Before You Buy a Used Motorcycle

Though buying a used motorcycle takes a bit more effort than walking into a showroom and
picking up a new bike, savvy shoppers can find great deals and unique rides in the second hand
market.Be aware that different types of bikes see varying amounts of wear. Touring bikes are less
likely to see abuse than sportbikes. Dirt bikes, enduros, dual purpose and trials motorcycles have
a greater likelihood of experiencing suspension wear if theyve been ridden offroad extensively.
Choose Between a Dealer and a Private Party
Choosing where you buy your used motorcycle will largely depend on your budget, as
dealerships usually charge a premium over private parties. If you buy from a dealer, take
advantage of their knowledge and ask as many questions you can about the bike.
Buying from a private party can be a more personal experience-- youre likely to hear nostalgic
stories about the motorcycle in question. Private owners are usually also more flexible about
price.Bike-buying options abound on the internet, so while youre doing online research try
keeping a list of bikes to track your options as you call sellers.
Inspect the Bike in Question
Going over a bikes mechanical condition could save you hundreds of dollars in maintenance
down the line, and it can also keep you safe.

Check the Frame

If you're shopping for a used motorcycle, the most important thing to look out for is the condition
of the frame. The smallest crack or hairline fracture on a frame can not only qualify the bike for a
salvage title, it can pose a potential safety hazard.
Don't even consider a bike with any sort of frame damage, including dents, weld tears, kinks or
fractures. Remove the seat and/or any easily removed body parts that can obscure parts of the
frame, and if necessary use a flashlight to illuminate any portions of the frame that might be too
dark to see.

Check the Chain and Sprockets

Well-maintained chains should last a long time, but when they're neglected they can cripple a
bike-- and worse, endanger the rider's safety.Performing a visual inspection of a chain might
reveal corrosion, but you should also check its flexibility by pushing and pulling a section, moving
the bike a few inches forward, and repeating until you've tested the entire length of the chain. It
should move roughly between three quarters of an inch and one inch in either direction. Also take
a look at the sprockets. The shape of their teeth should be even, and their tips shouldn't be
excessively worn off.

Check the Battery Leads

Clean battery leads indicate that a bike hasn't been sitting unattended. Though clean leads won't
necessarily reveal the longevity of the battery, a lack of corrosion is a good sign you should look
for. Most batteries are found under the seat, so don't be shy about lifting it to take a peek at the
state of their leads.

Check, Don't Kick, the Tires

Next, take a look at the tires and make sure that wear is evenly distributed, not focused on one
side. Tread depth is key to wet traction, and if you put a quarter coin inside the tread it shouldn't
go below George Washington's head. Proper inflation levels will also ensure that tread patterns
are even;

Compress the Suspension and Check the Steering Head

Once you've taken a look at the individual components, sit on the bike, grab the front brake, and

try compressing the forks; they should react with firm resistance, and rebound all the way back to
their starting point. Also, inspect the forks for oil leakage and/or surface irregularities.If the bike
has a center stand, prop it up and turn the handlebar from lock to lock. The bar should be free
from irregularities or bends, and the head should move smoothly in either direction.

Check for Completeness and Consider Maintenance Needs

After inspecting key mechanical components, you'll want to look for anything that's missing-whether it's parts of the fairing, side covers, small nuts and bolts, or pieces of trim. Seemingly
harmless parts can be surprisingly expensive to replace, so call a dealership to get an estimate of
what it will take to get them replaced. Budgeting for necessary parts and taking into consideration
when it's due for its next routine maintenance will help give you an overall idea of how much that
used bike will cost.And if all of these points seem cumbersome, just remember that doing your
homework up front will make buying a used bike that much more rewarding down the line.
Take it for a Test Ride
The beauty of buying a used motorcycle is that unlike new bikes, youre more likely to be able to
test ride the motorcycle in question and get a better idea of whether or not its a good fit for you.If
going over the Used Inspection Guide doesnt reveal any major flaws, theres more to test riding a
bike than simply figuring out if you like it.

Be Prepared
First off, don't show up to a test ride unprepared: bringing the proper safety gear will not only
show the seller you're a responsible rider, it will protect you in case something goes wrong.

