How important is a professional pre-purchase inspection?

Answer: If you aren't a technician and you don't have a buddy who is, bring it to a shop. You need a professional opinion, so you know exactly what you’re buying. If you can't a technician's eye on it, check out our post "If a buyer is looking at a used bike on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist..." for other helpful information. At Pacific Power Sportz, we don’t charge for pre-purchase inspections. I do it from one bike guy to another because I want to make sure, you're getting a square deal. I’d rather help you find a good bike now, so you’ll keep coming back to us for the life of that machine. It’s just good business.

What is the very first thing a new owner should do when they get their bike home?

Answer: Read the owner’s manual cover to cover. There are things required of a motorcyclist that aren't required of a car driver—like checking tire pressure before every ride, lubing & adjusting your chain. That’s not the shop’s job, that’s your job. Read the book, learn how to operate your machine, and how to get the most from your purchase.

Are extended warranties worth the extra money at the dealership?

Answer: In 40 years, I’ve seen maybe three people actually benefit from one. So personally, I consider it a waste of money. If a bike has a factory defect, it’s going to happen right away while the standard warranty still covers it. After that, warranty companies spend all their time finding reasons not to pay your claim. It’s a legal battle you don't want. Take that same money, put it in a savings account, and find a good local technician you trust. You’ll be much better off.

If someone is buying brand new from a dealership, what should they ask the dealer?

Answer: Honestly? I wouldn’t ask the dealer much. It’s the salesman’s job to sell you the most expensive bike you will buy. Do your research online before you walk in. Talk to real owners at meetups or the track, check reviews, and forums. Ask them what breaks and if they’d buy it again. When you get to the dealer, keep the conversation to the price & finances, not the advice.

What’s your take on all the new rider aids like ABS and traction control?

Answer: Well, my answer is biased here since I am a racer; I’m not a fan, it stops you from actually learning the limits of your machine. You need to know where the tire locks up and how to control it when it does. If you rely on a computer to save you, you’ll end up riding faster than your actual ability can handle. Take a riding school, or better yet, go ride in the dirt. Learn the skills, don't rely on the computer.

If I’m buying a bike for a 30-mile freeway commute, does a small bike still make sense?

Answer: If you’re doing 30 miles of freeway to work every day, those small single-cylinder motors won't last. Like a car, a small engine won't take that kind of abuse for long. For distance and high-speed commuting, you need a multi-cylinder bike designed to put on the miles. Don't buy bigger than your britches but buy the right tool for the job.

How does a poorly adjusted cable lead to a burned-out clutch, even for "hard" riders?

Answer: When a clutch cable has zero free play, it's no different than riding with the clutch lever slightly pulled in, causing clutch slippage, overheating and premature wear of clutch plates. If a clutch cable is too loose, when you pull in the clutch to find neutral or shift gears, the clutch is not disengaging as much as it should causing hard shifting and difficulty finding neutral. Set the clutch cable free play at 5mm and if this does not “fit your hand” size buy adjustable levers.

Why is running factory street tire pressure a mistake on a track day or aggressive canyon ride?

Answer: Factory street tires are generally designed for a wide range of operating conditions on the street. The track will generate higher loads and more heat. There are street legal “track day” type tires or one can opt for some sticky track only rubber. For the rider that rides street plus occasional track days, I recommend finding a good set of used wheels, keep a set of track tires mounted up and simply swap wheels when headed to the track.

Beyond the actual price of the motorcycle, what are the hidden costs a new rider needs to realistically budget for?

Answer: Beside the obvious cost of the bike, a new rider should also factor in the cost of racing modifications, maintenance & upkeep of his or her new bike. In most cases a rider will need a selection of gearing for different tracks, fuel jugs, air compressor, bike stand(s), easy up and tools. Don't forget good quality protective gear, entry fees and some tracks require AMA membership. If you are not racing locally fuel, lodging & food are also a factor. It pays to plan things out!

When a rider is checking their brake fluid, what are the indicators that the fluid needs to be flushed, and what is the safest way to handle it?

Answer: Most brake fluid starts life clear in color and turns brown with age and contamination, so if your brake fluid looks dirty have it flushed. Best practice is to flush brake fluid at regular intervals, say every 6 months or so for street bikes and more frequently for track riding. Be careful to always select the correct type of brake fluid for your bike.

FAQs Archive - Pacific Power Sportz / PPSZ

How important is a professional pre-purchase inspection?
Answer: If you aren't a technician and you don't have a buddy who is, bring it to a shop. You [...]
What is the very first thing a new owner should do when they get their bike home?
Answer: Read the owner’s manual cover to cover. There are things required of a motorcyclist that aren't required of a [...]
Are extended warranties worth the extra money at the dealership?
Answer: In 40 years, I’ve seen maybe three people actually benefit from one. So personally, I consider it a waste [...]
If someone is buying brand new from a dealership, what should they ask the dealer?
Answer: Honestly? I wouldn’t ask the dealer much. It’s the salesman’s job to sell you the most expensive bike you [...]
What’s your take on all the new rider aids like ABS and traction control?
Answer: Well, my answer is biased here since I am a racer; I’m not a fan, it stops you from [...]
If I’m buying a bike for a 30-mile freeway commute, does a small bike still make sense?
Answer: If you’re doing 30 miles of freeway to work every day, those small single-cylinder motors won't last. Like a [...]
How does a poorly adjusted cable lead to a burned-out clutch, even for “hard” riders?
Answer: When a clutch cable has zero free play, it's no different than riding with the clutch lever slightly pulled [...]
Why is running factory street tire pressure a mistake on a track day or aggressive canyon ride?
Answer: Factory street tires are generally designed for a wide range of operating conditions on the street. The track will [...]
Beyond the actual price of the motorcycle, what are the hidden costs a new rider needs to realistically budget for?
Answer: Beside the obvious cost of the bike, a new rider should also factor in the cost of racing modifications, [...]
When a rider is checking their brake fluid, what are the indicators that the fluid needs to be flushed, and what is the safest way to handle it?
Answer: Most brake fluid starts life clear in color and turns brown with age and contamination, so if your brake [...]