Buying used Trikes & Bikes

[rhino65]

Since buying my 02 GW trike 4 weeks ago I have changed A/F, oil, spark plugs, coolant &replaced the CSC driveshaft with one from Mountain Trike. With all this 3 broken plastic tabs, and numerous rubber gromments I've found missing or bad, and 4 missing hex bolts. How many fastners, gromments ect. has anyone else had when buying used.

On side note this all baffled me cause the trike was well maintained. Many receipts came with it from accessories and repair or maintenance.

 

[peteg59]

One never knows, when buying a previously enjoyed trike, exactly whats been done or not done maintenance wise, or who has done or not done said maint.
Sounds like the prev owner might not have chosen the right shop or mechanic(s) to perform his trike work if you found missing fasteners.
In defense of the previous mechanics, perhaps these missing fasteners were lost due to vibration or other mechanical causes not attributed to sloppy workmanship.

Hopefully you've now discovered all of the flaws, & you're good to go for awhile.
Remember, if its mechanical it's going to fail at some point.
Regular checking of fasteners, fluids, mechanical adders, tires, etc. is the key to being a happy triker & trike ownerThumbUp

 

[Sidecarbill]

A 14 year old motorcycle probably has had a few hands on it. Does'nt sound to bad. Theres usually things that need to be done on a new purchase. Now you can ride with confidence that its in good order.

 

[Trail Blazer]

buying used

what I look for when buying used 1. how many owners 2. maintenance records. 3. general looks of bike A. clean B. ever things work. C. oil looks good.D. every think of the owners that I can see cars, lawn mower, shop, boat.

if all looks in good shape, chances are he keep bike up also. even then you have to expect to do some work to make it yours

 

[rhino65]

I'm overall satisfied. It was a 1 owner bought new then triked in June of 2009. FDR in Paducah Ky. did most all maintenance on it. I know this by the previous owner telling me to feel free to call them about any questions or concern. Very nice & friendly dealership. Answered many of my questions I had. They knew the bike very well. At least nothing major & I saved thousands over other similar age and miles elsewhere.

 

[Future Triker]

One thing I'll add to this that seems to really apply to Goldwings more than other bikes. Remove the seat from the bike. Does it look like you could grow potatoes with all the dirt/trash? If so, probably hasn't had the best maintenance record. I've seen some that look FLAWLESS outside, remove the seat and you could have a vegetable garden with all the dirt piled up.

Just my .02