1) Tyres, paint, plating, dents, scratches and other things which are visual.
2) Check level of
engine oil. If correct
and oil quality is good, then it
means the previous owner has looked after the bike properly.
3) All lights should function. Both blinkers and all switches should be working and all wiring and wire
joints should be firm and insulation should be in place..
4) Take the bike off-stand and roll it front-back with gear in neutral.. Listen for sounds. There should be no sound. Now put the bike in each gear one-by-one, and do front-back with clutch pressed. Should be no sound.
5) Sit on the bike with bike off-stand, and do khachak-khachak like riding a horse. You will get an idea about suspension. While doing this, apply front brake and try to push bike forward to check front fork functioning and oil seals for leakage of suspension fluid.
6) Check freeness of all cables. Also check especially all cable ends to see if any ends are frayed or some strands have come off.
7) Check spokes of both wheels. See if any are missing. Also hold spoke by hand and tug hard to see if any are
loose. Though tightening spokes is an easy, simple and quick job, loose spokes show lack of attention on the part of previous owner. Make a note of it.
8) Put bike on main stand with rear wheel not touching the ground. Ask the owner to start the bike, and put it in second gear and raise
engine. The wheel will turn. Sit on the ground, straight behind the rear wheel and look at it turning. Watch turning tyre carefully. If there is any rim bend or wobble, it will become immediately apparent. Point it out to the owner. Do the same with front wheel. You will have to turn it by hand. Turn it as hard and fast as you can. Faster the wheel truns, easier and more pronounced the bend or wobble and will be easier to identify.
9) Check for leaks of oil from crank-case, front forks and carburettor overflow.
10) Open both side panels. In most bikes (not Bullet) On one side is battery. check it and see level of electrolyte (distilled water) in it. Also check both junctions of the battery for sulphate deposits. Do not touch these sulphate deposits with your fingers. It is poisonous and if touch eyes can go blind. Point out shortcomings. IN 2-STROKE BIKES, Under the panel on the other side is the 2T oil tank. Check oil level and check for leaks, cracked 2T tank (it is made of plastic), etc.
11) Start the engine and listen for uncommon sounds, such as piston slap, loose or broken rings, bearings etc. Most important is engine firing sound. Is it uniform? This can be heard better at very low rpm. At high rpm, it is difficult to notice it.
12) Now take a test ride. Check braking, roadholding, handling, steering etc. etc.
13) check fuel average with measusring bottle. Fuel average depends on condition of the bike, tuning, riding style, speed, road, load and traffic conditions and 273 other factors.