Things I used in this video: 1. Actron Scan Tool: amzn.to/2ngeCQJ 2. Common Sense 3. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2hZ4AxX 4. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9 5. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 6. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 7. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA
Grab the front brake and press the forks into the ground and then you'll see if you are leaking fork oil. Plus check the oil and ask what oil they use you'd be surprised how many of them don't know that question
richard clark Is your masculinity THAT fragile? Lol if you're not gay why would it be gay to do a simple 5 min ride with a seller? Although it's definitely not safe to do, it's certainly not gay :P
Most motorcycles don't have ODB II ports. They are semi ODB II complaint but most will have a proprietary port for connecting to the bike. It's really stupid because there should be a standard made for motorcycles that everyone uses.
You could also just let the owner hold the cash in hand while you test ride it. It's a good suggestion to go for a test ride anyway even if it's not you but most people wouldn't ride passenger on a bike from any stranger. Although, this is a great guide on buying used motorcycles. Thanks Scotty! Sweet ride!
Cool video! I just bought a 2011 zuma over the weekend for $1200. I checked everything you did except the gas tank Only thing I found missing after buying it was the air filter. Bike runs perfect and has only 3200 miles. I love bikes!
some good info here ..I was a motorcycle tech for 46 years now retired,you forgot to mention with the LED blinkers that they also require resistors to but load on the blinker cam,and another good tip is to put motor into 1st gear foot on the brake to load up the crankshaft and primary ,open throttle slowly letting clutch out until motor tries to stall. and listen for any noises due to stress or wear ...just a little tip
imo bad advice on the chain. clean and lubed doesn't tell a thing. That can be done a day before. Check if you can pull the chain off the back of the sprocket. If you can pull it away a couple of millimeters, the chain is worn out. Even if the sprockets are good. Also, in my opinion. If the seller doesn't let you test drive, i would walk away. i''m laying down good money for the bike, and i want to test it. If you don't let me, you could very well be hiding something. bad brakes, pulling to one side when braking (the owner could adjust for it and you wouldn't notice it), steering vibrations, worn out clutch etc. You could always make an agreement with the seller that you buy it when you wreck it or anything like that. Also general points, look for standard maintenance points. It can tell a lot about how the bike was maintained. If the brake pads are thin, the brake fluid low and dirty and the chain worn out. Chances are other maintenance points are also neglected. Think about tires, oil, valve adjustments, air filters etc. Can be costly to do all those things afterwards. And especially bad oil policies can severely shorten engine life. And as a last point, research the bike in advance. See what it's weak points are and check those. For example, some bikes have bad fuel pumps, but you only really notice that when riding on reserve tank as gravity is enough when the tank is ful (carburated bikes). If that's a weak point, try to check the pump. Could save you from a high repair bill. If it's broken, walk away or adjust your price
Pulling on the chain doesn't mean the chain is worn. You periodically have to adjust the slack, every 300 miles or so. A heavy slack chain could mean it hasn't been adjusted recently.
@@deltasword1994 you pull on the back of the sprocket. If you get slack there, there is room for the chain to slide across the sprocket. That's simply wear. A fresh but loose chain set still doesn't have slack on the back of the sprocket
@@Ducati_Dude that's your call off course But personally, I'm buying an expensive piece of kit with lots of potential problems. So I want to see how it is. A nicely polished fairing doesn't fix a thrashed engine or anything. I understand if the seller wants some security. And I've seen multiple versions of that. Some people take your ID, or your car keys, or the asking price in advance. That's reasonably fair and everyone's choice what they want to do. But if there is absolutely no option to test the bike, it has to be really really cheap or I'm gone
these triumphs are made by Thais in Thailand, who are obviously more into building them than the english were, always going on strike and then going bankrupt. They do more than make great food.
that's cause they aren't set up right, you can't just bolt an aftermarket exhaust on and drive, the fuel injection system has to be modified with software for them to run correctly, as mine is.
Lots of good tips here! I'v been playing with my Goldwing for about a month, and have finally got it straightened out. Really glad the electrical issue turned out to be the plug wires. It had an oil leak, but replacing the valve cover gasket, and bolt seals was a breeze.
Believe231 It's an 84 GL1200I. Great bike, but the 85's and up, are easier to work on. I'm going to get rid of it while it's still running great. Just replaced the saddle bags, and trunk. Got a new front, and lower fairings for it. After I hit it with some fresh paint it's going online. I love riding it, but no-one will work on it around where I live. If they can't hook a diagnostics scanner up to it, they don't want to touch it.
Good points. I always tell people I'll leave them the cash while I test drive, this way if I wreck, I buy. Usually can get a ride that way. Also listen for knocking or pinging and for any road rash or bent parts from laying it down.
