ALT-3 Buying used Motorcycles
If you are considering buying a used motorcycle, first of all focus your attention on the chain and sprockets (unless shaft drive of course) the condition they are in will give you a good clue to how the bike has been treated recently, look for signs of wear on the sprocket teeth and slackness of the chain, check the adjuster is not set to the limit (new chain needed if this is the case) check the tyres for wear and pay attention to the sidewalls, these should be smooth with no cracks or rough textures (superbike tyres are very expensive to replace) look underneath the bike for telltale signs of oil/petrol/water leaks. look closely at the seat (saddle) does it have any rips or tears because if it does, the rain will get in there and destroy the foam filling eventually. Check foot pegs, exhaust, side/centre stands handlebar grips for signs of damage (the first things to hit the ground if the bike has ever slid along the road)check the milage - does it look right for the wear and tear of the bike? Some older bikes have easily accessible speedometer cable nuts which can be disconnected in seconds so milage doesn't register (an old high milage courier trick). Do all the electrics work? Start the engine and check it ticks over smoothly with no knocks or rattles. Rev the engine and check for excessive smoke from the exhaust. If you are contemplating purchasing a used motorcycle it's probably because money is a factor - if this is the case then think - a few basic checks will save you a fortune. Tyres can cost upwards of 100 ($200) each for the larger bikes, a chain and sprocket set even more - the golden rule is - if it looks too good to be true - it probably is.
