things to check when buying a bike?

[metamorphpwner]

Hi,
what sort of things should I be checking when looking at a used bike, i'd normally take my dad but due to us both working different shifts we'd have to wait until weekend and it could go before then.

2003 zx6r 636. 17500 miles.
tyres, brake, steering, engine noise, bearing noise when rolling, straight forks etc.

any other things? the guy is putting a full mot on the bike once sold, so assuming it's a clean pass then it should be all good?

 

[metamorphpwner]

Yeah, forgot forks....
History upto 15000, then self service. Will check for receipts.

 

[metamorphpwner]

all good points, i'll try to remember everything. i'm going to try contact my uncle to take him If I can, he'll be able to test ride if I can't.
.
how many miles do you get from the chain/sprockets?

MOT history site:
oil leak - around 6000 miles but not listed on any of the newer tests, so should have been fixed.
pads/tyres near limit
+
chain too loose/tight - six time over 10000 miles
noisy exhaust

mainly wear items, but also maybe not getting checked by previous owners/

 

[metamorphpwner]

Once it's sold....??!!
So it wouldn't pass an MoT beforehand and once you bought it, it's your problem?
Sounds a bit suspect to me...

Get a copy of Bike Trader magazine - Every issue, usually inside cover pages, they have a full breakdown of what to look for as a potential buyer, as well as a seller's guide too.

sorry, I meant once someone was interested. so it would come with the full mot before cash is paid.

 

[metamorphpwner]

If he put an MOT on it before it was sold it would mean if it didn't sell for a month the new owner would only get a 11 months MOT - I'm guessing it's already got an MOT, just means it'll have a nice fresh 12 months MOT for the new owner. Nothing bad about that.

I.e. once someone has put a deposit down, it'll be MOT'd before they collect it.

exactly this, mot is april so would get full 12 month for the new owner.