What do I need to know about buying a used bike?

One thing to remember is that the condition of the bike is more important than how old it is or how many miles (kms) it has.

Adam at clarity.net has written this article, which has been used by a lot of people. It should help you look at a bike and evaluate its condition.

Please remember this tried-and-true advice: If you don't really know what you're looking at/for, don't be afraid to pay a good mechanic the $100 or so to give it a thorough going over, usually known as a pre-purchase inspection. It's your life.

One thing you should also do is check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against a database. A consortium of insurance companies (NICB) has a free VIN check that will tell you if it has been stolen, or totaled and then rebuilt (salvage title), although it will only tell you if any bad records are found. It should be seen as a first step only. Carfax will give you a more detailed history of the vehicle. You can also check with your local law enforcement to find out if it has been reported stolen.

After you buy

One of the most important things you should do, before riding it, is do ALL the normal maintenance. Assume that the previous owner did nothing. Check the valves, clean and sync the carbs, flush all fluids, clean, inspect and adjust/replace the chain, etc... Also, check the Service Schedule for any time-related maintenance items, such as replacing the rubber brake lines every four years. Doing all this stuff will help you get familiar with the bike and find stuff that's broken/messed up and dangerous. This will also allow you to start off with the bike in the best condition.

If your used bike has been sitting for a while, see here.