The Life Of A Biker

Tips on buying a second hand bike

2012-03-17T15:12:00.003-07:00

For sure you would have heard stories from people who have bought second hand bikes about how they got cheated or about how there were faults in the machine that they came to know only after using the bike for a while. Yes you are always at risk while you go for a secondhand bike, but that does not necessarily need to scare you away from a good deal. Below are some points that we think you should take into account while out in the market for a second hand bike.
- Check the bike for accident related issues: You can do this by checking at the police station/ online government websites / RTO to confirm that the bike that you are buying does not have a history that will haunt you.

- Check the bike for worn out / damages parts: Just assume that there are going to be worn out parts. Hunt for any sign of an accident, which could be chipped handle bar end’s, bent crash guard. Smoke in the exhaust. Even if they may not be major or dangerous, they are bargaining points.

- Do your homework: Research about the model, find out its usual / common faults. Inspect for the same.

- Check to see if the paintwork is original and matches the one on the RC book.

- Make sure that the Chassis number on the RC book and the bike matches.

- Check if the wear on the tires match the odo reading: There are very over-smart people who adjust the odometer to reduce the number of kilometers that has been done by the bike. Although the tyres do not tell you the whole story. In some cases it might help you call bluff.

- Verify bike’s documents carefully and thoroughly: Make sure you get the original documents and again verify at an RTO.

- Check electricals, look around for signs of tampering / modifications.

- Ask for / Insist on a test ride: If possible take the bike to a trusted mechanic.

- Judge the balance / check for fork bends, Look out for any suspicious noise, Look for signs of rusting.

- Obtain as much detail as possible about previous usage conditions of the bike.

- If possible, do a mileage run: Good indicator of the health of the engine.

- Try and obtain servicing records / history of the bike.

- Check the spark plug with a trained mechanic: Lots of them can judge the internals by looking at a spark plug.

- NEVER BUY A BIKE ON WHICH YOU HAVE SOME DOUBT ON. Because then you'll never ride it properly if you know what i mean.

- Do not compromise on your check routine because of dealer’s insistence / pressure: Dealers or sellers might put pressure on you by telling you all sorts of stories that they have other people lined up for the bike. Do not buy it in a hurry.

- Bargain!: Bargain hard and bring the price down to as low as you can. Have a fair idea of the vehicle used market price and standing.

- Get ownership transferred immediately: This is as important a step as anything else. Do get it the signature of the seller on the transfer paper and get the transfer done asap.

So take care and please try following up these instructions before buying a second hand bike. Don't just buy it because it is cheap. And don't buy a bike you don't want to buy just because a family member or friend is forcing you to buy it. Just buy the bike that you'll enjoy riding.

Some good n stylish 600cc bikes

2012-02-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

600cc bikes. Power, speed and affordable bikes.some of there bikes below can be perfect starter/beginner bikes for the newbies out there because these bikes in used condition come at excellent prices and give you more than you ever expected.make sure you check everything properly before buying a used bike because there are a lot of scammers out there who want to take your money. When buying a used bike make sure to check the condition, bodywork, engine sounds, kms run, wiring and tires and make sure they all are okay. Be sure by taking it "her" on a test ride and pull the gas to the max ( in a safe area with a helmet and other biking equipment if possible). If all goes well you are good to go. Or if you have deep pockets you could also go for a new piece directly from the market but it would cost you about double the price of a used bike so think carefully before doing the purchase. So here are some of the best 600cc bikes that i have seen. Some of them cross the 600 mark and some are a little below 600 but I've included them here anyway.

1. Yamaha YZF R6

Yamaha's R6 model is a great 600cc motorcycle. First produced in 1999, alongside the R1 and YZF600R, this bike was the one to ride the streets with. The motorcycle featured Yamaha's completely new engine design capable of producing over 108 hp while stationary. The R6 was the world's first 600cc production four-stroke motorcycle producing over 100 hp in stock form. A new one comes for about 11000$ on average. and used ones like i said comes for around half price.

