Buying bike private

DCE MX
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6/30/2020
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GB
DCE MX
Edited Date/Time 6/30/2020 10:58pm
I am going to be buying a new bike this week. It’s been over 10 years since I have ridden one. What would you recommend I look out for in a private sale ? Bike looks very clean. Chain looks slightly slack but noting to worry about. They have said the engine rebuild was 8 hrs ago but am sure most people would say something similar. Tyres look really good. Anything else ?

Thanks in advance
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GripNRip617
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199
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3/13/2018
Location
Austin, TX US
GripNRip617 6/30/2020 7:42am
6/30/2020 7:42am
Ride it. Don't take it easy either. Run it hard through first and second gear at least, make sure it doesn't jump out of gear. Even better if you are in a residential area after dark.
6
1
Hoks
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182
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5/5/2019
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Moncks Corner, SC US
Hoks 6/30/2020 7:51am
6/30/2020 7:51am
Look at the frame on the bottom of the bike, it’s easy to clean up and hide things but a roached frame can tell wonders
1
1
mwssquad827
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8/4/2016
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Twin Falls, ID US
mwssquad827 6/30/2020 7:59am
6/30/2020 7:59am
Ask to look at air filter and boot.. sounds simple but a shitty filter even clean tells about maintenance same with the air boot... why was I rebuilt? Blown up or just time to replace. I have even had a guy ask me to drain the oil and I did and he bought the bike
2
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sc961
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2242
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12/11/2006
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Hutchinson, MN US
sc961 6/30/2020 8:10am
6/30/2020 8:10am
Overall appearance
Wheels for abuse
Sagging foot pegs
Engine cases for damage
Bottom of frame for damage
Environment where bike is kept. Is it clean, organized and so on..
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1
KennyT
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8/16/2006
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Vista, CA US
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280th
KennyT 6/30/2020 8:14am
6/30/2020 8:14am
If possible see if they have any receipts for oil/maintenance. if they are truthful in it being rebuilt recently they should have receipts available
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GeorgiePorgie 6/30/2020 2:58pm
6/30/2020 2:58pm
That could go either way honestly. Diamond in the rough. Or a roached bike with subpar quality pics that make you think it’s cleaner than it is.

I’ve seen both scenarios....
1
1
AHRMA361
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2469
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4/1/2008
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NE, OH US
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232nd
AHRMA361 6/30/2020 4:59pm
6/30/2020 4:59pm
What's up with that throttle cable routing? Looks odd but I am not a KTM guy.
1
dadofagun
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1720
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3/28/2015
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Satan's Hollow, OK US
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1962nd
dadofagun 6/30/2020 6:02pm
6/30/2020 6:02pm
Call me picky.... but I have always had a funny feeling about a pic of a bike, or car, that has the ground wet around it. I know, you just gave it a rinse.... But, damn it, don't show me that you just washed it for the pic. Show me it cleaned up and ready for the big dance. I didn't ever wanna see my prom date all ready to go with wet hair..... I wanted to mess her hair up later.
3
1
kage173
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2176
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11/27/2015
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TX US
kage173 6/30/2020 7:45pm
6/30/2020 7:45pm
It doesnt matter. I've bought bikes from guys who had no idea and didnt take care of them and the bike lasted great. Then the very next time bought one from a dealership mechanic who cleaned it up great, even polished the kickstarter, and the bike was trash.

If it's used, it is hit or miss. That's what you get for the lower price.
3
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Tarz483
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2/25/2009
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Mankato, MN US
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583rd
Tarz483 6/30/2020 8:27pm
6/30/2020 8:27pm
Spin rims with the bike on the stands. I Bought one a couple years ago that the Rims looked Like Travis Pastrana had been Riding it for a few weeks. And I didn't notice until I got home. They 🤔 where not round
1
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DCE MX
Profile picture for user DCE MX
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7
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6/30/2020
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GB
DCE MX 6/30/2020 10:58pm
6/30/2020 10:58pm
We will see on Sunday when I go to view it. Thanks a lot for the replies everyone. will make sure to check all your points out 👍🏻

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