What are the factors to be considered while buying an older bike?

Jay Schneider: What are the factors to be considered while buying an older bike?
When I buy an older bike (say 80s), what all should I check for even if its starts up and fires?

Also, is it better to buy an older cruiser than an older sport bike? I am more of a sport bike person but I feel that in most cases older cruisers are better taken care of than older sport bikes. Sport bike riders ten to push the bikes whereas cruiser bike riders probably don’t. I don’t know if I am making sense here. Is my assumption fair? Also, what should I check for when I buy an older bike?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Paul
For ME, I would look for signs of neglect. If the bike has crud all over the engine, wheels, and the chrome is dull, it means (to me) that the owner just rode it and didn’t care enough to do anything ELSE, like oil changes or cleaning.

A real clean machine means they cared, and it’s probably in pretty good shape mechanically, generally.

Answer by Andy
As far as i’m concerned there’s only one consideration.Can you get parts for it when it breaks down.If it’s a Harley that’s a non issue as you can get any part on them.But if not be careful as some older bikes can be VERY tough to find replacement parts for.Your assumption about sport bikes versus cruisers is pretty valid in most cases.

Answer by irishwyrick
Paul and Andy have valid points but thats not what i would look for first.
first and for most the frame.. look at every weld for cracks, look for scrapes like its been layed down and repaired. i say this because i had a neck snap off the frame on a bike while i was in traffic on the freeway and i almost killed me. so if theres a crack or gouge out of a frame i wont even touch the bike.

if the frame is good then its time too look at engine and trans. if you have a compression tester, pull the spark plugs on the engine and squirt a little oil in the cylinder of each and check the compression. ass long as its over 105psi and pretty close on all the cylinders it should have some life in it. as for the trans you pretty much have to ride it and feel for anything thats not how it should be. it will be the same with the clutch.

if your frame is in good shape, and engine and trans feel good everything else should be cheap if it go’s out