EFI Triumph Thruxton, very nice choice! been working on those at a couple dealerships over the years and I cannot recommend the Bonneville's enough for people whop want a fun, easy to live with motorcycle. The rear shocks on them are pretty bad though, look into a decent aftermarket set, the Progressive suspensions replacements are reasonably priced and give a good comfortable ride. The fork springs aren't great either, progressive makes a good set of those too. Play with different grades of fork oil to get the ride You want. It really makes a good bike so much better.
A couple of things I noticed real quick. The chain and sprocket are worn out. The adjuster was all the way out. This is caused by the previous owner over tightening during service. The condition you explained was correct but is caused by heavy acceleration with a loose chain. Next, the cats interaction with the OBD Scanner reminded me of some very old school mechanics I know.....LOL And lastly, God Bless Texas!!!
Scotty I watched your video even though I would never buy a bike. Just like you said in your video owners won't let you ride it cuz their afraid you'll wreck it. I'm dangerous enough on 4 wheels. Thank you for your service to our country Scotty. Blessings!
I would also check bar-ends and bent levers for signs of being dropped or crashed. Check the handlebars are straight - another sign of a crash or drop.
If I am looking for a used street bike I also run my index finger under the fenders to see if there is any built up dirt or mud and if there is I will probably reject it. In my humble opinion, a street bike is not designed to be ridden off road. I also take a high powered flashlight to look under the engine and lower frame parts to spot any leaks or patches of mud, but I am a very particular motorcycle rider suffering from OCB LOL!
Scotty ALWAYS gives good advice. The tank issue is always a factor to consider. Here in Florida, humidity and lack of riding in summer for most bikes will rust the inside of the bike and ruin the engine IF the old gas is used with all the rust slurry floating around in it. Were talking fuel injector rebuild or cleaning if possible or just an entirely new system. I'd have any bike tested by a bike mechanic before purchase. The cat needs to be paid...
A quick inspection tip for anyone considering any bike with a chain/sprocket final drive... If the freeplay in the middle of the bottom run of chain is correct, but when you go to the back of the rear sprocket, pull on the links on it, and can see air between the tip of a sprocket tooth and the links... your chain is internally worn out and will require replacement. A fresh chain will have a tiny bit slack on a serviceable sprocket, but never near a full tooth.
I'll add check the tire's life (they can be shockingly expensive for motorcycles), and you really need to ride it so you can check for bent bars/forks. It can be really hard to tell just looking at it, but as soon as you start moving it's readily apparent. I would only buy from a guy that seemed like he stuck to the maintenance schedule, too. At the very least did his oil changes. Once they get to 20K it seems like if proper oil changes weren't done, that's when a lot of bikes start crapping out on you in a hurry, at least in my experience. It's always good to haggle over accessories too, like helmets, riding suits and gear, heated vests, luggage cases/trunks, etc
Scotti- if I was going to buy a Triumph I think I would have looked for an old school Bonneville or Trident, nice restoration project. I had a 74 Kawasaki Z-1 back in the day and I used some type of white tank liner that came in a can, after getting rid of much rust as possible by putting a non motorcycle chain in the tank and shaking it you put in this milky substance and let it dry for a few days, result = no more carb contamination
old school triumphs were a pain in the ass, I lived through that era. The new ones are bulletproof super overbuilt design with two oil pumps inside the engine. And watch out for that liner, cause modern ethanol laced gasoline will eat that right off the tank inside.
I know this usually isn't a problem in road bikes, but on a dirt bike or dual sport bike you should check that the frame isn't bent or cracked. I don't mind people jumping dirt bikes, as long as the ramp isn't too steep and as long as they have the skill. You should also check that the rear shock hasn't been sandblasted and is seized up and ruined. I see that a lot on bikes like 150ccs and lower that don't have shock guards fitted by default. I also check the oil pan and if that's fine and if I buy it I'm still fitting a skid plate on it. I've done that, but on a truck.
You should also check the stop nubs on the triple tree to see if it has had a hard hit. That is the one thing that the bike shops owners over look when they repair a wrecked bike.
congratulations. on the new bike i love my triump rocket roadster i never buy a bike i couldn't. test ride or start from a cold start. i always perfer shaft driven bikes less maintance and ive never had any problems with them however you do need to use extra caution in slippery condtions
a lot of the time a good carb cleaning and valve adjustment will get a hard or no start bike going. just make sure you are getting good spark and compression
How about you start a New motorbikes fixing and explaining series , no one ever did a series like that , i dont even know ho a motor bike works , it would be an amazing new idea that i will be really excited to watch , specially from you scotty .
