Hello from BC Canada

Greetings.
Don't own one yet but plan to purchase one soon.  

In fact...I'm going to have a look at one this weekend and I'm looking for some advice when it comes to buying used.
What sort of things should I look for/look out for?
I've been riding dual sport for about 15 years already, so I know my way around a bike....but maxi's are something new to me.
Any guidance would be appreciated...

Welcome aboard the board Qwazert.

Ask the seller to provide the maintenance history documentation, this is your best source of information. I look for regular oil and oil filter changes. Depending on the mileage, the first drive belt change should have occurred at 25,600 km. There are also other maintenance between 19,200 and 25,000 km like brake fluid change, spark plug and air cleaner replacement that should have occurred If seller does not have this, you'll need to do a thorough inspection (and likely perform these maintenance routines at your expense).

I always ask that the seller NOT start the machine (I check the muffler to ensure it is cold) prior to my arrival so I can check things like cranking strength, any smoke or unusual smells coming from tailpipe on startup and idling smoothness. I look for drips, leaks, accumulation of grease etc. indicating something is leaking or weeping. I pull the dipstick, smell it (you don't want a burnt smell, and check it for colour. If dirty, thick black, indicates lack of regular maintenance.

Second, visual inspection of tire tread, wear pattern and DOT date stamp, brake pad material remaining and amount of corrosion around the disc and caliper parts.

Look for signs of falls at handle bar weight ends (scrapes), obvious scratches to the body panels, look deep under the two side rocker panels ... usually they'll tell a story if the bike's been down.

I start it up and watch how even the back wheel rotates. Obviously a test ride is ideal to check wheel balance, steering integrity, braking power, functioning of the drive train and suspension dampening performance.

Cosmetics ... well that's usually pretty self-evident.

In Ontario, seller's must provide a UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package) which show existing liens, vehicle ownership history, any branding (i.e. salvage, rebuilt etc.). Maybe run a CarProof if a UVIP equivalent is not available in BC.

I'm sure other members will post up with their their buying inspection tips.

Good Luck and keep us posted as to what happens.

Further to what BugJr ^^^ suggests, do be aware that there will be an odor from the exhaust on cold start because of the starter enrichment valve coming in to play as the engine is warming up. Also the rear wheel will quite probably rotate slowly (it can be stopped by touch) as the engine is at elevated rpms during warm up.

Normal warm idle is ~1200 rpm.  Centrifugal clutch will initially engage ~2200 rpm.

Welcome Quazert,
I also am a new owner of a Swing having bought my 2007 this past August. I’d listen to what these guys tell you because they are the best. I did all the maintenance that I felt was needed like changed oil, coolant, new air filter, changed drive oil, new tires, and replaced the drive belt. Tires were old and decided not to take a chance with a 13 year old belt. My Swing had 6400 miles on it and runs like a sewing machine. The search function will be your best friend because they show how to do all the work and some great shortcuts. When you get yours you’ll love it.

All above are great tips! In addition, if possible, get a 2008 or newer model. There was a slight change in O2 sensor that gives the newer models better fuel economy.