Honda Motorcycle Repair Forums

I want to purchase a used 1986 250cc Honda Rebel with 8500 miles from a private seller. Could some more?

experienced motorcyclists on this forum tell me what should I look for when I go out to see and test ride this motorcycle (to guard against being sold a lemon)

I was thinking about asking the guy to see if he had documentation on service intervals, the VIN Number, title information, etc…

I currently own a 1985 700cc Honda Magna. I’m buying this bike for my 5’1 100lb financee. I usually get my service and repairs done by my local Honda dealership.

Should I ask the owner if I can take the Rebel to be inspected?

The guy is selling the bike for $800.

Any suggestions on assessing a used bike for purchase from a private seller will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Kelley Blue Book trade in value for a 1986 base Honda Rebel is $920 ($1045 for the limited model), so the price is right. This bike was purchased new in 1986 for $1435 ($1615 for the limited). Boy, these bikes really keep their value! Also, 8500 miles is pretty low for a 20 year old motorcyle. Another good point about the sale, if the bike is in good condition;

- Check to see if the bike has been layed down by looking for damage (or more importantly repairs) on the gas tank, foot rests, handle bars and rear blinkers. Look for the original paint to be in good shape and for screws and bolts to look like they have been there for 20 years.

- Ask for maintenance schedules and look for lots of oil changes, at least one per year regardless of miles driven.

- Given the low mileage, this bike has been stored a lot. Check that it was stored in a controled environment (i.e., garage) and a fuel stabilizer was used.

- Check the age and style of the primary driver.

- The rest of the inspection is similar to a car; any rust, does it burn oil, how does the clutch feel, starts well, no skipping, anything broken or needs to be replaced, etc. Given that this is a 20 year old bike, I would expect to replace something (i.e., check for cracks and aging in the tires, cracks in gas line, etc.).

- Have the bike inspected by a qualified service technician, if possible.

Remeber, this is a 20 year old bike, so expect to pay a few dollars tuning it up and replacing any aging parts.

Good luck.

Chris Glennon

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