Buying Guide for Used Motorcycles

Finding a used motorcycle isn't difficult. You can find ads for used motorcycles everywhere that you typically find ads for used cars; in local newspaper classifieds and online. However the more difficult part of the process is actually buying a motorcycle that is in good condition and one that will last you for many years.

Inspecting a Used Motorcycle

When you first answer that ad and decide to check out a used motorcycle, the most critical step is the very first one - the inspection. Knowing how to properly inspect a used motorcycle will save you a great deal of time, because you will be able to immediately discount the bikes that you know you don't want.

This buying guide for used motorcycles provides a few points to help you conduct a thorough inspection:

Past Damage and Accidents

1. Symmetry: When you look straight down the centerline of the bike, are items like mirrors and handlebars symmetrical or askew? If they aren't well centered, the owner might have crashed or dropped the bike hard.
2. Signs of a Crash: Check whether the owner crashed the bike by looking for scratches on the body, metal rubbed off the handlebars or clutch, or dents in the gas tank.

Engine and Transmission Systems

1. Check all fluids: Oil should range from honey-colored to black. Milky, grey, or shiny metal flecks in the oil signify problems. Check the coolant, which should be bright green. Brownish coolant also is a sign of problems.
2. Electrical system: Remember to check headlights, turn signals, you should see the oil pressure light when you start the engine, and check the brake lights and the starter. Make sure the battery is in good condition.
3. Clutch: Put the bike in first gear and engage the clutch as you roll the bike. It should roll smoothly as though it's in neutral. When you release the clutch you should notice the clutch friction engage smoothly.

Wheels and Suspension

1. Brakes: Place the bike in neutral, and while rolling it engage the front and rear brakes one at a time to make sure they engage smoothly.
2. Suspension: Bounce the bike up and down. The suspension should move up and down without any noise - if you hear any creaking or clunking noises the suspension has some problems.
3. Wheels: If it's possible, get each wheel in the air and try spinning it. If the wheel doesn't spin freely (excessive brake drag) there could be a problem with the wheel bearings or the brakes.

Researching a Used Motorcycle

Once you've found a bike that appears in excellent condition, the next step is to do your homework. Even though a bike may look cosmetically in good condition, or even though it might have passed your inspection, it's important to know whether or not the owner actually took good care of the bike.

• Research: Thoroughly research the model of bike you are considering purchasing for any known problems. A good resource for this kind of research is mcreports.com.
• Service Record: Ask the owner when he serviced the bike last, and whether he regularly serviced it according to the owner's manual. Ideally, the owner will have service records to show you; this is the sign of a conscientious owner.
• Interview the Seller: Ask the seller if he ever dropped the bike, if he ever raced the bike, how old the tires are, what repairs or modifications he made, and whether he feels there's any sort of repair work that might be necessary.
• Test Ride: Always ask if you can take a test ride on the bike.

Don't be afraid to be straightforward with the seller. Sometimes those blunt questions will provide some of the most revealing information about the bike that you wouldn't learn otherwise.

Buying a Used Motorcycle

When you finally decide to purchase the bike, examine the title closely and make sure that the VIN matches the VIN number on the bike. When you purchase the bike, the seller needs to sign the title over to you by filling in the fields on the back of the title. There should be no other lien holders (such as a bank) listed on the front of the title.

Make sure to obtain a "bill of sale" from the seller as well. In most states this is required in order to register the bike.Once you've purchased the bike, take it immediately to your mechanic and have the mechanic complete a full tune-up. Once your own professional mechanic has looked it over and repaired any minor issues, you are ready to enjoy your new bike. Consider also buying a motorcycle trailer for it, and hit the road!