10 Tips On What to Look For When Buying Used Motorcycle

So, you’ve decided to buy a used motorcycle. That’s a great decision! There are many benefits to buying used motorcycles, including getting a good deal on a quality bike. However, there are also some things you need to keep in mind when making your purchase. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips for buying a used motorcycle. We will cover everything from what to look for when inspecting the bike to what questions you should ask the seller. By following these tips, you can rest assured that you are making a smart and safe purchase!

1. Check For Damage

Before you even consider buying a used motorcycle, be sure to inspect it for any signs of damage. Look closely at the frame and other parts of the bike to ensure they are in good condition. If there are any cracks or broken parts, you may want to look elsewhere. A good sign of damage is if you see electrical tape anywhere, such as the rear suspension, rear sprocket, rear shock, foot pegs, radiator cap, fork lock or fork seals (you never want to see tape on seals); these are all great examples of a possible wear indicator which could lead to expensive problems in the near future.

2. Look At The Tires

Motorcycle tires are one of the most important parts of a motorcycle and can have a big impact on your safety. Make sure the tires are in good condition, with no bulges or dry rot. It’s also important to make sure they have enough tread left for good traction, and it’s always better to have matching tires if possible. The rear tire is just as important as the front, and you want to make sure the fork tubes connected to the wheels are in good condition.

3. Listen Closely To The Engine and Steering Head

Start the bike up and listen to what it sounds like. Many people overlook this step, but it can tell you a lot about the condition of the bike. With the bike cold and the engine cold, a healthy engine block should sound smooth and consistent. If you have a hot engine (the cooling system may be experiencing a problem), or there are any odd noises or vibrations, that’s usually a sign of a problem with something, such as the steering head bearings. With the motorcycle cold, your engine should engage smoothly with the riding gear, with no strange noises coming from the exhaust pipes or the exhaust system in general.

4. Check The Oil, Fuel Tank, And Other Fluids

Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the oil, fuel tank, brake fluid, brake lights, etc.

Some bikes have a sight glass you can look through, which require you to hold the bike level to see the true oil level. It should be clean and at the correct level, not dark brown and low. If it isn’t, that could indicate a problem with the engine or other parts of the bike. You never want oil leaks, and it’s good to check the owner’s manual to know exactly what are the important parts to check on your particular bike. If you see any blue smoke, it is most commonly caused by some oil getting past each of the piston rings and burning directly inside of the combustion chamber.

5. Assess The Mileage

Take a look at the odometer to determine what kind of mileage the bike has. If it’s too high, that could indicate wear and tear on the engine or other parts of the bike. Look for a bike with lower mileage if possible, as that means there is probably less wear and tear on the bike.

6. Request Paperwork

Before purchasing the bike, make sure to ask for any paperwork that comes with it. This could include the original title and registration, service history, maintenance records, an ownership history search, or even a bill of sale. All of these documents can help you determine what kind of condition the bike is in, and a title history report may cost a few dollars, but can be extremely helpful to determine if your new used bike will operate smoothly. Many times, you can look up the license plate number before you even get the bike started to find information on the bike’s history.

7. Enjoy A Test Ride

Finally, don’t forget to take the bike for a test drive. Pay attention to how it handles, what kind of power it has, and if it feels comfortable on longer rides. This is your chance to make sure that you are comfortable with the bike before you buy it. Test the front brake lever which controls the front wheel.

8. Have It Inspected by a Professional

It’s always a good idea to have the bike inspected by a professional mechanic. They can check for any hidden problems that you may have missed and will let you know what kind of repairs or maintenance is needed. By following a motorcycle inspection checklist, they can make sure that they didn’t miss anything not disclosed by the previous owner.

9. Research Pricing

Research online (motorcycle forums are a great place to look) and look at what similar bikes are selling for. Looking for a motorcycle online will help you determine what a fair price is and if the seller is asking too much. We always recommend you check the fair market value, you don’t want to pay a total purchase cost for a new motorcycle if you’re purchasing from a private seller motorcycle owner. It’s also a great idea to check out retail pricing guides to see if you can get a lower price than the final price the seller presents to you.

10. Research The Dealership

Finally, make sure to do your research on the dealership or individual seller. Read reviews and talk to people who have bought from them before. This will help you determine if they are reputable and trustworthy. Dealers generally should have all the details and maintenance history on their used bikes, especially if you are looking at an older bike, or any of their various trade ins.

Conclusion

Following these tips can help ensure that you purchase a safe and reliable used motorcycle. Most motorcycles can be found used these days, and make sure to just use common sense when it comes to making a large purchase, and keep up with your basic maintenance. It doesn’t matter if this is your first motorcycle, even experienced riders can sometimes miss the basics, so we hope this article was helpful. Be sure to take your time and inspect every aspect of the bike before making a decision. Good luck! If you want to look at the various used motorcycles for sale Dallas residents have to choose from, check out our inventory. If you want to learn more about us, visit the home page of DFW Redline Racers to learn more!