Great Tips Scotty! I'd add to only buy from an owner who is knowledgeable about motorcycles and maintenance. Also dont forget to check the tires! As a new set of tires can set you back $100s and be unsafe to ride . & Yes the new led blinkers look "much sexier!" :)
At last, we caught you doing a byke. Moto of this channel for bikers was, don't get wet in rain, don't smash against a stopping car. i have 1 bike accident per on my car.its heavily raining in india, i cant see any thing around me. unless its headlights are on, or emergency lights on.
Still lookin for that damn port under the back seat. 1968 Triumph Trophy Sports 2012 total rebuild "All The Way" by Big D Cycle 12,500 miles to date. Thank's for defending us Scotty. -Former Recondo Sgt, 'Rock' 82nd Abn. 1/504 Inf. 71-74 122116
Nice tips. I also like starting prospective used vehicle purchases when they are cold too. The OBD II scanner is a must because some dishonest used vehicle sellers disable or bypass the dash check engine lights.
Chain: flex and more info? Rubber collectors, front suspension leaks, rebound, rotors, original colour (bought it blue, Yamaha then told me it was red to begin with and I had even the gear lever break since it had been welded!)
These rules seem to apply to someone that's just wanting a bike to get from point A to point B and isn't necessarily concerned about a specific model or type. Now if someone was looking for a specific type of bike, That's different. So then if a bike has been sitting and won't start, That wouldn't bee a good reason not to buy it. I've bought bikes that were low mileage and been just sitting. I had to replace or clean the tank and carbs but was worth it. My best buy was a 07 Shadow 750 that had been parked for 4 years and only had 114 miles! It was a lady that stayed so nervous in traffic that she eventually parked it for good. I paid $1600.00 for it and put around $200.00 to get it running (That was with me doing the work) So IF the price is right sometimes you can't go wrong, even if you have to have a shop repair it
Check if the chain is 'stretched' go to the rear part of the rear sprocket - grab the chain - it should only be able to be pulled away from the sprocket a tiny bit - if the bottom of the chain clears the top of the sprocket teeth it is in trouble.
re: backfiring... lots of perfectly-fine (mechanically) motorcycles have aftermarket pipes that backfire upon deceleration (apparently desirable, from an audio-aesthetics standpoint). Doesn't mean anything's wrong with the bike though (except the nut that connects the handlebars to the seat). ;-)
Only thing I would add is if it has a centerstand ( they all should in my opinion) grasp the front/back wheel s and check for play which would gauge the wheel bearing s wear.
At least in my neck of the woods, they will typically let you test ride the bike IF you put the asking price in their hand in cash. Also, backfiring, in small amounts can occur if the air intake or exhaust was modified. If indeed so, not necessarily a big deal or deal-breaker in my opinion. Rust in gas tank is no good but for really old bikes it is more common than you would think and doesn't necessarily require the gas tank to be replaced. My project bike (1987 Honda Magna) had rust all over and even inside the gas tank. Took it to a local shop to have it de-rusted and then coated with Kreem. It should cost like $60-$100, not much more than that. If you are really on a budget, you could by the rust remover and Kreem sealer, cost around $35-$45 for both and do it yourself using nuts and bolts inside the tank along with the rust remover but it is a bit time consuming and pain in the rear.
If there is oil leaks, go get you a cheap gasket set after you buy it. Use the oil leaks as a bargaining chip to Jew the guy down on the price. Make lemonaid out of a lemon.
should of mentioned about the foot pegs, sides of the exhaust pipes, the lower part of the front shocks/engine, and handle bar ends, check to see if the bike's been dropped or leaned over to far
My neighbor is a kitty cat and yesterday he was in his driveway workin on his toyota prius, he said it had an electrical problem. He seemed very interested.
For the record if the guy doesnt agree to the test ride, you can always inspect the brakes while the bike is stopped, just have to press the brake lever and try to move the bike back and forth simultaneously
What I Understand Above me. Thanks & You Welcome. Info was Good. Check The Engine&Transmission Leeks Check Starting the Engine Check Look With a Flash Light Gaz Tank For Rust Make Sure It's Clean Check Suspension Lubricanted Front&Back Check No Smoke Coming From the Exsos Check Sprouquet need to be Flat Hat Check Chain If it's Lubricanted & Clean Check OBD Not Obligated Check make sure No Corowgine on The Battery Check Every Lights Check if you can ask The Owner to give you a drive to listen to the Engine&transmission and to test the Brakes how Good the Brake. END.