2. Honda CBR 600RR

This bike is introduced in 2003, is called the sharpest looking of all 600cc motorcycles out there, The CBR600RR is the darling of industry experts who all rave about it, and this show of confidence in it is why it takes a high position on the 600cc list. This is one of the first motorcycles which was built with the anti-lock brakingsystem. Prices are about 10000$ each.

3. Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R

Introduced way back in 1995, The engine of this bike has so much power that you will feel like you are riding a bike with a bigger engine and not a 600. With perfect handling and a sexy look this bikes can go miles and miles without sowing signs of fatigue. Price is around 10500$.

4. Triumph Daytona 675

This bike is not as famous as the big names in the motorcycle industry but that doesn't mean its not powerful. Introduced in 2006 with 104.4 hp, this bike is unique in its own way. it has excellent handling and you will be amazed how it corners on a sharp turn at high speeds. 10500$ for a new piece.

5. KTM 690 Enduro

Now this is a bike i salute every time i see one. Liquid cooled and off road. this bikes is for those who like living hardcore. awesome suspensions that let the bike fly in the air and land perfectly and a great bike for an adventure of any kind. This bike is one that you don't have to take care of too much because it takes care itself. 10800$ in the market.

6. Ducati Monster

Since 1993, the monster has been in the market. with 90 degree V twin engines, this bike give perfect power to handling and is also ideal for of road trips. the reason its called a monster is the shape of the bike which corresponds to its power which is no bigger than a monster. It costs about 12000$.

7. Suzuki SV650

The SV650 and variants are street motorcycles manufactured since 1999 for the international market by the suzuki motor corporation, featuring a mid-sized V-twin engine and medium performance components. The latest model of this bike is a naked model with has an even better look because you can see the raw engine and just imagine the power you are about to feel in a couple of seconds. costs about 7500$.

8. Kawasaki ZZR

Another kawasaki beauty. two different models exist, the ZZR600 that is sold in the USA and the ZZR600 D sold in Europe. This is a great 600cc bike coming for an amazing price of 7300$. This is a very good price for a beast like this.

9. Kawasaki Ninja 500

This has a smaller engine than the 600s. Its a powerful and comfortable bike that lets you sit upright and ride it. Even though it is 100cc smaller than the rest here it shows only a slight decrease in power and no recognizable difference in handling. Just 5000$ and you have this in your garage.

10. Suzuki GSX 600F Katana

The 650cc model katana was produced in the early years of the new millenium. the new model has ABS system installed and comes for around 9000$. Katana started from the mid 80s and people still ride them today.

Some of the fastest bikes in the world

2012-01-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

1. Dodge Tomahawk

This motorcycle was first produced in 2003. It has a 500 hp 8.3L v10 engine. In fact, it uses the same engine that the Dodge viper uses! The tomahawk is an incredible 4 wheeled "motorcycle" that goes to very high speeds of almost 500Kmph! That is almost as fast as a plane.Dodge Tomahawk V10 super bike weighs 1500lbs. Its 4 wheel suspension takes care of this weight. Its battery is maintenance free. Its headlights consist of 12 five watt LEDs, with beam modifying optics and masked lenses. It can reach 60 mph is 2.5 seconds. Very few pieces of this motorcycle were sold to people who could afford them at a price of 555,000$.

Top speed: 305 mph ( 488km/h)
500 bhp with Viper Engine V 10
8.3L
20 valves
This is the fastest concept bike in the world

2. MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K

The fastest 2 wheeler on Earth as they call it. The MTT Turbine Y2K Superbike is the worlds first Turbine powered motorcycle. A Rolls Royce Allison gas turbine engine which drives the rear wheel via a 2 speed gearbox to be specific. It give a speed of around 370Kmph. This unit was in Guinness Book of Records once in two nominations “The most powerful motorcycle” and “The most expensive motorcycle.” have in mind, of course, serial, because many custom bikes are much more expensive. One piece of this Beauty comes in around 150,000$.

