What to Look For When Buying a Used Motorcycle

Buying a used motorcycle can be a nerve racking experience. Has the bike been wrecked, well maintained, broken in properly, ridden hard, or sat for years and years without service? Many of these questions you might not be able to find the answer to, but there are still many things you can check to help avoid buying someone else’s problem. And by purchasing a used motorcycle, you might be saving yourself some money on one only a few years old, or getting your hands on that classic that you’ve always wanted. 

Before going to look at the bike, read up on that specific bike. Are there known issues with that model? And is the seller asking an appropriate price for what similar bikes are being sold at?  

• If possible try to take a look at where the bike has been stored. Has it been garaged or stored outside. If outside was it covered or did it sit in the weather. Also by looking at the location it was stored in, you can check for possible oil leak stains.
• Ask the owners how often he/she rides it and what type of weather conditions. If a bike sits for long periods of time, parts aren’t getting lubed, tires could go flat and get cracked, and the battery is draining (unless being kept on a battery tender)
• Check for leaks. If it’s an older bike it most likely leaks something. This isn’t uncommon but it’s important to know where it’s leaking, how much, and what is leaking.
• Check the bike for visible damage. Is the tank dented, mirrors bent or scratched, handle bars straight, levers, suspension and forks, cables, any rubber parts (cracked or dried out).
• Check the chain and sprocket. Is the chain loose or too tight? Does it look damaged in anyway. What condition is the sprocket in? Are the hooks straight or warn down.
• Do the electrical components work (turn signals, headlight, brake light, etc). Also check the wiring harness. Are the wires hard or discolored? Re-wiring can be difficult and expensive.
• Look inside the fuel tank (might need flashlight). You are looking for rust. Water can build up in a tank if it’s been stored for long periods. If there is rust in the tank, it could require a new tank or a costly repair.
• Rust anywhere on the bike. Some rust can be easily removed, and this might be a negotiating item to get the price lowered. But it can also be the cause of many replacement parts and a sign of how well the bike was maintained.
• Any aftermarket modifications. It’s important to know what’s been done to the bike. Some muffler mods are not street legal. Also by knowing what’s been done, it might require different carb adjustments, or other changes from the factory specs that you should know about if you plan on doing anything to the bike.
• Check the frame. Look for cracks and repairs (welding done). Check to make sure it’s straight. If there is any damage to the frame, I would seriously consider not purchasing the bike. Unless I wanted it for parts.
• Check the brakes. Are the pads warn? How are the discs? Warped, damaged, or warn down. When applying the brakes is there the right amount of play and stopping distance.
• Check the forks for cracks or leaks in the seal, dents, or bends in the legs.
• Tires. Are they cracked? Tread warn down, any air leaks. The average life of a tire is about 5 years. So even if they look good, they might need to be replaced. Motorcycle tires have a date printed on the side – check it. Also check the wheels to verify if straight and any damage.
• Check the chains and sprockets for excessive wear. Ask for service records, if the bike operates a shaft or belt drive.
• Look under the rear fender. Check for rubber on the fender to indicate of the owner has done burn-outs on the bike. Racing and burning-out on the bike can cause a lot of strain.
• Start-up the bike and inspect the exhaust for excessive noise; check the brakes and clutch, cooling and fuel systems for leaks. Take the bike for a ride, if possible.
• Take the bike for a test ride. How’s it start, stop, and shift. Shift it both up and down through all gears.
• If they have it get the service records, owner’s manual, and tool kit.
  

As with all purchases if you are unsure, or feel the seller is asking too much, or hiding something, don’t be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of bikes on the road and when it comes to a used motorcycle it is better to be safe and sure than to end up on the side of the road somewhere. Then if you decide to purchase the bike make sure that the title is good and the vin numbers match up. Don’t forget to get a bill of sale.