Buying a CRM?

Maintained by mods and admins. but contains all the answers to all those questions that get asked over and over and over . .
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knackeredMk1
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Buying a CRM?

Post by knackeredMk1 » 20 Feb 2010, 19:51

If you are looking to buy a CRM there are several factors to take into account:

1) Condition is everything. It might be cheap but if it's a wreck and been abused, it's going to cost you a whole heap more to get it right than if you bought a more expensive one in good condition. There are so many around, you can walk away from those with rusty chains and bent levers.

2) Ignore the mileage. It's basically irrelevent and is almost certainly wrong anyway.

3) Check there are no nasty noises when running but remember you are looking at a 14-23 year old bike. It never ran noiselessly when new. If there are some serious rattles walk away unless you can get a very good deal. Noises could come from crank (knocking), piston (rattle and slap), balance shaft (grumbling/squealing). It should smoke particularly from cold but that should diminish as it warms up.

4) Check suspension smoothness and no leaks. Look for notches and rust on chrome stantions and aluminium rot on USD forks.

5) Ask the owner what has he done and what receipts he has got. Does he run on cheap 2 stroke oil and old sump oil for the chain :?:

6) Ask about the swingarm pivot bearings and when he last had the swingarm pivot out and greased them. This can get rusted in and they are hell to get out.

7) Check the wheel, suspension and head stock bearings.

8) Check the powervalve works by taking off the cover and reving the engine. Watch the arm turn like this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRBOpNNG2J4

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As a general point when buying any vehicle you MUST check that the frame, engine and registration numbers match - MOT, V5c and on the vehicle. Keep a record of these on the receipt you get from the seller.


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