You might find this a good read too.
Full credit goes too Ian Smith from netrider.
http://www.netrider....ectionchecklist
The FIRST TEST is LOOK
Does the bike look OK?
Does the bike look straight?-look from rear/front and side on
Eyeball-front and rear wheels- are they in line?
Eyeball-is the rear wheel square in the swing arm? check markings at chain adjusters on swing arm
Does bike have all operating bits?- brake&clutch lever, throttle grip, mirrors (2) and not broken..!
Does bike have lights and 4 indicators?
Does the bike have 2 switch blocks?- with horn switch, safety switch, indicators etc
Are tyres OK?.. NOT flat, squared off and have cuts or holes, can you see tyre belts?
Are the wheels complete? no broken spokes or if alloy, no scrapes or cracks
Is bike complete?�has (both if pillion separate) seats, mudguards, hugger, both pillion pegs?
Does fairing look OK, square to frame? Does it have all retainers, no empty bolt or screw holes?
What is condition of bike- cosmetically? check for rust, check tank for dings
What is mechanical condition-is engine clean or oil covered?
Is there oil or fluid on the outside of the front forks?
Is there oil dripping off the bottom of the engine?
Is the oil dripping off or covering the rear suspension?
Check for Petrol leaks from tank or fuel lines or carbys (or injection)
Check levels of �coolant, brake fluid, engine oil (all will have markers for the correct levels)
Check chain-clean/dirty?
Check Sprockets�pointy teeth? no lubrication?
Do electrical harnesses appear retained or and clipped in place, no loose wires running everywhere?
Remove seat and have a look �does it have tools, owners manual?
Remove seat and have a look� at the battery �.is it clean or covered in white powder?
Does bike have a side stand?, a centre stand?
Is bike registered?. CHECK DATE!�is rego sticker displayed?
Does the bike have service stickers on it?�a service history available?
The SECOND test is TOUCH and... LISTEN
Grab exhaust (whilst COLD!) and shake..does it rattle? does it squeak, is it attached firmly?
Grab handle bars�are they loose?, do switch blocks seem tight? are mirrors attached firmly?
Shake handle bars�is front wheel loose (bearing check)
Shake handle bars�do they flop in either direction, is there any rattle or squeaks
Grab gearshift lever�does it only move up and down?(not sideways)
Grab brake pedal...does it only move up and down?(not sideways)
Grab rider and pillion pegs�does it only move up and down?(not sideways)
Grab brake lever�is it stiff to work, or does it move freely
Grab clutch lever�.is it stiff to work, or does it move freely
Grab rear wheel (preferably while on a stand)..can you twist wheel sideways?
Are there any noises during the operations of the levers?�squeaks
Is the chain adjusted correctly?�25-30mm sag in middle of bottom chain run
Check all lights work..turn them on, Headlight High Beam? Stop Light? Instrument lights?
The THIRD test is SIT
Sit on bike and compress forks (hold front brake to do so)..squeaks, groans?
Bounce up and down on seat�noise from rear suspension?
Twist handle bars, do they move freely or are they stiff? (head stem bearing check)
Twist handle bars�do they flop from side to side (loose head stem bearings)
Are the bars or the clip-ons loose?
Do all normal controls appear there?�.levers, pedals, switches
Bounce bike up and down�rattles?
Is seat loose? does it move when you sit on it ? torn? foam soft and saggy?
Finally�ENGINE/GEARBOX (assuming bike is running and has Fuel in tank)
Is the engine easy to start or does it require a SPECIAL start routine! like� pump choke 3 times etc�
Is the engine rattly on start up, does it blow smoke (watch 2 strokes)�does exhaust rattle?
Noise level excessive?�no baffles?, exhaust leaks?
Push in choke�will bike idle without choke once warm?
Put bike in gear�lurch? easy to select gear?
Do safety check before riding bike�do brakes work? (test them)
Go for a ride�check Engine rattles, chain (zmmmy)noise, gearbox operation and noise (NO grinding noises)
How does it STOP?, CORNER? ACCELERATE? CHANGE GEAR?�smooth or jerky?
Is throttle smooth to use?
Are all controls easy to use?
