I'm looking to buy a new bike and it's not that I have anything against rebuilt bikes, it's just not what I'm looking for. I'm not the most experienced with motorcycles, so what are some easy ways to spot rebuilt bikes? are salesmen obligated to tell you if the bike has been rebuilt?
I cannot really think of an easy way to tell that :(
The dealer is not obligated to tell you this.
If I was bying a used bike I'd make sure before starting it that the bike is cold - this will test the starting and ignition. Also, let it tun until it gets hot and look if the cooling system would kick in (if liquid cooled).
When it warms up, listen for any unusual engine noises as you rev the engine a couple of times.
If you are in US, check out the link to the Kelly Blue Book website to make sure you are getting a good deal :)
Good luck!!!
Rebuilt? If this is a street bike odds are that is wasnt rebuilt. Engines and parts on a street bike are good for 10's of thousands of miles. Engine wise that is. Bodywork, if it was crashed you may see if the body parts dont line up evenly. If they do then it probably is stock stuff or it was replaced and is fine. Generally any bike that has some use will have minor scuffs and scratchs just from wear and tear. Generally in the clear coat. No big deal. If it is pristine and the bike has thousands on miles it probably was replaced.
As for dirt bikes, if it was rebuilt its probably good it means the bike was taken care of. If the bike looks beat and there is no proof of a rebuild then move on. Too many people run a bike until rebuild time then just sell it and lie about the number of hours on it.
If you are looking at something with bodywork check the brackets that hold it, it is expensive to replace the fairing panels so to keep costs down they just reshape the brackets. Any stickers or frame protectors on frames can be used to hide dings, dents and scrapes, in fact stickers anywhere can be hiding something. Check the inside of fairings for plastic welding (a snake of plastic). Non OE exhausts or footpegs, suspiciously clean handlebar ends compared to grips or levers.
Take it apart and look at the components and see if they are stock. While you have it apart, change some parts and clean things out. When you put everything back together you will have a rebuilt engine and you will know that for a fact.
I don't think you want to take a new bike apart just to prove it's new... an authorized dealer for a motorcycle manufacturer, as well as the manufacturer are breaking the law if they sell a bike as new that is not. They can't have rebuilt or 'remanufactured' engines without disclosing that. In most states, if the demos have too many mles on them, they even have to be sold as used. If the bike comes with an MSO from the manufacturer and is sold as new... it is.
no vin number
been crashed/downed/dropped
have a rebuilt title
yes they're obligated to tell you if it have any other title besides a clean clear title
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What's an easy way to tell if a bike has been rebuilt?