Pre purchase inspection - NJ
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Pre purchase inspection - NJ
As many of you have probably read on my other thread "good deal" i have just finalized a deal for a 2002 RK FLHR.
This is my first motorcycle and my first Harley. Any experienced forum members in central NJ care to help me inspect the RK before the actual deal take place this weekend? I am really not sure of what to look for. Also, the seller will not let me ride it unless the title is the transferred and the insurance is in my name.
Alternatively, if any of you can recommend a good Harley mechanic in central NJ who will do this for me, that will work too.
This is my first motorcycle and my first Harley. Any experienced forum members in central NJ care to help me inspect the RK before the actual deal take place this weekend? I am really not sure of what to look for. Also, the seller will not let me ride it unless the title is the transferred and the insurance is in my name.
Alternatively, if any of you can recommend a good Harley mechanic in central NJ who will do this for me, that will work too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
have him meet you at a HD dealership & pay to have them check out the bike. You might pay 1/2 hr labor & the tech can take it for a ride because they have insurance. Of course he doesn't have to go for it. I have never bought a used motorcycle without a test ride. Of course I can undersatnd if you have no insurance. Good luck
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: Kawartha lakes, Ontario, Canada
Congrats, hope you have many years of safe and enjoyable riding. I'm too far to help out, but I think that if somehow you decided you didn't want the RK you could get at least what you're paying back out of it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
Buying a used bike I take a volt/ohm meter & a compression gauge. After a good visual inspection I ask to check compression, then start the bike & run it up to 2000 rpm & check voltage output at the battery. If the compression checks, the charging system is working, the bike & fluids are clean & not leaking you're probably good to go.
You have to remember that you're buying a used machine. It'll have some issues. The worst I've done with this approach is an FXR I bought used. It passed all the tests, & 3 or 4 months later a lifter failed. The seller couldn't have known it was going to fail & there was no way I would have found it during an inspection.
You have to remember that you're buying a used machine. It'll have some issues. The worst I've done with this approach is an FXR I bought used. It passed all the tests, & 3 or 4 months later a lifter failed. The seller couldn't have known it was going to fail & there was no way I would have found it during an inspection.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I would have a problem purchasing a used bike w/o a ride first unless it was at a dealers and I could bring it back. That being said, where in Central Jersey are you? HighRoads Harley is no longer open for business but there is a shop on Rt18, New Brunswick and the mechanic is HD Certified and knows his stuff (not all certified mechanics know their stuff)
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 748
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
If he wouldn't let me ride the bike I would walk away from the deal. People will tell you anything, trust me I know. I got burned on a boat deal one time because I trusted the guy. Long story short ,I got screwed. If he wont let you test ride it he is more than likely hiding something. I have sold lots of bikes and boats and always encourage a test ride. Opinions will differ on this, but the truth is, people will lie right to your face. Things can be made to look like there is no issues with a vehicle. What good is a test ride after the title and insurance is transferred? He already has your money.
Last edited by KCFLHRC; Jun 14, 2011 at 09:24 AM.
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