Looking for someone to test drive sportbike and ride it back from Texarkana on Monday

[EatYurZ]

Hey guys, I'm buying my first bike and looking for someone experienced to come with me and test ride it as well as ride it back to Dallas. I'm meeting a guy in Texarkana possibly monday evening. Anyone want to come with me and have a little fun with it on the way back? It's an '06 GSX-R 750 with a sprocket and 9000 miles.

Or....someone with a truck and/or trailer who would be willing to go up with me... Still want an experienced rider who can test drive the bike for me. I'd pay for gas/food. It'd be fun!!!

Also, where should I look for decent insurance rates? State Farm wants $100/mo for full coverage. It that reasonable or can I find it cheaper? Thanks!
Ed

[slowimport96]

I would be very careful or discard the idea of someone else riding your bike back. I have a canyon dancer or whatever you call it and plenty of straps if you wanted to borrow them you are more than welcome to it.

That insurance rate isnt bad, I know plenty of people paying more.

[PeeWeeC5]

$100 sounds fairly reasonable for full coverage to me. Screw letting a stranger ride it back though, you're asking for problems especially by telling them they can "have fun" with it. Just find a buddy with a truck and throw it in the back.

[stunter bob]

SHEEEEIT..ill ride it back....just to make sure it makes good wheelies and all

[HobieF3]

Hey guys, I'm buying my first bike and looking for someone experienced to come with me and test ride it as well as ride it back to Dallas. I'm meeting a guy in Texarkana possibly monday evening. Anyone want to come with me and have fun with it on the way back? It's an '06 GSX-R 750 with a sprocket and 9000 miles.
Ed

Also, where should I look for decent insurance rates? State Farm wants $100/mo for full coverage. It that reasonable or can I find it cheaper? Thanks!

Next week is my last week at this job, if it was the week after I would have been able to help ya.

100/mo for full coverage isn't bad depending on some variables. I've been riding for 9 years and have found geico to be the cheapest.

[slowimport96]

To check out the bike you will want to roll the bike and hit the front brake hard, make sure you dont feel the front end move (bearings are worn if it moves), This usually indicates people have been doing stoppies, wheelies or hauling the bike a lot (Bearings shouldnt be worn this bad with only 9k on them).

Ask for maintance records, some people keep them some dont, doesnt hurt to ask

Check to make sure the trans shifts and stays in gears with no load on the motor and then with load on the motor.

Check for oil/coolant leaks

After riding the bike for awhile make sure it isnt overheating. Let side and idle to
make sure fans come on. They should come on around 215-225.

Make sure the vin number matches the bike and the person selling the bike is on the title. (Seller has to sign title as it appears on title)

Have insurance before you pick it up if possible.

Check the sprokets for wear, if they are pointed or rounded they are worn from miles and/or to loose of chain.

Check that the horn, blinkers, hi/low beam headlight and tailight all work.

Check for current tags/inspection.

Check fork seals to make sure not leaking, make sure no dents or bends in fork tubes.

You could go as far as a compression test, though if the above checks out that might be a little far.

Also you might want to take someone else with you if not to check the bike out to make sure you dont get jacked, a few people going to buy things from craigslist etc have been getting robbed, (Dont be one of those people)

[EatYurZ]

To check out the bike you will want to roll the bike and hit the front brake hard, make sure you dont feel the front end move (bearings are worn if it moves), This usually indicates people have been doing stoppies, wheelies or hauling the bike a lot (Bearings shouldnt be worn this bad with only 9k on them).

Ask for maintance records, some people keep them some dont, doesnt hurt to ask

Check to make sure the trans shifts and stays in gears with no load on the motor and then with load on the motor.

Check for oil/coolant leaks

After riding the bike for awhile make sure it isnt overheating. Let side and idle to
make sure fans come on. They should come on around 215-225.

Make sure the vin number matches the bike and the person selling the bike is on the title. (Seller has to sign title as it appears on title)

Have insurance before you pick it up if possible.

Check the sprokets for wear, if they are pointed or rounded they are worn from miles and/or to loose of chain.

Check that the horn, blinkers, hi/low beam headlight and tailight all work.

Check for current tags/inspection.

Check fork seals to make sure not leaking, make sure no dents or bends in fork tubes.

You could go as far as a compression test, though if the above checks out that might be a little far.

Also you might want to take someone else with you if not to check the bike out to make sure you dont get jacked, a few people going to buy things from craigslist etc have been getting robbed, (Dont be one of those people)


Thanks for the advice...I just don't think I would know if a clutch feels good or not and some of the other stuff that requires experience and feel to really know. I just want to make sure I'm not buying someone else's problems.

