valve in front cylinder was stuck. Fired her up with starter fluid. I'm about 500 in total with parts I dint count the labor because it's fun. Found all used parts on Ebay. Swingarm, shocks, hardware. Carb kit, fork seals, jb weld for minor crack in case, and a new battery. A few other odd and ends. Got me a nice running bike for 500 bucks. Need to title it. It is a salvage rebuilt title. Who cares it's all strait and it was cheap.
Generally there are not many things that can't be fixed on a bike that would make them an actual deal breaker. You have to be confident enough to make the seller aware of any flaws though and make him an offer accordingly.
First, thanks, I've been watching your videos (bikes and beards) and enjoy them (some of them are a little long when it comes to the part when you're riding in the van to look at a bike). This video is pretty much covers all the things to look for when buying a used bike except you never fired the engine up. You also didn't mention anything about what you should be looking for during the test drive. And in watching your videos I hardly ever hear/see you doing such a thorough examination... So thanks, I enjoy the videos, keep it in the wind.
Regardless of any list, I never buy a bike unless i can take a test drive but always carry license with an unlimited motorcycle endorsement. You can hear and feel the motor and tranny working along with the brakes, lights, etc. etc. Nothing takes the place of a test drive in my opinion. Test drives never let me down for the past 50 years of riding/buying. Why didn't you mention this critical "inspection" item on your list? Some sellers don't like test rides so be prepared to put some cash down or sign an agreement that if you dump it, you buy it!!! You gotta be willing to put yourself in the seller's shoes too.
Everybody is making fun of him for "not a big deal, talk him down a couple hundred bucks" but this guy has built a pretty successful dealership so it's probably a good attitude. Find one or two of these and you can get five or six hundred bucks off and maybe it won't be a big deal.
God, I would do anything to get me a bike like that. Totally my style. Hopefully, one day, I can afford one. Great channel bro. Great info. God bless brother
Great video and good looking bike. Thanks for the tip. I had a atv accident on August 2nd and broke my left leg had 5 surgery’s and a skin graft it’s Dec.6th now and I’m just now learning how to walk with one crutch and I’m praying and hoping by Spring i’m totally recovered and get me a bike and just enjoy the road.
The guy whos selling it to you might be wearing a cut and he gets real pissed at you for saying he doesn't take care of his bike knocks you out not a deal breaker you know its just the price of doing business. lmao.
Ha! Just made a deal on a 08 Sportster. Wish I'd seen this video before hand. Good info on checking both VIN's. In my experience tires and fluids need to be changed unless new because you need to know how old they are before you ride (maintenance baseline). I didn't but should have checked the fuse box to see if it's been accessed (should be nice and dirty). I did check the tailpipe for black residue (rich). Didn't smell rich or lean on startup. I checked the steering head bearings. If it was an expensive bike I normally get a compression test and a leak down too (Harley does a pre-buy inspection for a couple of hundred and well worth it.) Less expensive is to pull a plug and look at the color and do a test ride. The Sporty was priced low and parts are everywhere so if I screwed up it won't be a disaster. I like your idea of bringing a friend or getting a friend to look it over too. Bikes are so much fun (40 years and counting :) Good video as always... YIC
"Nobody paints a perfectly good motorcycle ", come on Shawn,we paint our Harleys because we want to! Weather the previous paint was original or not most real(old school) Harley riders personalize their scooters to their taste! Maranatha, Greetings from Tampa Florida 😎
If I took the tip on not buying a motorcycle because of the scratches. I'd never own a bike.. Sean I love you but then that's not a priority on things to look for. You want to check the brakes and the tires and clutch does it start up without issue? does it backfire?.. what do the spark plugs look like? I like to pull out the dipstick and make sure that the oils not milky white and creamy. Also does the person selling it to you have any service records or are they mechanically inclined and took care of these things. These are the little things I look for.
I'm 73 years old and I have a 1996 Harley Davidson Softail which is getting to heavy for me and want to trade down to a Sportster. Your video is going to help me a lot and I plan on printing the check list. Thank you very much from Massachusetts. Gil
I do all my own services... But I keep the Castrol bottles as proof I did them at the regular intervals! I've got quite a few empties stacked up now lol...
