Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Used motorcycle milage, proper tire pressure, google search

Question
Hi Pat,

I am currently looking to buy a bike (sport type) as I just recently got my permit. I want to buy a used bike to start with and am wondering how much mileage is too much mileage. In addition, is there a list of standard criteria I should take into account when buying the bike?
I look forward to your answer.
Julie

Answer
In my experience, every 10,000 miles on a bike is equivalent to about 50,000 miles on a car.

If the bike is obviously well cared for, I'd be comfortable buying one up to about 25,000 miles, but would expect that there would be things that need fixing soon after.

If it's a poorly cared-for bike, I wouldn't buy one with more than 10,000 miles.

A Google search would probably turn up a good checklist for what to inspect on a used motorcycle, but here's a few things:

Tires: plenty of tread, no blue-ish color, no cracks in the sidewalls, proper tire pressure (see sticker on chain guard for recommended pressure)

Brakes: at least 5 mm of pad left, good firm lever feel, taillight lights up when lever is squeezed/pressed, fresh (clear tan) brake fluid

Electrical: all lights work, hi/low headlight, signals, taillight has working stop lamp in addition to running lamp, horn works, key works well in ignition and gascap

Suspension: compresses nicely front and rear, no leaking from front fork seals (no oily residue on sliders after bouncing several times with brake squeezed)

Chain: clean, lubed, adjusted for 1/2 inch of up/down slack on lower chain, sprockets not damaged

Engine: runs smoothly, revs quickly, oil fresh (clear brown), coolant full and bright green

Ask what work's been done to the bike, when last oil, coolant, brake fluid, tires, chain, sprockets were changed.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Pat