ALT-1 What to look for when Buying a used Motorcycle
When deciding to purchase a used motorcycle, there are a number of things to consider to ensure you get the best one for the amount of money you have to spend. The first thing you must determine is what type of riding you will be doing with the motorcycle for such as commuting, touring, sports or a combination of activities. This is a very important consideration since purchasing a bike usually used for sporting can make a difficult commute to and from work.
Purchasing from a reputable dealer is your next consideration. Even though you might find bikes at a lower price when buying from a private party they usually do not come with any warranty or leave you with any recourse should the bike break down just a few days after purchasing it. When buying from a private party, you should request permission to take it to a reputable mechanic to have it inspected. If they are not willing to let you do this, this can be a warning sign you need to look for a bike elsewhere. Dealerships also have the ability of doing a prior ownership research to give you a run-down of the bikes history.
Inspect the motorcycle yourself when first going to see it. Look at the drive chain and sprocket. The teeth on the sprocket should not show any obvious signs of wear or damage and the chain should only have about 3/4 inch of play. Move the chain back and forth and check for any movement. On a good set there should be no to little movement of the chain. Take someone with you who can sit on the motorcycle as you check the chain to make sure it is tight and has very little movement up or down. Sprockets usually last much longer than chains do. If you find the sprocket is severely worn this could indicate a poor maintenance routine.
The tires should have no signs of being unevenly worn and should also have a good amount of tread on each. If the bike has been driven daily on the highway there will usually be more wear in the middle of the tires. You will usually notice more wear on the edge of the tires if the bike has been used primarily for track racing.
Look at the condition of the brake and clutch levers when sitting on the motorcycle. Also inspect the bar end weights and instrument cluster for evenness. If you notice these are not in good condition this might indicate the bike has been in an accident or has been dropped. Other signs of an accident or that the bike has been dropped can include a scratched engine case, exhaust pipes or foot pegs. All of these items should feel firm and even during inspection. The suspension should feel firm and even. Look for any signs of pitting, oil or rust on the bikes fork tubes. These are indications of possible worn fork seals which could involve expensive future repair costs.
Run your fingernail across the brake rotors to check the forks for any uneven wear or grooving. Inspect the brake caliper to see how much of the pad remains. For any type of bike be sure you look for any dents or signs of damage to the rim. Place the bike on the center stand if it is equipped with one and move the bars from side to side. Feel for any tightness in the steering head. Inspect the visible frame and remove the seat if possible to inspect underneath it. There should be no signs of nick's, dents or damage to the frame. Problems with the frame are reasons to avoid purchasing the bike.
Take a multi-meter with you when going to see the motorcycle so you can check the voltage of the battery when the seat is off. Clip the multi-meter to the battery terminals. You want to see a reading of 12 volts and above. Start the engine and check the battery voltage. You want to see a reading of no more than 14 volts. As the bike is running check the lights and the indicators. Turn the engine off and pull a couple of the fuses out to inspect for possible corrosion. Check the overall appearance of the battery and terminals, then replace the seat.
Using a flashlight inspect the inside of the fuel tank for possible rust or corrosion. If the bike has fairings you will want to inspect these as well. Look at the weld points on the bikes frame for any signs of fatigue. Check the condition of the bikes engine block, radiator and plugs. Look for any leaks around the oil filter and pan bolt. The brake fluid reservoir is usually located at the top of the handlebars in an enclosure with a clear window. Check the level of brake fluid. With the engine running, pull hard on the front brakes and release as you watch the brake fluid level. The level should fall and rise. When you release the brake, the level should quickly rise.
Take the motorcycle for a test drive. Be sure to bring your riding gear with you. If you are looking at a motorcycle at a dealership they will usually have loaner gear for you to use to test the bike. If it is possible, choose a route you are familiar with that has a light amount of traffic. Begin slow so you can get a feel for how the bike handles.
When testing the brakes they should not "pulse" as this could indicate warped disks. The should also not grab or feel spongy but instead, smooth and even. As you accelerate through the gears they should feel firm and there should be no slipping out of gear or a feeling of being "clunky." Weave the bike from left to right when you are on a clean and straight patch of road to see how it responds. You want to be able to easily correct the bike and it should have a feeling of being overall stable. Listen closely for any unusual engine noises as well as any rattling, creaking suspension or vibrations. Be sure to ask any questions you might have about the condition of the motorcycle.
After you have taken the bike for a test drive inspect it again for any possible drips or leaks. Look at the oil level. Inquire about a service and maintenance history of the motorcycle. Find out if the owners manual and factory toolkit is included with the purchase of the bike. Do your homework and research about the particular bike you are interested in. Do a research of the Kelly Blue Book value to find out if it is priced fairly. If you have an overall good feeling about what you found during your inspection, arrange to have a certified mechanic check it out. If you are satisfied with their report, then it is time to begin the negotiations to purchase it.
