When searching for your first motorcycle, there are some things that you should look for.  This article should help you out so that you or somebody you know won't end up with a lemon.  I know it may be tempting to purchase the first motorcycle you find... don't!  It's always a good idea to search around and see what your options are, whether it's the cost, engine displacement, or the brand or style of motorcycle that fits you. I recommend purchasing a used motorcycle from a private seller via your local newspaper, or a classified website like Craigslist.org.  Dealers are usually very over priced for used motorcycles, as they price them up over bluebook value. 

When looking  for a motorcycle, be sure you bring a motorcycle savvy friend with you if you have one.  Also, the hunt requires a specific set of "tools".  I like to have a flashlight and a little mirror with me when I'm looking for a motorcycle.  Even in the daytime, a flashlight can be very helpful.  Begin by looking at the overall "look" of the bike.  Does it appear shiny and new, or are there scratches and dings?  Any kind of damage over the foot peg level, could mean that the motorcycle has been laid down or crashed.  Then, move on to the tires.  Do they look worn or cracked?  Are they slicks or track take offs?  Do they have a decent amount of tread left? Looking at the tires is a good way to tell what the motorcycle was used for. 

Once you've looked at the body work and the tires, move on to the most important part of the bike, the motor.  Look for large quantities of dirt, grease, and oil, if there is a large amount of any of these substances, it can have a lot to do with how well this machine has been maintained.  If there'sthere is too much grease, oil, or dirt, it could be a sign of potential problems.  If the bike is too clean, it could mean that the seller is attempting to hide something from you.   Just remember that a little dirt is normal.  Look at the engine covers, are they factory, or have they been replaced?  You can tell a lot just from the style of covers that are on the engine. If the engine covers have a performance brand name on them, chances are they aren't factory covers.  This can mean that the motorcycle you are looking at has been raced.  Another way to see if it has in fact been raced, is to look at the heads of the bolts holding it all together.  If they have holes drilled in them, the bike most likely has been raced.  These holes are for small cables that go through the head of the bolt for safety reasons, and are required by most tracks.

Now take a look at the chain/belt and sprockets.  These can tell you a lot about how the bike has been ridden.  If there are teeth missing on the sprockets, it can mean a number of things.  It could mean that the bike has been ridden hard, or stunted.  It can also mean that it really hasn't been taken care of as well as it should have been.  When looking at the chain/belt there are a number of things to look for here as well.  Is the chain rusty, has it been repaired, how much play does it have?  For a belt, the same kind of scenario, is the belt frayed, teeth missing, broken or cracked?  Either way I would recommend getting a new one.

Inspect the frame closely.  Check out the welds to be sure that they aren't broken or cracked. Has the frame been modified, or repaired?  This can be a tell-tale sign that the bike has been abused.  Look for stickers on the frame that might be concealing damage, also check that the VIN number is stamped into the frame someplace and matches the VIN on the Title,  not noticing this can cause you a heap of trouble.  If the inspection looks good, there's only one thing left to do.  If the owner is ok with it, and you have never ridden before, or don'tdo not have a license yourself, have your friend take the motorcycle for a test ride.  A simple test ride can tell you how the bike runs, and any quirks that may arise, and also show you how the bike responds performance wise, and to rider input.  HAPPY HUNTING!
 
 
You have made up your mind that you want to own a custom motorcycle, but you are not quite  sure how or where to start.  There are a number of things to consider  before you embark on your quest for that original, unique, or unusual custom  motorcycle.

First, do you want to totally build a custom motorcycle from the frame up, or to  modify an existing bike, or order one already made to your  specs?   What size bike are you thinking about?  Small, large or in  the middle?  Do you want speed & agility, or do you just want to look  great while you cruise the highway?   You'll need to decide how much  money you can afford to spend in the long run & whether your plan of  ownership will most likely take you weeks, months or even years to  complete.

Second, can you spare the time to do the modification/customization on  your bike  yourself, or do you have the ability to have the work done  for you.  If you are going to do your own work, (as most of us do) you'll  need to consider what tools you will need, where your work space will be located, how much help from like-minded friends you're  likely to get, and your level and variety of skills.  Last but not  least, do you have the motivation and dedication to continue once  you have started creating your own custom motorcycle?

Third, how much work must be done to a bike to make it a custom  motorcycle anyway?  Here-in lies a controversial argument.   Some say  it's not a custom motorcycle, unless you change out basically everything  on the bike and other people say changing just a few things makes it  custom.  This is the logical answer; make it uniquely yours in any way  you want!    Build it, modify it, lighten it, strengthen it, downsize it, expand it, make it more agile, paint it, strip it down or build it up, just make it yours!   If you have had it modified and it is no longer  "stock", or you've modified it yourself, congratulations!  You now own a custom  motorcycle!

Fourth, get out there and ride!!
 
 
One of the most valuable performance mods you can do to your custom streetbike, is to put on lighter wheels! I know, you see that these rims weigh like 10 pounds less than stock, so you're surmising, 10 pounds isn't going to justify dropping all that cash for light custom motorcycle rims. But the real thing to consider is not how much weight are you dropping, it is where is the weight you're saving?

Lighter rims will make a astronomical  difference in the handling of your bike, acceleration and deceleration "braking" of your bike for the listed reasons.
Non-Rotational Weight:

One oz reduced from the wheels total weight, is equal to 4 ounces taken off another part of the bike. Magnesium wheels will on average weigh at least 10 pounds less than your factory aluminum wheels. This is equal to 40 lbs of weight removal on the streetbike, not too bad...

Rotational Weight:

This is the weight reduction on the outer lip of the rim and this is where the weight reduction makes a PHENOMENAL improvement. At 100mph, each oz of weight reduced here, is equal to having 25 pounds of weight taken off the motorcycle! This is real weight that must be turned, accelerated, and stopped, and likewise, it will improve cornering, acceleration, and stopping.

At any speed the reduction is relative to the speed of the bike. As you increase your rate of movement the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are lots of types of performance custom motorcycle wheels available, made in a variety of different materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber.What to expect:

Most people who upgrade to light wheels, experience faster acceleration, better engine braking, "lighter feeling" in motion, and easier turning, with no perceivable stability loss. Due to their ability to start spinning so easily, many riders report being able to burn out with the back tire through corners, but without any loss of control.

Conclusion:

Although they may be expensive, I honestly believe that aftermarket motorcycle wheels are an incredible upgrade for anyone looking to get more performance from their bike. What other part can you get for your streetbike that gives you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?