Ease Into the Bike

Familiarize yourself and make sure you know where everything is: are the mirrors adjusted? Is
the brake lever within reach? Can your foot easily find the rear brake pedal? Do you know how
much effort it takes to engage and disengage the clutch? Minimize uncertainty by getting yourself
aware of the bike's setup before you hit the road.Once you're riding, take it easy-- especially at
first. Ease into the accelerator and brakes, and don't make any sudden moves. Not only is it safer
to ride with caution, it will make you more aware of the bike's dynamics, and whether or not you
want to live with them.

Accelerate, Brake, and Repeat

Cruising at a constant speed may reveal certain things about a bike's mechanical state, but it
won't tell you everything you need to know. Once you're comfortable with the way the bike
responds to input, try accelerating and braking. Pay attention to the way the clutch engages; does
it slip? How does the shifter feel? Is it smooth, and are the gears easy to find? Is the power
delivery to your liking-- that is, does the engine provide enough low end torque to pull easily from
stoplights?
You should also try repeated stops, and note how the brakes work. Do they feel spongy? Do they
operate smoothly? Is there enough initial bite to make you feel secure during a panic stop? If the
bike has anti-lock brakes, test them using the rear brake and make sure it doesn't lock up.
Pulsing brakes on non ABS-equipped bikes might mean that the rotors are warped, so be aware if
that irregularity pops up.

Feel for Handling

Once you've tested the bike's brakes, try turning and see how the motorcycle handles. Does it
wallow or feel underdamped? That could mean its shocks are wearing thin or it might just be a
less than sporty bike; cruisers usually offer cushier rides than sport bikes, so be aware of the
difference.

Taking into consideration the sort of bike you're test riding, pay attention to its handling
characteristics. Does it pull to one side more than the other? If so, the frame could be bent. Does
it scrape any parts when it's turning? Adjustable pegs might be set lower than necessary, or the
bike may have been lowered. Is there a wobble? That could mean a rim is out of balance. Does it
feel responsive or numb?Paying attention to the motorcycle's handling will help determine if it's
the right bike for you.

Listen Closely
Audible clues can make you aware of which parts might need attention, and save you from
expensive repairs down the line:
Shock absorbers
Intended to smoothen the ride over rough surfaces, shocks can make rattling or squeaking noises
when they're worn out, which can compromise handling and create a safety issue.
Wheel bearings
Packed inside the wheel hubs in order to reduce friction and bear load forces, bearings can make
a droning sound when they're past their prime.
Brakes
Some brake squeak might be normal, but excessive noise-- especially after brakes warm up-might signal the need for a pad change and/or worn rotors.
Exhaust
You'll also want to listen for unusual exhaust sounds, as a perforated muffler will be unusually
loud, and corrosion from rust can affect the exhaust system's function.

Think Ergonomically
Used motorcycles offer much more opportunity for test rides, so take advantage of that and look
for potential ergonomic issues. Try to spend more than just a couple of minutes on the motorcycle
in order to see if the bike might be uncomfortable over the long haul. Are the handlebars too far
away? If so, are they adjustable? Does the saddle feel funny? Are the footpegs too far back? Are
the instruments easy to read? All of these variables fit into the bike's ergonomics, and they're
crucial to your enjoyment of your potential purchase. Consider those factors and spend as much
time in the saddle as possible before committing to a motorcycle.
Consider Service History
Ask the seller if they have service records, as a well-maintained bike will save you money down
the line. Find out of theyve regularly maintained the chain and sprocket (unless its equipped with
a lower maintenance shaft drive), changed the oil, kept the tires inflated properly, and performed
routine maintenance. Ask for records and find out when the last service was performed.
Mileage is another consideration, and bikes with extremely low mileage can be just as suspicious
as higher mileage examples, since sitting for long periods without proper storage techniques can
cause problems down the line.
Is There Room for Negotiation?
If youre looking at used motorcycles, chances are youre budget-sensitive and dont want to
spend money on a bike that will depreciate immediately. That said, if you fall in love with a used
motorcycle and decide you want to take the plunge, dont commit until youre comfortable with the
price. Lots of great deals are out there and they usually get claimed fairly quicklybut dont
hesitate to ask for your target price if a bike is pricier than you want it to be. Similarly, if an asking
price is fair, be prepared to step up to the plate and pay what the bike is worth.