[evil jose]

Thanks for the advice...I just don't think I would know if a clutch feels good or not and some of the other stuff that requires experience and feel to really know. I just want to make sure I'm not buying someone else's problems.

That's all very good advice and I'll second taking someone with you for protection. Make sure to meet in a very public place with lots of traffic.

Wish I could help out but I work Monday through Thursdays. Do you have something to tow with? You can rent a trailer at U-Haul pretty cheap. Also I'd be leary about letting someone ride it back for you that you didn't know. There are a few people here in this forum I'd trust though.

[HobieF3]

Thanks for the advice...I just don't think I would know if a clutch feels good or not and some of the other stuff that requires experience and feel to really know. I just want to make sure I'm not buying someone else's problems.

I've owned/flipped/worked on a lot of bikes. All my knowledge is based on experience or from what others with more experience have told me. I've never been formally educated about bikes/worked at a bike shop/read a service manual.

That said, 99 times out of 100, if the owner has adjusted the clutch, it's been done wrong. To a newb the feel of the clutch will be totally irrelevant. Just my thoughts.

[EatYurZ]

That's all very good advice and I'll second taking someone with you for protection. Make sure to meet in a very public place with lots of traffic.

Wish I could help out but I work Monday through Thursdays. Do you have something to tow with? You can rent a trailer at U-Haul pretty cheap. Also I'd be leary about letting someone ride it back for you that you didn't know. There are a few people here in this forum I'd trust though.

Unfortunately I don't have a tow vehicle. Even though it isn't the best option(to let someone ride it), I feel like for my particular situation it is a risk I'm willing to take.

[HobieF3]

To check out the bike you will want to roll the bike and hit the front brake hard, make sure you dont feel the front end move (bearings are worn if it moves), This usually indicates people have been doing stoppies, wheelies or hauling the bike a lot (Bearings shouldnt be worn this bad with only 9k on them).

Or the steering head is just loose and needs to be tightened. A loose steering head if left untightened can eventually stretch the neck of the frame and make it out of round. However, if you ride normal over time the steering head will loosen up a bit on its own.


and the person selling the bike is on the title. (Seller has to sign title as it appears on title)

Out of curiosity what can go wrong when the person selling the vehicle is not on the title? Except for vehicles purchased from dealers/auctions I've only bought one hot rod/bike from someone and it was in their name. Hot rods and bikes are rarely in the sellers name in my experiences, much less frequently than daily drivers.

[perezsteveo]

What time monday?

[Super Coupe]

If I'm off I would go. I know what they are suppose to feel like and will ride it very careful!

[evil jose]

Out of curiosity what can go wrong when the person selling the vehicle is not on the title? Except for vehicles purchased from dealers/auctions I've only bought one hot rod/bike from someone and it was in their name. Hot rods and bikes are rarely in the sellers name in my experiences, much less frequently than daily drivers.

Didn't have a problem with that either when I bought my current and previous R6. In bought cases, the guy I bought it from never got it retitled and had the original owners name and signature on the title (they both just happened to be the second owner).

[Venom]

I might have to go to dekalb no monday to pick up a polaris ranger. If so I will let you put the bike on the trailer. I am taking a 16 footer. Just buy some straps for it. Let me know if you are interested and we will set it up.

Jon

[slowimport96]

not sure what all can go wrong if the title isnt in the persons name. I just know our title manager at work said she would never risk it. I will try and remember to ask her tomorrow. I have purchased vehicles in others names as well, but I made sure they wrote me a proof of sale to cover my ass.

[meathead]

I have a small s-10 p/u with straps and tie downs. I use to work at adventure cycles picking up and dropping off. Sorry though, no cd player, fixin to trade it off so it's back to stock am/fm tape. :o

[Venom]

Its a sure thing that I am going Monday. PM me your info and we will work something out.

[meathead]

Its a sure thing that I am going Monday. PM me your info and we will work something out.

sent pm.

[fastwhite99gt]

i live in texarkana and have 2 r1s if you would like someone to check the bike out for you and test ride it, hell i can leave one of mine there for collateral if they want lol. leave me a PM if you need anything.

jonathan

ps. who are you getting it from, i know most of the bikers here in town

[meathead]

sent pm.

whoopsie, thought I was logged in to eatyurz.

[EatYurZ]

What time monday?

I'm supposed to meet around 5pm. The guy is actually delivering the bike from another state. That's as far as he was willing to travel.
Ed
469-877-0422

[tray]

SHEEEEIT..ill ride it back....just to make sure it makes good wheelies and all
lol

[slowimport96]

So did you pick up this bike or what?