Top speed: 230 mph (370.1 km/h)
Rolls Royce-Allison 250 series turboshaft engine
Wheel-driven

3. Ducati Desmosedici RR

The fastest of the Ducati series. The desmosedici has a stunning Moto GP like look that thrills every bike lover out there. The sheer speed and effort it takes to comprehend the velocity it produces is extremely taxing. That said, the exhilaration is unrivaled, with one’s adrenal glands pumping gallons of the good stuff straight into your blood the entire ride. It costs around 72500$ and is the first Ducati ever to cross the 200Mph mark.

Top speed: 200 mph (320 km/h)
989 cc
13800rpm Claimed engine
Type: 90° V4 cylinder "Double-L-Twin", Twin Pulse firing order, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Desmodromic, four titanium valves per cylinder, gear-driven camshafts

4. Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

My personal favorite, the Suzuki Hayabusa GSX 1300R.Named after the 320km/h Japanese bird of prey, there's no hiding the fact that the Suzuki Hayabusa is a road rocket. Its long, low, aerodynamic form gets a lot of looks from both four-wheeled and two-wheeled fraternities, appearing almost as though it gestated from a lump of semi-sentient Playdoh reared in a wind tunnel. If professionally tuned, this bike can go up to 280Mph. Yes Mph and not Kmph. This beast by Suzuki costs around 15000$ today and is a must own for all those who can afford it. It is so stable that you cannot even guess the speed you are riding at.

Top speed: 188 to 194 mph (302.6 to 312.2 km/h)
New: 186 mph (299.3 km/h)
1,299cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
Dual overhead cam
16 valves

5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 (ZZR1400)

The Kawasaki ZZR1400 goes 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. Can you imagine, it took longer to read the statement than it would take for this bike to reach 60mph.It was introduced at the Tokyo 2005 showand released for the 2006 model year as a replacement for the ZX-12R. With a 1400cc Engine, this bike give a top speed of around 301Kmph. The 2012 model is rumored to cost around 14800-15500$.

Top speed: 187 mph (301 km/h)
1,352cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
Dual overhead cam
16 valves

6. Suzuki GSX-R1000

Looks and speed, this bike has it all.with a 999cc engine and a top speed of 299Kmph and a superb control and cornering system, it comes for around 20000$. It will attract a crowd everywhere you go.The latest edition of the bike has only one exhaust unlike the previous versions of the bike that has 2 exhausts.

Top speed: 185 mph (299km/h)
999cc
6-speed, constant mesh, Back-torque limiting clutch
16 valves
Four cylinder engine

7. MV Agusta F4

I bet half of you have never heard of this bike. The MV Agusta F4, 1078cc giving a top speed of 298Kmph. It has superb traction thus allowing it to go around corners at higher speeds. Rumors say this bike has topped 305Kmph but no evidence exists on that matter. Prices range from 35000-40000$.

Top speed: 185 mph (297.7 km/h)
1,078cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
Dual overhead cam
16 valves

8. Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird

A 16000$ Honda motorbike. First produced in the late 90's this bike has a 1100cc engine and gives a top speed of 287Kmph. Fatigue resistant and does not easily overheat. This bike can be driven for hours and hours and when you turn it off it still looks like it hasn't been started at all.

Top speed: 178 mph (286.5 km/h)
1,137cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
16 valves

9. Yamaha YZF R1

I haven't seen a bike that can beat this one in looks. The YZF R1 with a top speed of 283Kmph and a 1000cc engine. It provides an excellent lean angle for greater speeds on cornering. It costs 25000-26000$

Top speed: 176 mph (283.2 km/h)
998cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
16 valves

10. Ducati 1098s

Ducati, just the name says it all. This 1098 special edition has a 1100cc engine giving a top speed of 282Kmph. It costs 65000$ and if you can afford it, you will rule the streets with this baby.

