As we begin to head into spring, many will be looking to purchase used motorcycles. Buying a used motorcycle can be intimidating and too often we hear of people getting ripped off, regretting their purchase, or discovering unseen issues after they’ve already purchased the bike. We’ll discuss below some things to consider when buying a used motorcycle. Safety first, especially if you’ll have a large amount of cash on you. Be careful when meeting someone you’ve found on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, and beware of scammers. You can always request to meet the seller in a public space, like a parking lot or gas station.
“I didn’t see that when I bought it.”
A smart tip is to try to avoid inspecting the motorcycle at night, as poor lighting might obscure issues that are otherwise visually obvious. Rain, too, can hide flaws in the paint.
Next, get to know the bike’s history. Ask the seller if the bike has had regular maintenance or major repairs and how many owners it’s had. It’s often a positive sign when the seller keeps repair receipts, original parts, manuals, or even spare keys. Ensure the VIN on the bike matches the title. If they don’t match, it could be stolen. Check that the mileage matches the rest of the bike’s condition.
Begin by looking at the obvious. Take care to find any large dents, rust, or other damage that wasn’t obvious in the listing photos. Look under the bike for oil, fuel, or coolant leaks that weren’t mentioned. A dishonest seller may even wipe the underside of the motor before you arrive. Examine the chain and other pivot points, like the side stand. A lubed, non-rusted chain that is adjusted properly with lubed pivot points is often a great sign that a motorcycle has been maintained and regularly ridden.
“A Beautiful Lemon.”
Once you’re content with the overall exterior of the bike, take a look inside the gas tank, checking for major rust. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight for this. A rusty tank can clog the petcock and carburetor, which can be costly to fix. Check the oil for proper levels.If all looks well, check under the seat for secure connections, loose wires, excessive zip ties, etc. Inspecting this area can unveil potential electrical problems that can sometimes be major. An example of this could be individuals improperly splicing aftermarket lights into the factory wiring harness, which can cause numerous electrical issues and be tedious and expensive to repair.Look closely at the tires and brakes. Dry rotting, uneven tire wear, and past-their-prime brake pads are all opportunities to negotiate a better deal. You can use the penny test to check the remaining tire tread. Significant highway miles can cause the tires to have a flat spot in the middle. While yes, you should replace these tires, it can sometimes indicate that the bike hasn’t been ridden too aggressively. Tire pressure is vital on a motorcycle. Often, customers come into the shop thinking their motorcycle has serious handling issues, only for us to find their tire pressure was simply too low. Motorcycles with rotor-style brakes make it easy to view the thickness of the pads, but motorcycles with drum brakes make it impossible to determine pad thickness without taking them apart. However, some have an arrow indicator that shows the pad thickness that you can look for.
“RPM’S are vital for a smooth idle.”
Now it’s time for a test ride. It’s a good idea to ask the seller to leave the bike cold upon arrival, as some starting issues only appear when the bike is cold. Start the bike up and listen to the motor—obvious ticks or clanks are concerning. The bike should come off, return to, and idle smoothly. A simple clutch test can be performed by pulling in the clutch and releasing it immediately while keeping your hand steady on the throttle. The RPMs should raise when you pull the clutch in and immediately return once the clutch is released. If you instead find that it hangs up and returns slowly, that can indicate a faulty clutch. Given our specific area of focus within our industry, it’s no secret that we are passionate about keeping used and older motorcycles on the road. We hope this article helps you approach your next used motorcycle purchase feeling more informed. We’re happy to give confidence in used bike purchases by answering questions, giving quick assessments of specific concerns, or offering our more robust pre-purchase inspection service.
Have a project you’re interested in having us work on? Call (740) 747-2299 during normal business hours!
