Mileage on a moped.

[samz90]

I am hoping to buy a secondhand moped fairly soon. Can anyone tell me what to look out for, and what sort of mileage should I be looking at. I want a 2002 onwards bike.

Thanks

[Impret-Sir]

I guess the general rules are no different from buying a car. Condition is everything. Does it have a service history? What does the owner look like? If hes a skint 17 year old hes not likely to have spent much on maintaining it, Bottles of Tesco nastygrade oil on the garage shelf and a lot of mummbling and head scratching when you ask about servicing are also warning signs. Check the bike for signs of abuse, many of these little-uns are bought by learners, so look for evidence that its been dropped, ie scratched plastics/bar ends/exhaust cans. Insist on a test ride, does it go/stop in a staight line? Is the engine noisy or smokey? (cheap oil syndrome again), are the fork legs pitted or oily? (leaking oil seals), any rips or tears in the seat? Look for rust, although this should not be a problem at the age you mention, if it is evident, is the bike kept outdoors?, how bad is the corrosion? and where is it?  Check wheel rims for damage, signs of botched tyre changes, and what are the tyres like? not just dread depth, but general condition as well, look for signs of kerbing/side wall damage/splits etc. Obviously the mileage is a factor, but unless its way high, (say above about 5000 a year) condition is more important.

You dont say if your buying from a dealer, in which case you should at least get a warranty, and ask for a service before sale, and hopefully a new MOT if it needs one.

Lots of mopeds get stolen, so get an HPI check if the dealer doesnt do them, or if you buy privately.

Without knowing what bikes your considering, its hard to be more specific, good luck!

[madgeezer]

why not just buy a cheapo one from argos they're about 799