Is there any way to test a brushless motor without actually using an esc and risking frying it? maybe a multimeter or something?

You can use a DVM/MM and check for a shorted winding. But even if you do that and it checks ok, not sure that guarantees its a working motor. I guess thats why you're asking?

Epic/Trinity sells a brushless motor checker that works like a dyno for brushed motors, I think MuchMore may have one too.

These will tell you the condition of your motor and its performance.

Fantom sells one also

well i purchased a used slash and it had a ez run 6500brushless motor but no speed control. Just thought it might be smart to test the motor instead of just buying an esc and then frying it unnecessarily.... on the other hand i might as well just purchase a complete system?