Wow you're the best this really helped especially since I got a Thruxton as well! 7k miles everything looks good except for there's mild rust on the metal bar attached to the engine behind the radiator but I'm sure it can be cleaned off
Hi Scotty. Love your videos! Could you do a similar video like this as to what to look for if a seller is trying to sell a bike that has hidden damage?
How about checking the bakes: rotors/fluid/brake pads/action/brake light? And the wheel bearings? And check for free play of the steering? Free play in frame? The condition of the clutch? Or are they all reported via the OBD 2 port :-)
ALWAYS look at case around front sprocket "flashlight" if chain ever came off or broke it will instantly ball up in there and brake things. Check All Suzuki GSX-R'S it's common! And easy to hide with just a new side cover.
Here in Asia people ride 100cc motorcycles 150,000 kilometers or more, but repairs are dirt cheap. Those small engines often last that long without a rebuild. (PS for Americans that's about 90,000 miles)
Take a metal straight edge to check for rotor warp. Check the brake lines to see if they need to be replaced. Also check the brake pads. There is really a lot more to check.
"often hard to start when cold"? I have been riding 35 years and never run into a bike that was harder to start when cold, except in winter weather when I would carry a can of starter fluid to get my bike to start. That was a kick start 1972 Kawasaki H2.
You forgot to say check the instruments work, especially the speedometer and odometer, and check that the throttle cable(s) and clutch cable are in good condition.
Things I used in this video:
1. Actron Scan Tool: amzn.to/2ngeCQJ
2. Common Sense
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4. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9
5. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz
6. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf
7. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C
🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend:
www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer
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If a bike only has 20K miles it's very unlikely that it has a worn engine right? even if its old
You forgot one
8.) Cat
Scotty Kilmer did you take the cat for a ride?
4-17-18
Scotty Kilmer OMG KITTY I LOVE CATS 🐈
Scotty Kilmer I just purchased a 72 honda cb500 with a cb550 motor 4cylinder have you had any experience with them and what are common issues.
Grab the front brake and press the forks into the ground and then you'll see if you are leaking fork oil. Plus check the oil and ask what oil they use you'd be surprised how many of them don't know that question
The Muscle Biker if the forks are inverted all ya have to do is touch the forks by the dust seal
The Muscle Biker I
I'm just got my motorcycle license, what is the best motor oil should a motorcycle use?
Agree with everything except riding on the back of a stranger's motorcycle. Never.
Hans Zarkov it was just a suggestion he's trying to help..
yeah, shit just got gay.
richard clark Is your masculinity THAT fragile? Lol if you're not gay why would it be gay to do a simple 5 min ride with a seller? Although it's definitely not safe to do, it's certainly not gay :P
I'm pretty sure the concern is his safety, not sexuality...
You got that right.
never in my life have 3 minute videos, consumed days, of pure entertainment and learning.
Please make a video on " How to buy a used cat"
Hilarious Hhahaha
placing food outside increases the spawn rate of cats, as well as foxes and possums
@ww ww Tell me that. The cat costs more than my bike to run.
Buy a Japanese one
"Used"....what?!??
I had no idea motorcycles had OBD II ports... that's cool.
Most motorcycles don't have ODB II ports. They are semi ODB II complaint but most will have a proprietary port for connecting to the bike. It's really stupid because there should be a standard made for motorcycles that everyone uses.
I never knew that either.
My last bike was a 2010 and certainly didn't have an OB2 port. It was carbureted!
me too
yep we had Snapon diagnostic unit and had to buy cables for different bikes ..and they know how to charge for them too
instantly liked for the cat bit
Dat cat triple slap doe.
You could also just let the owner hold the cash in hand while you test ride it.
It's a good suggestion to go for a test ride anyway even if it's not you but most people wouldn't ride passenger on a bike from any stranger. Although, this is a great guide on buying used motorcycles. Thanks Scotty! Sweet ride!
Would that be a cat scan?
You missed the most important thing - to check the vin. I wouldn't touch a bike if the vin doesn't match
Very good advice. Top of the list.
Cool video! I just bought a 2011 zuma over the weekend for $1200. I checked everything you did except the gas tank Only thing I found missing after buying it was the air filter. Bike runs perfect and has only 3200 miles. I love bikes!
some good info here ..I was a motorcycle tech for 46 years now retired,you forgot to mention with the LED blinkers that they also require resistors to but load on the blinker cam,and another good tip is to put motor into 1st gear foot on the brake to load up the crankshaft and primary ,open throttle slowly letting clutch out until motor tries to stall.
and listen for any noises due to stress or wear ...just a little tip
Scotty Kilmer for President!
THANK YOOOOOOOOU GRANDPA!
imo bad advice on the chain.
clean and lubed doesn't tell a thing. That can be done a day before. Check if you can pull the chain off the back of the sprocket. If you can pull it away a couple of millimeters, the chain is worn out. Even if the sprockets are good.
