Tips on Buying a Used Motorcycle

When shopping for a motorcycle, the used market offers a lot of bargains for the savvy shopper. There are several things to consider when you start shopping that will help you find a good bike and avoid a lemon while still meeting your budget. The newspaper classifieds and Craigslist offer several opportunities to find a good deal on a bike.

Shop Wisely

Being patient is important to finding a deal. Avoid buying the first bike that catches your eye, especially if the seller's ad says the price is firm. Waiting a bit may make the seller more willing to drop the price. When you see an ad that interests you, write down the information. Try tracking the ads for a week or two. Often a seller may think they have sold the product and the original buyer drops out for one reason or another, so it is worth a follow-up call to see if the motorcycle is still available. Be willing to offer cash at the time of purchase; that is a powerful incentive to the seller.

Evaluating the Condition

You'll want to evaluate the overall condition of the bike. Check the gas tank to see if it is rusty; rust can damage the engine. Check the clutch to see if appears loose, and check how much material is left on the brake pads and look at the color of the brake fluid (it should appear amber). Ask the owner how many miles the tires have on them, and check the tread to see how much is left on the tires (1/8 inch or more). These can all give you clues to whether the prior owner has kept up with proper maintenance on the bike.

Racing/Crashes

Racing and crashes are obviously very hard on a bike. There are clues that can tell you whether the bike has been in crashes or used for racing. Look for scratches on the engine casing and plastic, and whether paint or metal has been ground off the handlebars. Check the brake and clutch levers on both sides to see if they are identical and whether they have any cracks. Check the front forks to see if they are straight or not, and check the frame for cracks.

Test Drive

Before going to look at the bike, ask the seller if they will let you test ride it. Bring riding equipment with you so you can ride it if the owner will let you.