what to look for: Buying used dirtbike

Im looking at buying my first bike. Leaning towards an 05+ yz250. Any suggestions on what i should check when I see the bike in person

 

well, you asked!

first of all, check the motor if it is warm. if so, that may mean a starting issue is being concealed by warming the bike up first. beware.

check the front forks for leaks. pump the front suspension and look for a nice new oil ring. seals at the least need cleaning out.

check both brakes for good pressure, and if the fluid is nasty brown or clearish color.

check for good compression, is it hard to push over the kickstarter or easy to push down with your hand? if easy, probably need a top end.

check the air box. if the filter looks originally filthy and the airbox is as filthy as a mud puddle, well, it's probably not been maintained very well.

if it is on a stand, grab the rear wheel and slightly pull upwards towards the fender. if you feel slight movement, you may need to replace linkage bearings. also, side to side movement may indicate swingarm bearings too.

check the chain - if too slack and bends quite badly sideways, it is shot. if too tight, it can cause issues when running. also check the chain slider for wear in at the front where it slips over the swingarm - use a light to check if chain has eaten into the swingarm and/or bearings.

with a 2-stroke, look for lots of excess "splooge" out the exhaust, the pipe connectors, and the front of the expansion pipe. If a lot of black goopy buildup is on the front of the engine, it is an indicator of blown top end.

These are the worst things to check for, obviously there may be other stuff too. Hope this helps!

 

Airbox!!!! This will tell you alot about the previous owner. I actually look at the oil, throw a finger in there or if a honda the dipstick. Check fork seals and tubes for nicks, weeping. Do a compression test with the kickstarter, shouldnt fight you but shouldnt be easy either. Chain and sprockets look make sure they arent hooking or rounded and the pins on the chain. Linkage by lifting up rear wheel, bars to make sure they arent bent or askew. I like to run a wrench or something along the spokes of the wheels to see if they are out of true/loose. Good luck and good choice!

 

^^ all great advice.

The warm engine isn’t always a bad sign, but I always ask that the seller show it cold.

A bike that is hard to start could be a simple fix or a indication of bigger problems like low compression, clogged pilot jet from old gas, poor electrical ground, etc. If you are not mechanically inclined, walk away from a bike that doesn’t start in the first or second kick.

If it has both electric start and kick start it may need the button and a foot at the same time to start.

Best indicator is proof of maintenance, receipts, and how it’s stored when not in use.

Orange is a good choice too.