Top speed: 175 mph (281.6 km/h)
1,098cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
16 valves

11. Aprilia RSV4

Whenever i think of Aprilia, This muscular bike comes into my mind. This 1000cc RSV4 with a top speed of 281Kmph comes for 16500$. Good price for a muscular sports bike that you can cruise around town with.

Top speed: 175 mph (281km/h)
999.6cc
6 speed wet clutch
Four cylinder engine
16 valves

12. Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille

Another Aprilia muscle. 1000cc and a top speed of 277Kmph. Great design with smooth shifting system. The older model comes in around 9000$ today.

Top speed: 172 mph (276.8 km/h)
998cc
4-stroke
V-twin engine
8 valves

13. Bimota YB6 EXUP

1989, Bimota YB6 1000cc giving 277Kmph on the clock. Not sold on showrooms today but selling price would be around 15000$ but it depends on the owner of the bike. And as we all know no one would give away a classic like this.

Top speed: 173 mph ( 276.8km/h)
1003 cc Engine
Inline 4 cylinder,4 stroke and liquid cooled
20 valves

14. Ducati 1098
The Original 1098cc Ducati giving 275 on the clock. 60000$ in showrooms around the world. Expensive but worth it. The engine sound is just great. Everything on this bike has something good about it.

Top Speed: 172 mph (275.2 km/h)
1,098cc
L-twin Cylinder Desmodromic liquid cooled
4 valves per cylinder

15. Honda CBR600 RR

This was one of the only 600cc bikes to cross the 270Kmph mark. One costs about 12500$ and the new 2012 model has the latest combined Anti-Lock braking system for ultimate safety during emergency braking.

Top speed: 172 mph (275.2 km/h)
599cc
Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping
Inline four cylinder engine
16 valves

16. Yamaha FZR 1000

This is the motorcycle that created the heritage for the next generations of Yamaha super sport bikes like YZF 1000 Thunderace and YZF R1. The bike developed into a legend in the early 90’s and it is still loved and ridden today. with a 1000cc engine giving a top speed of 272Kmph. No fixed price is known today and like i said no one would give away a classic.

Top speed: 170 mph ( 272km/h)
1003 cc Engine
Liquid cooled inclined inline 4 cylinder
20 valves

17. Yamaha YZF R6

Beautiful, fast and affordable. The Yamaha R6, One of the first 600cc bikes to cross the 270Kmph mark with the Honda CBR600RR. It comes for an amazing price of just 9000$

Top speed: 168 mph ( 270km/h)
599cc Engine
Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, forward inclined inline 4 cylinder
16 Titanium valves

18. BMW K1200S

BMW is all about luxury. at 18000$ this baby could be yours. a 1200cc engine and a top speed of 269Kmph, this bike is just perfect for cruising as it has a very flexible engine and smooth shifting. The BMW sign on the bike is enough to let people know its true nature.

Top speed: 167 mph (268.8 km/h)
1,57cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
16 valves

19. BMW R 1200S

Like her sister the K1200s, this one has the same 1200cc engine and almost the same top speed but this BMW has a more muscular look and is one bike that will make the eyes of people follow it everywhere it passes. It costs 1000$ more than the K1200 that is 17000$.

Top speed: 167 mph (268.8 km/h)
1,157cc
4-stroke
Inline four cylinder engine
16 valves

20. Buell 1125R

Buell, makes you think of a bull doesn't it. Well it is a bull. A bull that has a 1125cc water cooled engine and that goes to a top speed of 258Kmph. It's the fastest of the buell series, and comes for about 12000$.

Top Speed: 160 mph (257.5 km/h)
1,125cc
V-Twin engine
Dual overhead cam
8 valves

-If you would like to purchase any of the street legal motorbikes above there are some links to some world online markets (eBay and Amazon) below.