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

You are buying a bike that is over 20 years old and for 800 you get what you pay for. It probably would be a good starter bike, but I wouldnt expect that the owner has those records. Try to bring along a friend with some mechanical knowledge.

I think you should be buying this bike for around $500. With those miles it should look perfect. At that age it will probably need a tune-up to run well so expect that. Expect to replace alot of the rubber type parts that age over time reguardless of use.

No guarantees when you buy a used bike. I have always had luck though, even bought a bike that wouldn't start for a deep discount and fixed the problem in 2 hours and had a perfect bike. Just don't go buying problems or things you know need alot of work cause if there is obvious big mechanical problems they will be the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty of cherry used bikes out there that you can buy for a song. it's a buyer's market so shop around and deal.

$800 is dirt cheap for an 86 rebel. All you can do is ask your local honda dealership if they can inspect it for you. A lot wouldn't, but see if a mechanic wants to get an extra few bucks to meet you on his day off to check something out. If that doesn't work I would take it for a test ride. Have the guy follow in a car or something. And yes ask to make sure he has the documents. He should show them to you right before you give him the cash.

During the test ride, check for wobbling, response time ( time from when you twist you actually go ), and also def check the rubber tubes around the bike. See what kind of shape they are in. It's a nice tell tale sign to see how much care the seller put into the bike

Taking any vehicle to a mechanic is a good idea with used equipment. My question is will she be happy with only 250cc? They are good bikes but have trouble with highway speeds and if you ever plan on any long trips, it would have to work alot harder. there is alot to consider. Wouldn't you like her to be able to keep up with you when you ride together. On the other end make sure the clutch and the wiring is good. Check the brakes. look for cheap home fixes.

$800 dollars for a 22 year old bike. Think about it. Its only $2800 to $3300 new. Stop by your local honda shop or call one and let them give you the current value on it. Sounds like a $250 max to me and i have a 250 and a 1500.

Have the dealer inspect it before you pay your money. If the owner is against that, they might have something to hide.

for the size of your g/f,id spend a little extra,look at the new ninja250r it would be a perfect bike for her,perfect size,exellent fuel mileage,then when shes ready it has awsome resale value.

Most people don't keep a Honda Rebel long enough to tear it up too badly, but it probably hasn't had a lot of TLC either. The bike you're looking at for $800 may have had a dozen or more different owners over the past 20 years...

Definitely look at the tires, chain and sprockets, battery, shocks, brakes, lights & signals, etc... If the current owner can't tell you the last time the bike was serviced, then plan on an oil & filter change and a tune-up right away. While the shop has it in for that tune-up, have them check the clutch and cables for wear and corrosion.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the little details on this bike, as it's only $800, and your fiancee is going to be ready to move up to a bigger bike after one season on the little 250.

Good luck!