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Buying my very first bike as a Frenchie

QuestMaker

QuestMaker

New member
Joined
Aug 14, 2024
Moto(s)
Ninja 300
Hi,

I just arrived in the Berkeley from France. I passed my CMSP last week-end and I’m currently looking to buy a used motorcycle.

I found a decent 2014 Ninja 300 for $3000 with over 15k miles.

What should I need to check in order not to get scammed ? What are the necessary things I should pay attention to ?

Also, if by any chance you’re around the area and would like come check the bike with me so I don’t get taken advantage of… I would love it !

Have a good day, take care of y’all
 
Bonjour...Bienvenue dans la région de la baie!

Those are pretty bullet proof in terms of the motor so I think it would be more about the chain wear, sprocket wear any leaks with the forks sort of thing. I am sure you will get better info than mine.

Glad ya found BARF!
 
Last edited:
Welcome and congrats on passing CMSP.

I’ll list some items to check but wouldn’t say this is comprehensive. Hopefully others will chime in and you can make a checklist:

  • Check controls for smooth operation and no excessive play.
    • Brakes firm
    • clutch properly adjusted
    • throttle doesn’t have slack and returns to fully closed when you let go of it
  • Inspect brake pad thickness and rotor condition. Look for signs of scoring or glazing on the rotors
  • Check chain tension and condition
    • Check tension in several positions to look for loose and tight spots
    • Look for rust
    • Check sprocket teeth for excessive wear
  • Check forks and shock
    • Bounce front suspension and ensure damping is reasonable. Look for oil residue on the sliders after you do this for signs of leaky seals
    • Bounce rear suspension to check for smooth operation and damping
  • Check tire condition and inflation
  • Inspect bike for signs of having been down
  • Start bike and listen to the engine
  • If seller will allow a test ride with cash in hand, do that.
    • Pay attention to the gearbox for smooth shifting
    • Evaluate the steering for smooth action lock to lock and no clicking from the steering head
If any of these tests reveal issues, it may not be a show stopper, but you know what you’re dealing with.
 
Not sure how relevant it is with modern bikes with Engine Managment Units and Fuel Injection, but when you come to inspect the bike, ask the seller to not start it. See how it starts when cold.

Also, see if the owner has other bikes, see what other mechanical things they may have, just to get a general idea of how they care for Stuff.
 
Well, you came to the right place. We have lots of advice...
 
Welcome to the BARF!

Does the seller have the "Title" (proof of ownership), in California commonly referred to as the "Pink Slip".
Does the bike have current California registration and the license plate month and year stickers on it? Should be "24" or "25" with a month sticker like Jan, Feb, Mar, etc. Those two stickers will tell you when the registration on the bike expires. California requires yearly renewal.

If it doesn't have current registration has "it" been registered with the Dept Motor Vehicles as a "Non-OP" vehicle? If the seller has the Title but it isn't registered or "Non-Op'd" there will probably be "Back Fees" in addition to the Registration fees to be paid to DMV in order to get the Title in your name and the registration up to date. Check with the DMV first if either of those conditions exist.

Tires, with 15K miles on the bike, depending on how it was ridden and type, probably on it's 3rd or 4th set of tires. Check the 4 digit Date Code on the tire sidewall. It will be something like this (3523). The first pair of numbers means the week, and the second pair means the year. Age of tires, if 5-6 years old might consider replacing them. Check for appearance of little cracks on sidewall and down in the tire rain grooves tread (old tires) and uneven wear, worn only in center, etc.

Is it in your buget to replace tires, chain/sprockets, brake pads, brake fluid flush, etc? A new engine oil/filter change should be done regardless unless owner has maintance records.

The above, and the recommendations of the other BARFERS are just some of the things to be considered when negotiating on the price of the bike.

Good luck, hopefully things will go in your favor.

Shiny side up!
 
berth said:
Not sure how relevant it is with modern bikes with Engine Managment Units and Fuel Injection, but when you come to inspect the bike, ask the seller to not start it. See how it starts when cold.

Also, see if the owner has other bikes, see what other mechanical things they may have, just to get a general idea of how they care for Stuff.
Click to expand...
both of these are valid advise.
current owners level of care and openess about any issues are key.

clean, up to date ownership / registration paperwork is a must. if no, then skip out. plenty of other bikes

I am happy to help inspect if needed
pm me here on barfs
- - Simon (in livermore, fairly close to berkeley)
 
tzrider said:
Welcome and congrats on passing CMSP.

