HELP! Buying a used F650 Gs....

Basic Checklist


Brakes

Pads: Inspect pads for glazing. When were they changed last?

Hoses: Inspect hoses for crimps, cracks or other signs of defects.

Fluid: Ask when it was last changed.

Rotor: The bike will vibrate during the driving test if the rotor(s) are warped.

Levers: Are the levers stock or aftermarket? Aftermarket levers may indicate a

crash.


Chain and Sprockets

Chain: Check chain adjustment for stretch. Is the chain properly oiled?

Sprockets: Inspect the teeth on the rear sprocket. Are they bent, broken or off

center?


Electrical

Lights: Check that all lights are equally bright.

Headlight: Check hi / low settings. Does the headlight get brighter as the bike’s

raced? This is a sign of a bad voltage regulator or weak battery.

Switchgears: Inspect for damage and check controls.


Engine

- Oil: Is the engine oil dark or gritty? (The engine is a key diagnostic tool to

determine how the engine has been run.)

- Valves: Rev the engine and listen for valve clutter. When were they adjusted?

Alternatively check engine compression, if you have a tester.

- Coolant: Check coolant, if applicable, and ask when it was changed last.


Exhaust

- Color: Blue exhaust smoke is often a sign of bad valves or a failed gasket.

- Discoloration: If the pipes are discolored the bike is probably improperly

jetted.

- Noise: Check for holes in the exhaust or incorrectly mounted systems.

- Backpressure: Put your hands over both exhaust openings. Do they have the

same amount of pressure? If not one cylinder bank isn’t firing or has valve damage.


Gas Tank

- Rust: Rust in the tank means rust in the carburetors and could spell a rebuild.


Suspension

- Forks: Do the seals look tight? When were they changed?

o Air caps: If the bike has air caps, check the pressure in the forks.

- Shock: Does the shock have rebound? Does it “creak” when pushed?


Wheels

- Tires: If the tires are only worn in the center, the bike has likely been driven on

the highway; if they are worn all the way to the edges it has been ridden in the corners. If it is only worn on the edges it has been raced.

- Bearings: Put the bike on the center stand and feel for damaged to the bearings.