Also, in my opinion. If the seller doesn't let you test drive, i would walk away. i''m laying down good money for the bike, and i want to test it. If you don't let me, you could very well be hiding something. bad brakes, pulling to one side when braking (the owner could adjust for it and you wouldn't notice it), steering vibrations, worn out clutch etc.
You could always make an agreement with the seller that you buy it when you wreck it or anything like that.
Also general points, look for standard maintenance points. It can tell a lot about how the bike was maintained. If the brake pads are thin, the brake fluid low and dirty and the chain worn out. Chances are other maintenance points are also neglected. Think about tires, oil, valve adjustments, air filters etc. Can be costly to do all those things afterwards. And especially bad oil policies can severely shorten engine life.
And as a last point, research the bike in advance. See what it's weak points are and check those. For example, some bikes have bad fuel pumps, but you only really notice that when riding on reserve tank as gravity is enough when the tank is ful (carburated bikes). If that's a weak point, try to check the pump. Could save you from a high repair bill. If it's broken, walk away or adjust your price
@Timberleek ---> Disagree on letting a potential buyer test ride your ride. Hey... if it is a deal breaker then so be it...
Pulling on the chain doesn't mean the chain is worn. You periodically have to adjust the slack, every 300 miles or so. A heavy slack chain could mean it hasn't been adjusted recently.
@@Ducati_Dude I would never buy a bike that I wasn't allowed to ride and shift through all of the gears. Sorry, but that is a deal breaker.
@@deltasword1994 you pull on the back of the sprocket. If you get slack there, there is room for the chain to slide across the sprocket. That's simply wear.
A fresh but loose chain set still doesn't have slack on the back of the sprocket
@@Ducati_Dude that's your call off course
But personally, I'm buying an expensive piece of kit with lots of potential problems. So I want to see how it is.
A nicely polished fairing doesn't fix a thrashed engine or anything.
I understand if the seller wants some security. And I've seen multiple versions of that. Some people take your ID, or your car keys, or the asking price in advance.
That's reasonably fair and everyone's choice what they want to do. But if there is absolutely no option to test the bike, it has to be really really cheap or I'm gone
I thought if a Triumph wasn't leaking it meant it was out of oil? ;)
Thanks for the video Scotty.
these triumphs are made by Thais in Thailand, who are obviously more into building them than the english were, always going on strike and then going bankrupt. They do more than make great food.
@@scottykilmer The thais also make the Isuzu small tutes and holden Colorado
@@thatlookslikeanasteroid1926 and multiple Toyotas and Hondas as well
I disagree about back firing.
90% of the new bikes pop like mad because of the aftermarket exhaust,even if they bike is brand new.
that's cause they aren't set up right, you can't just bolt an aftermarket exhaust on and drive, the fuel injection system has to be modified with software for them to run correctly, as mine is.
Yes,but that do not mean that you must consider the bike as bad,like you said in the video.
bad enough, let the owner fix it first. Cause backfiring is often worn valves which cost a fortune to replace
+Scotty Kilmer If the Triumph as air injection you will have popping from the exhaust on over run. Know your bikes
The air injection as been removed on your bike, and ECU reprogrammed
Your enthusiasm is the best. Thank you for all the great content!
Lots of good tips here! I'v been playing with my Goldwing for about a month, and have finally got it straightened out. Really glad the electrical issue turned out to be the plug wires. It had an oil leak, but replacing the valve cover gasket, and bolt seals was a breeze.
Cool. What year?
Believe231 It's an 84 GL1200I. Great bike, but the 85's and up, are easier to work on. I'm going to get rid of it while it's still running great. Just replaced the saddle bags, and trunk. Got a new front, and lower fairings for it. After I hit it with some fresh paint it's going online. I love riding it, but no-one will work on it around where I live. If they can't hook a diagnostics scanner up to it, they don't want to touch it.
Yep, takes real diagnostic skills to work on them ol bikes...
Believe231 It takes a mechanic to work on them, and real mechanics are hard to find anymore.
Yep, but I've learned that working on my own bikes, old or new, I get the chance to really "know" the bikes that way...
Good points. I always tell people I'll leave them the cash while I test drive, this way if I wreck, I buy. Usually can get a ride that way. Also listen for knocking or pinging and for any road rash or bent parts from laying it down.