I’ll list some items to check but wouldn’t say this is comprehensive. Hopefully others will chime in and you can make a checklist:

  • Check controls for smooth operation and no excessive play.
    • Brakes firm
    • clutch properly adjusted
    • throttle doesn’t have slack and returns to fully closed when you let go of it
  • Inspect brake pad thickness and rotor condition. Look for signs of scoring or glazing on the rotors
  • Check chain tension and condition
    • Check tension in several positions to look for loose and tight spots
    • Look for rust
    • Check sprocket teeth for excessive wear
  • Check forks and shock
    • Bounce front suspension and ensure damping is reasonable. Look for oil residue on the sliders after you do this for signs of leaky seals
    • Bounce rear suspension to check for smooth operation and damping
  • Check tire condition and inflation
  • Inspect bike for signs of having been down
  • Start bike and listen to the engine
  • If seller will allow a test ride with cash in hand, do that.
    • Pay attention to the gearbox for smooth shifting
    • Evaluate the steering for smooth action lock to lock and no clicking from the steering head
If any of these tests reveal issues, it may not be a show stopper, but you know what you’re dealing with.
Click to expand...
Thank you for this great list. Will try to look online how to check all of those ;)
 
FLH03RIDER said:
Welcome to the BARF!

Does the seller have the "Title" (proof of ownership), in California commonly referred to as the "Pink Slip".
Does the bike have current California registration and the license plate month and year stickers on it? Should be "24" or "25" with a month sticker like Jan, Feb, Mar, etc. Those two stickers will tell you when the registration on the bike expires. California requires yearly renewal.

If it doesn't have current registration has "it" been registered with the Dept Motor Vehicles as a "Non-OP" vehicle? If the seller has the Title but it isn't registered or "Non-Op'd" there will probably be "Back Fees" in addition to the Registration fees to be paid to DMV in order to get the Title in your name and the registration up to date. Check with the DMV first if either of those conditions exist.

Tires, with 15K miles on the bike, depending on how it was ridden and type, probably on it's 3rd or 4th set of tires. Check the 4 digit Date Code on the tire sidewall. It will be something like this (3523). The first pair of numbers means the week, and the second pair means the year. Age of tires, if 5-6 years old might consider replacing them. Check for appearance of little cracks on sidewall and down in the tire rain grooves tread (old tires) and uneven wear, worn only in center, etc.

Is it in your buget to replace tires, chain/sprockets, brake pads, brake fluid flush, etc? A new engine oil/filter change should be done regardless unless owner has maintance records.

The above, and the recommendations of the other BARFERS are just some of the things to be considered when negotiating on the price of the bike.

Good luck, hopefully things will go in your favor.

Shiny side up!
Click to expand...
Sounds good ! Indeed I don't want to have to pay some hidden bakc fees or any of that. Will definitely check the code of the tire, thank you for this precious tip. Lucky me the owner of the bike I'm looking to said it has new tires, new oil, new brakes, new plugs, new led lights and new accessories... To a beginner like me it seems like a great thing.

I plan on taking the Introductory Class at the Moto Guild just after taking my bike to learn how to take good care of it :)
 
GPzPop said:
both of these are valid advise.
current owners level of care and openess about any issues are key.

clean, up to date ownership / registration paperwork is a must. if no, then skip out. plenty of other bikes

I am happy to help inspect if needed
pm me here on barfs
- - Simon (in livermore, fairly close to berkeley)
Click to expand...
Thank you for offering your help, I would love to have someone inspect it with me as you suggested. I can't send PMs yet because I just created my account here (it needs to be 14 days old at least).

Would you mind sending me an e-mail with your WhatsApp contact ? My email is arslane@berkeley.edu (will delete that comment after I received your email !)
 
Welcome to CA.! Great riding around Berkeley and the Ninja is a great bike. Will it be parked outside or garaged? Make sure you have a solid lock for it.
 
Oh and GO BEARS!!!! Are you a student or a guest professor?
 
Glad to see that5 as new French transplant, you're already starting off with "y'all" - you'll do fine.

Yeah, the biggest issue is whether they have the title (and it's in their name!) and if it's also currently registered and if not, how long it's been unregistered for. You can always use a lack of current registration to bargain for a lower price, since you will get hit with fees when you try to register it (whereas I think it's kinda gauche to just try to haggle for the sake of haggling - especially if the bike is a good deal otherwise)
 
Oh yeah, and clearly you're smart, so just get a 'feel' for the owner - do they seem legit? Do they know about the bike. if you meet at their place, is their garage clean? Do they have tools etc.? Do they 'feel' trustworthy? Why are they selling the bike - getting out of riding or to buy something new or what?

Who knows - you may end up with a riding buddy!
 
Whatever else, get an easy-to-see helmet. Way too many people driving around paying no attention for a multitude of reasons. Some even literally sleeping. Our helmets are at a height level that helps with being seen above hi-viz jackets and our headlights. Which blend right in with most cars headlights anyway. You seem like a very open and trusting person. Don't be when on the road...And have fun.
 
QuestMaker said:
I want to thank every single one of you for your help and warm welcome on this forum. I just bought my bike yesterday. Will post pictures later, I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do !
Click to expand...
QuestMaker,
Welcome to California! This forum is an excellent resource for bike-related information. If you are in Berkley now, the roads there can be crowded. However, based on my memories of driving in France, you should be okay with riding here if you could ride in cities like Paris. And good luck with getting your Master's degree and starting your startup!
 
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