I'm trying to think back through all my own experiences but I think most of them have been summarised above but here goes for things I'd specifically check on an SS I was going to buy.... Service history. Wheel and Steering head bearings. Front and Rear suspension. (leaks, travel and quality) Frame (steering head) and swingarm (pinch bolt area) cracks Discs - float and disc thickness / scoring. Hear the bike being started....slow to crank? (poss battery / starter probs) 'excessive' engine noise? - (very subjective this one - esp when new to Dukes) Possible extra checks... Voltage regulator Fuel tank internals + tank prone to rubbing at the back from the seat. Generator wiring - LHS of engine; bullet connectors can be rubbish. I'm sure I'll add as I go along !!!! NB - many threads I've read say the FE (and Superlights) are a better buy than a std SS - unless you really want the pillion option and dont want to retro-fit a pillion seat. |