EFI Triumph Thruxton, very nice choice! been working on those at a couple dealerships over the years and I cannot recommend the Bonneville's enough for people whop want a fun, easy to live with motorcycle. The rear shocks on them are pretty bad though, look into a decent aftermarket set, the Progressive suspensions replacements are reasonably priced and give a good comfortable ride. The fork springs aren't great either, progressive makes a good set of those too. Play with different grades of fork oil to get the ride You want. It really makes a good bike so much better.
thank you for the name do you know the year and how reliable they are?
Going to test ride an ‘06 Thruxton tomorrow, if everything checks out, I’ll see you on the road my friend. Thanks for the info.
A couple of things I noticed real quick.
The chain and sprocket are worn out. The adjuster was all the way out. This is caused by the previous owner over tightening during service. The condition you explained was correct but is caused by heavy acceleration with a loose chain.
Next, the cats interaction with the OBD Scanner reminded me of some very old school mechanics I know.....LOL
And lastly, God Bless Texas!!!
thanks for the info, going to look at a used bike soon and this video is helpful
Scotty I watched your video even though I would never buy a bike. Just like you said in your video owners won't let you ride it cuz their afraid you'll wreck it. I'm dangerous enough on 4 wheels. Thank you for your service to our country Scotty. Blessings!
I love how you put your kitty cat in the video! To of my favorite things, kitties and bikes!!
I would also check bar-ends and bent levers for signs of being dropped or crashed. Check the handlebars are straight - another sign of a crash or drop.
Scotty is my go to for car and bike maintenance.
Thank you for clarifying the cat issue.. I was hesitant but you cleared that up
If I am looking for a used street bike I also run my index finger under the fenders to see if there is any built up dirt or mud and if there is I will probably reject it. In my humble opinion, a street bike is not designed to be ridden off road. I also take a high powered flashlight to look under the engine and lower frame parts to spot any leaks or patches of mud, but I am a very particular motorcycle rider suffering from OCB LOL!
Scotty ALWAYS gives good advice. The tank issue is always a factor to consider. Here in Florida, humidity and lack of riding in summer for most bikes will rust the inside of the bike and ruin the engine IF the old gas is used with all the rust slurry floating around in it. Were talking fuel injector rebuild or cleaning if possible or just an entirely new system. I'd have any bike tested by a bike mechanic before purchase. The cat needs to be paid...
Look closely at the swing arm as well, i have often found cracks on many of them right where the axle tube goes through.
A quick inspection tip for anyone considering any bike with a chain/sprocket final drive...
If the freeplay in the middle of the bottom run of chain is correct, but when you go to the back of the rear sprocket, pull on the links on it, and can see air between the tip of a sprocket tooth and the links... your chain is internally worn out and will require replacement. A fresh chain will have a tiny bit slack on a serviceable sprocket, but never near a full tooth.
I'll add check the tire's life (they can be shockingly expensive for motorcycles), and you really need to ride it so you can check for bent bars/forks. It can be really hard to tell just looking at it, but as soon as you start moving it's readily apparent. I would only buy from a guy that seemed like he stuck to the maintenance schedule, too. At the very least did his oil changes. Once they get to 20K it seems like if proper oil changes weren't done, that's when a lot of bikes start crapping out on you in a hurry, at least in my experience. It's always good to haggle over accessories too, like helmets, riding suits and gear, heated vests, luggage cases/trunks, etc
Scotty is a motorcycle enthusiast I love it 🫡🤷🏼♂️
Scotti- if I was going to buy a Triumph I think I would have looked for an old school Bonneville or Trident, nice restoration project. I had a 74 Kawasaki Z-1 back in the day and I used some type of white tank liner that came in a can, after getting rid of much rust as possible by putting a non motorcycle chain in the tank and shaking it you put in this milky substance and let it dry for a few days, result = no more carb contamination
old school triumphs were a pain in the ass, I lived through that era. The new ones are bulletproof super overbuilt design with two oil pumps inside the engine. And watch out for that liner, cause modern ethanol laced gasoline will eat that right off the tank inside.
i like the old turn singles they are big easy to see..nice bike i learned to drive on a 650 trumpy at 16..yr age ..the trumpies have improved much..
Thanks for the video! Looking for a used motorcycle to ride, when I want my 1983 Harley Davidson FXWG to rest.
Scotty these type of videos are the best so much detail in this to show people what to watch out for
Thanks now I'll make a good purchase on my first motorcycle.
