Buying a used track bike: what to check before you pay
Before you pay for a used track bike, check for crash damage and worn parts. The list comes from MSF's inspection list and Visordown's crash guide.
2 min readBy PitPin Desk
Front end and alignment
Put the bike on paddock stands and centre the steering. Visordown suggests looking down each side from the lowest point of the front wheel to see whether the steering is in line. Check the fork bottoms for scuffs and the underside of the front calipers for impact marks. A hit there can bend the sliding pins, and the pin can't be replaced on its own, so you need a new caliper.
Spin the front wheel and watch the rim and discs for run-out. Visordown says a disc with more than 2mm of run-out needs replacing.
Frame and headstock
Look at the steering lock stops on the headstock, which are soft and easily damaged. On a painted steel frame, cracked or flaking paint around welds and the headstock is a sign the frame is bent. MSF's checklist also lists cracks at gussets and lifting paint.
Bearings, bushings and chain
Lift the front wheel and push and pull the forks to feel for steering-head bearing play. The steering should turn with no notches or tight spots. Lift the rear and push and pull the swingarm to check its bushings. Check that the suspension moves smoothly and that the sprocket teeth are not hooked.
Levers and bars
Visordown notes that bent levers can't be straightened without snapping. To check the bars, turn from lock to lock and measure from each bar end to a fixed point on the bike, as long as the lock stops are undamaged.