Percy619 wrote:
Just a quick update, I've got my eye on a ktm 250 exc f on eBay,it's a 2006 and it's going for £2800. Anyone advise me on what to look out for should I decide to go and have a look?
I'd give you the same advice for any enduro/trail bike: "Look past the cosmetics"
New graphics and plastics are probably there as an indication of a very tough previous life...they don't do anything for the utility of the machine.
Mechanically: Should start easily from hot and cold, with no obvious leaks or rattle. Put the bike into gear and back into neutral...does the clutch drag?
Cycle parts: Get the wheels in the air by putting the bike on a stand. Check the wheels are round and spin true radially and axially (very important) with no loose spokes. Forks straight, not twisted. No leaks from fork seals or shock. Good damping action when you press down on the suspension (ie springs back slower than it was pushed down). No play in any suspension bearings (including fork bushes, wheel bearings, swinging arm and steering head). If the chain/sprockets are worn (can you pull the chain away from the wheel sprocket?) then budget for new ones. Similarly, are the tyres suitable/worn?
Look at the brake pads and disc rotors.
Now good (bonus) stuff to look for. Some bikes have these as standard, others do not:
Security bolts on the wheels (looks like each wheel has 2 valve stems from a distance....one is a clamp to hold the tyre on the rim. You will need to fit these if they are not present. Some bikes will have tyre mouses (no valve). These are NOT street legal...although bullshitters will tell you otherwise.
Decent handlebars Ally...not steel. Renthal is the best make, beware of a Renthal bar pad concealing a horrible steel handlebar.
Handguards to protect your hands and the clutch & brake levers.
A decent ally 'bash plate' to protect the bottom of the engine
Lastly, make sure the lights (including stoplamp) and indicators, (if fitted) and horn all work.
Ask the owner to show you how to change the oil and clean the airfilter...if he can't do these simple tasks then he hasn't maintained the bike properly.
Check the engine and frame numbers against the V5.
Oh, and very last thing...if it's an Italian-built Husqvarna then don't even bother going to look at it...they are utter rubbish with expensive and unobtainable spares. Spares back-up for most other European bikes is generally very good. Yamaha spares are very expensive, and (true story) I popped into a all-singing, all-dancing fully-franchised Yam dealership and asked for some air-filter oil.
Got a blank look.
Asked again.
"Do you mean two-stoke oil?"
Good Grief!