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how to determine a fake odometer reading?

H

horse7

New member
Joined
May 10, 2012
Location
san jose
Moto(s)
R6
Perhaps the odometer was unplugged or swapped out how would one know if the odometer was replaced or tampered with for mileage purposes .. I'm looking into buying a r6 from a private seller and the susspicion came across because it's a 07 with 3k miles.. Ive read other threads to check the grip, tire, and sprocket/chain ware. Any other recomondations?
 
horse7 said:
Perhaps the odometer was unplugged or swapped out how would one know if the odometer was replaced or tampered with for mileage purposes .. I'm looking into buying a r6 from a private seller and the susspicion came across because it's a 07 with 3k miles.. Ive read other threads to check the grip, tire, and sprocket/chain ware. Any other recomondations?
Click to expand...

Their might be a way, but plenty of folks by motorcycles and just plain don't ride em. What mileage are you concerned about it having? Do you think he was putting 10k miles a year on it and the bike has upwards of 60k on it? I understand why that concerns some folks, but those Japanese make a good engine.

Is he the original owner? If not, check the title and see what the stated mileage is. He could have lied on the paperwork, but perhaps he didn't and you could catch him there.
 
A six year old bike with 3K miles is not unheard of, but yes you've got to be diligent.

I'll add:

-Wear on the pegs, shifter and brake pedal rubber end pieces (if applicable), and grips.
-3K miles on a non-track bike -- very worn or brand new brake pads.

CA title transfer, IIRC, requires the seller to attest that the mileage is correct. Inaccurate attestation is fraud and possibly a crime as well. (I know, I know, that and $3 gets you a cup of *$ finest.)

Bottom line is that if you don't trust the seller, walk away. I have done so. If you are young, maybe take an older friend who has good people radar.
 
The bike would likely have OEM tires, unless someone hated them enough to switch when first bought.
 
Every motorcycle I bought averaged less than 1000 miles a year. It was fairly obvious that the owners were not hardcore riders.
 
In short, you can't. Pay attention to general condition. Miles aren't as important as how well the bike was cared for. A good owner, even one who has done all their own maintenance, will keep receipts.
 
I have a 2006 R6 with 2200 miles. Low miles on Supersport bikes is not unheard off. The previous owner of my bike got it with 2k miles in 2008 as his first bike and scared himself off bikes within 200 miles of purchase when he dropped it. Let it sit for 4+ years when I bought it last year

Look for wear on heel guards, brake pads ( should be near new thickness), tires are most likely original. Grip should look new throttle and clutch cable slack should be like factory etc. Another sign is lots of dust everywhere if you remove a fairing and check. Unless it was covered and kept in a garage that was seldom opened. Wear on the knee pad area under tank. There are few more things you can check.

Unless the bike was freshened up with all the
fluids changed and any weathered rubber parts replaced it may not be a better deal than something with 10k-20k miles at the same price.

Vehicles that are regularly ridden/ driven tend to last longer time and mileage wise.

Very low miles usually means lot's of short trips with engine running cold and running a richer to warm up. lots of cold starts. These things wear the engine a lot faster than long runs at proper operating temps.


Look for rust in fuel tank, chain,Brake fluid color. If you buy it change the oil asap before riding it too long with old oil.
 
RightCoastBias said:
The bike would likely have OEM tires, unless someone hated them enough to switch when first bought.
Click to expand...

depends on how it was ridden. I think sport tires wear out at that mileage on 600cc+ depending on if all highway use, or hard riding.
 
check the grips for wear marks too
 
Everyone is telling you to inspect the bike; I say, inspect the seller.

What kind of guy is he? Is he old or young? Does he seem experienced? Has he sold many bikes before? Does he live in a shitty part of town? What does he do for work? Does he ever bring up friends or family? Is he pushy if you ask questions?

Interview the seller. That's the key to knowing if you're about to be screwed. The guy I bought my gixxer from was a bit sketchy but I figure he's just a curbstoner out to make a buck and idgaf about that.
 
Abyss said:
Everyone is telling you to inspect the bike; I say, inspect the seller.

What kind of guy is he? Is he old or young? Does he seem experienced? Has he sold many bikes before? Does he live in a shitty part of town? What does he do for work? Does he ever bring up friends or family? Is he pushy if you ask questions?

Interview the seller. That's the key to knowing if you're about to be screwed. The guy I bought my gixxer from was a bit sketchy but I figure he's just a curbstoner out to make a buck and idgaf about that.
Click to expand...


That's certainly a part of it, but even if someone is a sketchy idiot, you can still check the mechanical stuff and sort it out.
 
In my experience the best con men are likable, believable and seem extremely trustworthy. The only way to catch a liar is to catch them lying. Verify all facts that you can. If there is one inconsistency there are likely ten you did not catch.
 
Also, it should be said, there's always another bike. If you're questioning it from the get go, maybe it's best to wait a month or two for CL to be chalk full of bikes.
 
oldapeman said:
In my experience the best con men are likable, believable and seem extremely trustworthy. The only way to catch a liar is to catch them lying. Verify all facts that you can. If there is one inconsistency there are likely ten you did not catch.
Click to expand...

Bingo !
 
oldapeman said:
In my experience the best con men are likable, believable and seem extremely trustworthy. The only way to catch a liar is to catch them lying. Verify all facts that you can. If there is one inconsistency there are likely ten you did not catch.
Click to expand...

I would rather buy from a guy who seems sorta sketchy than a guy who seems unnervingly prepared.

Beware of guys who want to be your friend/chat with you a lot/say they're "not trying to scam you"
 
I think there is a Carfax for bikes, no?
could give info from when it was at a dealer for crash damage or service campaigns etc.
not positive but thought there was.
with that low miles, frankly the bike should look like new
 
If the bike still has the original tires on it, that should be enough evidence that it only has 3000 miles. You can check the date code on the sidewall to see how old the tires are.

If they ARE original, you'll want to be putting some new ones on there after buyng it.

It shouldn't be that hard to inspect for wear on a bike with 3000 miles. But get a list of everything that was supposedly replaced on the bike and a reason why. If it has new tires, chain, sprockets, grips and other stuff that would show wear, that's a clue that it might have more miles than advertised.
 
Check for play in ignition, fuel cap. The keys, ignition etc on low mile bike should have minimal wear.

Check nuts and bolts for tool marks.

Also check for rock chips on paint. Radiator, fender, and all should look new.
 
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