Make sure you also ask the rider questions about himself. How have you been feeling lately? Whens the last time you called your grandma? You paid off that mortgage yet?
Hey there -- to anyone who can help! So would you say that rust in the fuel tank causes damage beyond repair? I am interested in a bike that has sat out for a little over a year and there is rust inside the fuel tank. Not a whole lot, but when I got a flashlight to it, I could see some deeper in the tank where fuel has been sitting. I talked to a shop and they said it's a gamble to try to repair. The bike is listed for an amazing price and even after a couple thousand in repair, it would still be cheaper than retail price. I've considered the option of buying a new tank but don't want to go through the hassle of painting since the bike has custom paint.
Pro tip on buying a used bike. If someone put those ugly ass handle bars on it don’t buy it. In my experience anyone doing that cares more about what they think looks good rather then spending money on upkeep
I’m about to buy my first bike used from a private seller. He owes money on it and we’re supposed to go to the bank and pay it off with the money I give him. I guess that’s fair not ideal but fair. I’m going to do a title and lien search when I go to see the bike. If it’s all true than we got a deal so long as they can transfer title to me upon satisfying the lien. Let’s see what happens.
-Dont make the “WOW, a motorcycle” emotional purchase. -Check Everywhere for scrapes and dents (indications of accident or drops). -ALWAYS VERIFY VIN & Title. -Thoroughly inspect for leaks. -Check under seat. -Inspect Tires, Break pads and lines, and Fork Seals.
I really didn't watch the whole video, (I am a rider with over 50 years experience) but one of the most important tips of buying a used motorcycle is to ensure that you arrive when the bike has been sitting a while and has not been started or run before you arrive. The engine must be COLD. Instruct the seller to NOT start the bike before hand. Touch engine and exhaust ! This will assure you that on older bikes the choke and carburator(s) will function as they should and will start the bike with minimal crank overs. If that doesn't happen, ask questions. Also, before even going to look at any bike, ask if owner has ALL maintenance records on file. If not, don't even go. Excuses don't cut it.
So if you're not a mechanic please make friends with one or find one that you trust in your area I think everybody should pick a good mechanic that is knowledgeable and hold on to them they're worth their waiting gold will save you lots of money from buying something that honestly you should not have
I never go and buy expensive items from an individual with large amounts of money on me. I only evaluate it and then tell them I'll be back if I want it. Yeah I might be missing out on a good deal if he sells it B4 I come back but it's better than getting robbed 4 or 5k or making impulse buys.
Just found you guys absolutely love the channel and energy you out out in the world……I’m still dying laughing from the words “I’m over the whole wow it’s a motorcycle” ain’t that the truth I still feel like that every second of everyday😂🙏👊
$2000 to replace fork sliders? That's insane when they only cost around $215 each for that model. And that's the OEM parts from Harley Davidson. And I'd much rather buy a beat up Harley for cheap and throw a few dollars at it to make it look and run good again then sell it. Done it a couple times. Also, on Harleys the VIN is on the engine also. If they don't match up that doesn't mean it's stolen. It could just be a replacement engine. And in MS whatever the frame VIN identifies it as is what it's titled as. Doesn't matter if it's a 1977 FLH frame modified to fit an evo engine from a 92 Fatboy.
I watched this video while waiting for the owner of a bike. Just before looking at the bike got to the part about the fork seals and stopped watching. Then when inspecting the bike...(the owner said the clutch was going bad and breaks but said nothing about the forks) went to look at them..both not one but both were slimy! He even played off how gone the clutch actually was. Basically was lied to and only got half the truth about the bike. This video helped me a lot! Thanks for the help! :) I didn't buy the bike.
I wish I found this video before I bought my basket case already have 2k into it and I probably still have another thousand to go before it's on the road hindsight's 20/20
Tips on buying a used motorcycle- Buy a Honda, not a Harley. -Used Honda you drive trouble-free for 50,000 miles. -Used Harley, you dump in 1000s of $ into a lawn ornament. If you must buy a Harley, get a new one so you can ride it. I'm not exaggerating very much. You're welcome.
I bought my '78 Yamaha SR500 over the internet and only saw pictures, almost 20 years ago. 1) It's a Yamaha 2) It was pristine 3) the SR500 is a simple, bullet proof bike. It's almost 50 years old and it's still my daily ride.
