UPDATED:
for those that don't read past the first post before trying to burn me for asking:
I didn't call the previous owner. And yes it does matter what oil (synth vs dino) is run in any engine as they components wear differently.
I called the shop. Was honest that I didn't want any info other than that one piece of information. And that was the extent of the call and the question.




So I bought a one owner bike used from a dealer. He did not live near the dealer so they do not have the service records. I am interested to find out what type of oil he used in the bike. He had a 103 kit put in at a shop near him and I have the name of the shop. I also have the previous owner's name from the title.

Question is: Do you think it is ok for me to try and look him up in phone book and call and ask about the oil, or call the shop and hope that he had all his service done there?

 

I would.

 

I don't see ant problem with it. I have had people call me about vehicles I have owned and traded in.

 

For cryin out loud, don`t stop there...

What brand brake fluid, transmission fluid...

Maybe you should ask how much air pressure he ran in the tires also.

What kind of soap he washed it with.

If you had an important question as to the configuration of the engine or transmission it might be reasonable to call, but to call to ask what type oil he used...... Exactly how would this information help you?

Ridiculous.

 

Sure, why not.

 

I don't see a problem with it but what is it going to do for you now?
I'd move on and just put in it what you want to put in it.

 

YIKES!!! Bad Day?

I never had a problem answering a couple of questions from a new owner . Usually it was was kinda fun.

 

No reason that you can't call him.

Personally I don't see why you'd need to. Just convert the bike to your preference in oil and keep on rolling.

 

Not a bad day at all, it just seems over the top **** to think about calling a previous owner for such trivial and useless information.

If he needs to know that bad, he should ask the dealer to call the guy, after all, the dealer is the one who bought the bike from the guy.

How far does this go, is it ok for some goofball to start calling the previous 10 owners of a bike to ask questions...after all, that would be the only way to find out what oil was used in a 10 owner bike.

Yes, I do think it is unethical to call the original owner, because the original owner did not sell the bike to the op.

 

Exactly. I buy new but I guess I'm just paranoid being a "mechanic" professionally. But I have no problem answering any questions (within reason) on equipment I have sold/traded in. WTF why be a d*^#head to someone who cannot afford new BUT does care about what they bought!! I EFFFING HATE scum/Scammer people who knowingly sell $chit to honest people!! AAARRGGHH. just my $0.02