I know this usually isn't a problem in road bikes, but on a dirt bike or dual sport bike you should check that the frame isn't bent or cracked. I don't mind people jumping dirt bikes, as long as the ramp isn't too steep and as long as they have the skill. You should also check that the rear shock hasn't been sandblasted and is seized up and ruined. I see that a lot on bikes like 150ccs and lower that don't have shock guards fitted by default. I also check the oil pan and if that's fine and if I buy it I'm still fitting a skid plate on it. I've done that, but on a truck.
you got a famous bike right there scotty, that triumph was made famous on a spanish movie called "3 metros sobre el cielo"
You should also check the stop nubs on the triple tree to see if it has had a hard hit. That is the one thing that the bike shops owners over look when they repair a wrecked bike.
congratulations. on the new bike i love my triump rocket roadster i never buy a bike i couldn't. test ride or start from a cold start. i always perfer shaft driven bikes less maintance and ive never had any problems with them however you do need to use extra caution in slippery condtions
These are great tips Scotty, ta very much. I'm still looking to buy my first bike so this is very useful, great stuff as usual.
Did you get a bike?
a lot of the time a good carb cleaning and valve adjustment will get a hard or no start bike going. just make sure you are getting good spark and compression
That exhaust sounds amazing! Rev up your triumph!
Man I love your intros they never get old scotty
How about you start a New motorbikes fixing and explaining series , no one ever did a series like that , i dont even know ho a motor bike works , it would be an amazing new idea that i will be really excited to watch , specially from you scotty .
Great Tips Scotty! I'd add to only buy from an owner who is knowledgeable about motorcycles and maintenance. Also dont forget to check the tires! As a new set of tires can set you back $100s and be unsafe to ride . & Yes the new led blinkers look "much sexier!" :)
thanks scotty, gonna pick up a bike soon, really needed this!
At last, we caught you doing a byke.
Moto of this channel for bikers was, don't get wet in rain, don't smash against a stopping car. i have 1 bike accident per on my car.its heavily raining in india, i cant see any thing around me. unless its headlights are on, or emergency lights on.
Still lookin for that damn port under the back seat. 1968 Triumph Trophy Sports 2012 total rebuild "All The Way" by Big D Cycle 12,500 miles to date. Thank's for defending us Scotty.
-Former Recondo Sgt, 'Rock' 82nd Abn. 1/504 Inf. 71-74 122116
Nice tips. I also like starting prospective used vehicle purchases when they are cold too. The OBD II scanner is a must because some dishonest used vehicle sellers disable or bypass the dash check engine lights.
Chain: flex and more info? Rubber collectors, front suspension leaks, rebound, rotors, original colour (bought it blue, Yamaha then told me it was red to begin with and I had even the gear lever break since it had been welded!)
The cat is compatible with Renix, not OBD-II.
These rules seem to apply to someone that's just wanting a bike to get from point A to point B and isn't necessarily concerned about a specific model or type.
Now if someone was looking for a specific type of bike, That's different.
So then if a bike has been sitting and won't start, That wouldn't bee a good reason not to buy it.
I've bought bikes that were low mileage and been just sitting. I had to replace or clean the tank and carbs but was worth it.
My best buy was a 07 Shadow 750 that had been parked for 4 years and only had 114 miles!
It was a lady that stayed so nervous in traffic that she eventually parked it for good.
I paid $1600.00 for it and put around $200.00 to get it running (That was with me doing the work)
So IF the price is right sometimes you can't go wrong, even if you have to have a shop repair it
Check if the chain is 'stretched' go to the rear part of the rear sprocket - grab the chain - it should only be able to be pulled away from the sprocket a tiny bit - if the bottom of the chain clears the top of the sprocket teeth it is in trouble.
re: backfiring... lots of perfectly-fine (mechanically) motorcycles have aftermarket pipes that backfire upon deceleration (apparently desirable, from an audio-aesthetics standpoint). Doesn't mean anything's wrong with the bike though (except the nut that connects the handlebars to the seat). ;-)
What a patriot. Scotty is a living legend.
Scotty you are 100% A BEAST! Drive real fast but do not care!
Only thing I would add is if it has a centerstand ( they all should in my opinion) grasp the front/back wheel s and check for play which would gauge the wheel bearing s wear.
Depends on the smoke color , if it’s black and smells like gas then it’s not too bad just need to fix the fuel to air ratios
At least in my neck of the woods, they will typically let you test ride the bike IF you put the asking price in their hand in cash. Also, backfiring, in small amounts can occur if the air intake or exhaust was modified. If indeed so, not necessarily a big deal or deal-breaker in my opinion. Rust in gas tank is no good but for really old bikes it is more common than you would think and doesn't necessarily require the gas tank to be replaced. My project bike (1987 Honda Magna) had rust all over and even inside the gas tank. Took it to a local shop to have it de-rusted and then coated with Kreem. It should cost like $60-$100, not much more than that.
If you are really on a budget, you could by the rust remover and Kreem sealer, cost around $35-$45 for both and do it yourself using nuts and bolts inside the tank along with the rust remover but it is a bit time consuming and pain in the rear.
