Choosing my next bike.... Agony

[Stusmoke]

Thanks for all the great advice guys its appreciated.
Okay so 7-10 hours on the oil. Thanks
I do know what I'm looking at for the things on the list but that is about the extent of my knowledge. Static sag should be no more then 25 mil, wheel bearings should connect perfectly with the swingarm, there should be ZERO side to side movement, Swingarm should not budge a milimetre (apart from where its meant to of course. Wiring is a difficult one to be honest, I will check to make sure it is all still sealed, taking the chain off the sprocket should reveal no more then half a tooth, the spokes should make a lasting ting sound when I tap them with something metal, sprocket teeth should not be biased in either direction, brake discs should have not a scrap of rust on them and should not be very worn, obviously the brakes should be completely silent, Oil should be an almost transparent orange and to the full mark NEVER over and coolant should be green or blue depending on the brand and full.

Please correct me if I've messed something up, I cannot afford to be spending heaps of cash on a lemon
Cheers

[SwapperMX]

You seem pretty concerned with the static sag of a shock. This is just a measurement taken to aid in setting up your shock. It will not tell much more than how much preload is on the shock spring. I would put this out of your mind for now, but keep on learning and reading, cos this will help you in the future.

[cnrcpla]

Yeah, static sag is more for setting up the bike suspension for your weight and height and help you handle it better. It's basically just personalizing it for yourself.

[teriks]

Remove ignition cover and check for radial play in the main bearings.
If you can feel any, it's most likely time for a bottom end job. -Don't ask why I feel that's an important check..

How do you check for radial play?

Try to move the flywheel up and down, backward and forward etc.
If you can feel much movement (more than, say, 0.03mm), at least the ignition side bearing is worn.
When I think of it, I guess you need some experience to "feel" what's too much..

-To me it's an important check since I once bought a bike in a hurry.
Didn't ride it for long before it was time for a bottom end job, should have seen that one coming.

[Stusmoke]

Well depending on how big the rider is static sag can have a decent indication on whether the rear shock is sacked out. If, for example the rider is a bigger person and has his sag set higher it is entirely possible that its half rooted. I'll be calling that bloke the sarvo when I get home from school. Hopefully I can haggle him down a fair bit and find a few little things wrong with it that will aid the process.
Is there anything else I should look for? Thanks guys

[cnrcpla]

Look for any cracks or stretch marks or weld beads in the frame. Any of those can be a sign of structural weakness that can really mess you up.

[SwapperMX]

Well depending on how big the rider is static sag can have a decent indication on whether the rear shock is sacked out. If, for example the rider is a bigger person and has his sag set higher it is entirely possible that its half rooted.

Again, not really. Just indicates incorrect spring rate. A completely blown shock usually has no static sag!!

[Stusmoke]

Well then, My apologies I was told otherwise. After doing internet research you are in fact right. I did read this out of a 1994 magazine though... Anyways I forgot to ring that guy tomorrow between training and perfecting my old XR100R to be sold I completely forgot. I will do it tomorrow. Thanks guys

[SwapperMX]

I have been on the lookout for a good, cheap 125 also for quite a while now. There are a lot of overpriced bikes out there, so make sure you look hard to get an idea of market value. 125's aren't real easy to sell second hand here at the moment, so you can use that to your advantage when buying. Here is one that would be worth watching : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2007-Yamaha-yz-125-/290662162332?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item43acd09f9c

[eprovenzano]

Any updates?

[Stusmoke]

Well In an extremely untimely turn of events my parents sprung it on me yesterday that I need to get my XR sold before another bike. Sigh. That shouldn't be that hard though. ordered in a rear sprocket and chain feeder for it yesterday. That makes it flawless should get a minimum of $1200 for it. After that I'm good to go though. Don't have the money otherwise.
I'll keep you posted if you want. Sorry for my inactivity too school has been brutal.

Thanks guys

[SwapperMX]

what capacity XR are you selling??

[eprovenzano]

One lesson to be learned...  Patience...  We all have been in your shoes.  Whether is buying a bike, car, house, etc...  Patience...  If you find the perfect one and are unable to purchase it, take a deep breath, as there is always another one fpr sale...  patience...  You may be upset at the moment, but when you are ready, you will find the "right" one.  I can speak for everyone as to how hard it is to want to purchase something, (bike) and to have your hopes dashed as the bike advertised as like new condition, is completely clapped out, or the owner will not budge on the asking price even after you point out the flaws.. sometimes you just have to walk away...  Patience...  when you do make the purchase it (hopefully) will be the "right" one.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[Stusmoke]

First of all... woot woot I got upgraded to junior. Secondly I wasn't upset about it. It doesn't bother me THAT much. Minor setback. And last but definitely not least Im selling my 1999 XR100R. Just got a new sprocket whacked on it and a new chain tensioner. Now I need another for the otherside cos I was keeping my skills sharp on it and took a corner too low and bent the left hand one majorly... That pushed my buttons a little bit but oh well. I might get another chain for it even I don't know. Im more inclined to sell it as is. This bike wont be far away though cos the wind changed in terms of luck. I was rung up yesterday about a car I have had advertised for a while. Bloke is coming to look at it this weekend. Upon selling this XR and the skyline I will have paved my way for a screamer. And scream it I shall... Thanks though guys I will keep you informed. Anyone wanting more info on the XR just... Private message me or post on here I'll look back every now and then.

Cheers I'll keep you updated