Welcome

Looks can be deceiving. Don't be dazzled by a bike that looks pristine. Pay attention to the mechanics in order to avoid costly repairs afterwards. And as they say, 'the devil is in the details': An original bike has original parts with bills etc, and if it comes with service history then even better. 

Look for obvious signs of damage

Visually inspect the motorcycle and make sure there isn't any major visible damage. Pay special attention to the gas tank; if it’s dented, or leaky. These are on-off bikes and chances are it will have been dropped on numerous occasions so do not expect to find a bike that 'has never been dropped'. 

Engine sound

The sound should be smooth and clean, and exhaust gas should be clean. Listen for any knocking or rattling, which could be something as simple as a loose bolt or be indicative of a bigger problem. Also pay attention to the idling; rough sounds could indicate a problem with the gas or mean that the engine hasn’t operated for a while. Remove the engine front sprocket cover and check the condition of the spindle. If the teeth are worn, it can be an expensive repair job. 

Check the Oil

When you look in the oil window or pull out the dipstick, you want to see a dark brown, semi-translucent fluid. If the oil is black, it hasn’t been changed recently. Also check underneath the motorcycle for leaking oil, which could indicate a problem with the primary gasket (or something worse). Check the inside of the engine guard for any signs of leakage.

Tires

Check for tread and year of manufacture. If the tires are worn on one side or the other, it might indicate a problem with the alignment or possibly a bent wheel. 

Mileage

Make sure the odometer has a reasonable number of miles on it commensurate with three decades of use. As is often the case the mileage on these XRV's is difficult to verify unless the bike comes with full service history. Nevertheless keep in mind that these bikes can cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers before requiring engine overhauling.

Paperwork

Check engine and frame Identification Number. Make sure the bike has a clear title.

Test Ride

A short test ride is essential to ensure that the bike rides in a straight line, corners properly and the engine picks up the revs smoothly. Check the brakes, indicators, lights.

Inspection by a trained mechanic

It is always wise to have the motorcycle inspected by a professional mechanic before you buy. A small fee can save you a lot of money and grief later.

Price

Vintage bike prices vary greatly, but to determine whether the asking price is fair, make sure similar models are priced in the same range. Remember that 'the devil is in the details': originality comes at a price. 

We all love pristine and original fairings, but let's be realistic: These are bikes that have been used and sometimes abused. You can still find today original fairings NOS or used but in nice original condition, but they can be quite expensive. Restored panels are a cheaper option especially if you want your bike to look almost factory fresh.

Last but not least, irrespective of whether you are buying a complete bike or a part, 'buy the seller' as they say...If you don't like who you are dealing with, trust your instict!