Holy wow scotty, I never knew you dabbled with motos too!
If there is oil leaks, go get you a cheap gasket set after you buy it. Use the oil leaks as a bargaining chip to Jew the guy down on the price. Make lemonaid out of a lemon.
Jack Johnson who wants to split a case on a bike they just bought
Jack Johnson I am a yamaha tech and alto of my guys will bring it by to me before buying. Some listen some don't
Propane and propane accessories ppl like me that enjoy working on them
what i look for personally, i get it if you just want a transport tho
Jack Johnson
The engine seals would indicate a bigger problem, obviously.
should of mentioned about the foot pegs, sides of the exhaust pipes, the lower part of the front shocks/engine, and handle bar ends, check to see if the bike's been dropped or leaned over to far
Nice bike Scotty. I would love to see some maintenance videos if the Triumph.
My neighbor is a kitty cat and yesterday he was in his driveway workin on his toyota prius, he said it had an electrical problem. He seemed very interested.
For the record if the guy doesnt agree to the test ride, you can always inspect the brakes while the bike is stopped, just have to press the brake lever and try to move the bike back and forth simultaneously
You should do a video scotty on how to get your car ready for sale.
more motorcycles and kitty videos 👍
I'm surprised to see an obd port on a bike with carburetors. Cheers on your new triumph, I really dig the triumph rocket 3
those are fake carbs, inside their shells lies two fuel injectors, it's a style thing.
deff wins style points with me.
Thanks a million this wil help be when I buy my first bike
What I Understand Above me. Thanks & You Welcome. Info was Good.
Check The Engine&Transmission Leeks
Check Starting the Engine
Check Look With a Flash Light Gaz Tank For Rust Make Sure It's Clean
Check Suspension Lubricanted Front&Back
Check No Smoke Coming From the Exsos
Check Sprouquet need to be Flat Hat
Check Chain If it's Lubricanted & Clean
Check OBD Not Obligated
Check make sure No Corowgine on The Battery
Check Every Lights
Check if you can ask The Owner to give you a drive to listen to the Engine&transmission and to test the Brakes how Good the Brake.
END.
Cat!!! informative and fun video scotty!
Wish I could bring you to look for a bike haha. Just completed my MSF course. So now next is to get a bike.
Your the best Scott , lol love the spirit and positive energy you exude. 😏
Scotty is the true og
This came in clutch that means when I needed it
"Now there gone!" Great entertaining bit, Scotty.
Wow you're the best this really helped especially since I got a Thruxton as well! 7k miles everything looks good except for there's mild rust on the metal bar attached to the engine behind the radiator but I'm sure it can be cleaned off
Thanks Scotty, following this video I've bough a well preserved cat!
Cool video and a thumbs up. You all be safe out there also.
Nice, be good to see more stuff on motorcycles & scooters
Hi Scotty. Love your videos! Could you do a similar video like this as to what to look for if a seller is trying to sell a bike that has hidden damage?
great video scotty
How about checking the bakes: rotors/fluid/brake pads/action/brake light?
And the wheel bearings?
And check for free play of the steering?
Free play in frame?
The condition of the clutch?
Or are they all reported via the OBD 2 port :-)
It was fun riding this summer
Just the video I need, I'm looking into buying a used Triumph.
Scotty you are awesome brother keep up the good work so happy I found your videos
ALWAYS look at case around front sprocket "flashlight" if chain ever came off or broke it will instantly ball up in there and brake things.
Check All Suzuki GSX-R'S it's common! And easy to hide with just a new side cover.
Scotty Kilmer=legend
Here in Asia people ride 100cc motorcycles 150,000 kilometers or more, but repairs are dirt cheap. Those small engines often last that long without a rebuild. (PS for Americans that's about 90,000 miles)
Take a metal straight edge to check for rotor warp. Check the brake lines to see if they need to be replaced. Also check the brake pads. There is really a lot more to check.
🍁SCOTTY HELPS ME EVERYTIME,,,,,BUYING A NEW MOTOCYCLE OR STORING MY BIKE OR KEEPING MY CAR IN GREAT SHAPE,,,,,YOU THE MAN SCOTTY🍁🍁
"often hard to start when cold"? I have been riding 35 years and never run into a bike that was harder to start when cold, except in winter weather when I would carry a can of starter fluid to get my bike to start. That was a kick start 1972 Kawasaki H2.
Buying one this week
You forgot to say check the instruments work, especially the speedometer and odometer, and check that the throttle cable(s) and clutch cable are in good condition.
Nicholas Markovich he was too busy trying to inspect his cat for issues X D
Nicholas Markovich - he did say, use common sense ..