Buying a USED Sport Bike

[newbiker]

Hey fellows,

I'm looking to buy a sport bike (Honda or Kawi). Prefer 2013 - 2014 models (due to budget), with under 10K miles - - price depends on mileage/condition/mods/etc. I have 2 questions -

1. Is there a shop you can recommend that'll do a complete check up/diagnose the bike to ensure nothing major is needed / no accidents, etc?

2. This is a silly question, but I'll ask anyway - Can I get ABS installed on a non-ABS bike? I mean, if that bike originally comes from factory with option of ABS / non-ABS. Can ABS be installed at a later time and fully programmed to work as it should on their ABS model?

...Just wondering if it's doable and the expense it many incur... :ride

 

[russ69]

1. Is there a shop you can recommend that'll do a complete check up/diagnose the bike to ensure nothing major is needed / no accidents, etc?

Ask for the service records and take someone knowledgeable with you when you inspect the bike.

2. This is a silly question, but I'll ask anyway - Can I get ABS installed on a non-ABS bike?...

Probably not (It can be done but the cost will not make it worth it). If it is important to you buy a bike that already has it.

 

[sixtytwo]

1. Is there a shop you can recommend that'll do a complete check up/diagnose the bike to ensure nothing major is needed / no accidents, etc?

Probably - but that's not the problem here.. You probably won't be able to get the seller to agree to take the bike to a shop - most private party bike transactions are done on the spot, cash for pink slip, maybe after a test ride if they're cool with it. Best bet is to bring someone who knows their stuff with you.

If you're concerned about this stuff, buy used from a dealer.

2. This is a silly question, but I'll ask anyway - Can I get ABS installed on a non-ABS bike? I mean, if that bike originally comes from factory with option of ABS / non-ABS. Can ABS be installed at a later time and fully programmed to work as it should on their ABS model?

Since you're buying a used bike, I'll assume you're looking to save some money. You can probably swap the front end and ECU for the ABS version if there was an option, but it'd be more expensive than just getting the ABS version of the bike.

 

[newbiker]

Thanks guys... Got the answer to my question #2.

But to bring someone with me? Hummm...where do I find someone? Put up a post here?

 

[sckego]

You might be able to find someone who's willing to do a prepurchase inspection. I'd advise finding a shop convenient for them, and tell them you'll pay for the inspection, plus a deposit on the bike (refundable if the inspection turns up anything bad). That way even if you don't buy it, they have an inspection to show other buyers.

Note that you're not going to get a good deal this way. The well-priced bikes will disappear quickly with little effort on the part of the seller. Someone who's looking to get top dollar for their bike is probably a better bet.

 

[fubar929]

1. Is there a shop you can recommend that'll do a complete check up/diagnose the bike to ensure nothing major is needed / no accidents, etc?

I tend to think that pre-purchase inspections are a waste of money. They're unlikely to spot internal engine problems, which are the ones that will cost you a ton of money. Everything else you can probably spot yourself either while looking at the bike or during a test-ride.

 

[Holeshot]

What's your budget? You don't want ABS (It's awful on a sport bike). You want a good TC. The 2013 Kawi 636 is an excellent bike. Get it (without ABS) and you'll be in heaven.

 

[Slow Goat]

Depending on the Dealer I think you're better off looking there. The stuff they take in on trade that they resell themselves (as opposed the stuff they just wholesale out) is usually low mileage and checked pretty thoroughly.

Plus, with some haggling you can get the F&I Guy to lower the cost of a 2yr extended-warranty for some piece of mind.

Private Party (outside of BARF) is a crapshoot, caveat emptor indeed.