If you have anything to add to this please post it in this thread. This guide was originally written as a response to THIS thread. _____________________________________________________ The Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide is the best thing to read before buying a second hand bike. It's always good to take along an experienced friend as well, but failing that if you stick to that list and understand what your looking for as a fault you should be alright. Some people like to pay the extra little bit and get a mechanic's inspection for second hand bikes. Quite often this is a good idea as it can save you money in the long run despite shelling out $50-100AU for the inspection(s). Specific things to look for on the FZR250 are:- 1. The EXUP is operating properly, both at the servo and at the exhaust. (When the bike is powered on using the key it will cycle the EXUP and you'll hear a 'zeeep zeuuup' noise. 2. The fuel pump is priming and operating properly. (MOST FZR250 fuel pumps seem to die after ~30,000-50,000 km's... not sure why. A working fuel pump will make a few clicking noises at power on.. same time as the EXUP cycle). 3. Thickness of brake rotor(s). 4. Check under the rider's seat around the battery box for rust on the frame. 5. Make sure the owner has NOT pre-warmed it up before you get there (you'll need to ask the owner not to). Watch what the owner does to get it started; Ie. how much choke (if any), having to use throttle to get it started, etc. A FZR250 in a good state of tune WILL require choke to start if it is indeed a cold engine. 6. Ask the owner how many km's it gets to a tank. Anything under 140-150km's means it's running very rich. 7. Once the engine has warmed up, give it a rev to a few different points (5k, 8k, 11k, 14k, 16k, 18k/redline). At all points listen for any change in engine noise and take note where its coming from. Also look for black smoke (running rich), white smoke/steam (gasket leak), or blue/white smoke (burning oil). If all of that checks out and the usual things like tyres, brakes, headstem bearings, fork seals, no leaking oil/coolant, chain & sprockets are in good condition... i'd recommend taking it for a test ride once a price has been agree'd upon then line up your purchase.
