Used Motorcycle Buying Guide : Best Guide

Introduction:

Buying the first used motorcycle could be overwhelming for first-time buyers like you who are not conversant with motorbikes.

There are numerous questions revolving in their mind, like, what should I look for? What do I need to ask? How do I know I am buying a motorcycle that will suit my demands?

If you don’t want to blow your savings with lemon or, worse, a death trap, it is vital to ask the relevant questions or consult motorcycle enthusiasts. When you consult with motorcycle enthusiasts, you will realize motorcycles are not only a means of transport but are supposed to bring immeasurable joy to the rider.

Besides, there is more to a motorcycle than fun and joy; there are aspects of reliability that should be a major consideration.

Even if we are talking about a used motorcycle rather than a new one, having one is still a big investment, and that’s why you should focus more on its reliability. When it comes to reliability, finding a well-kept motorcycle is not an easy task.

When a used motorcycle is well maintained, it should have the capabilities to take you wherever you want, irrespective of the distance you want to travel and the road condition. But when you pull up with the wrong motorcycle that lacks that capability, you might end up stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Therefore, buying a used motorcycle should be a nice experience and doesn’t need to be hectic, but depending on the age of the bike, there will be different things to focus on.

Therefore, the first thing you should consider is the purpose of the motorcycle and what riding will be engaging in.

Ask yourself if you will be going on long-distance rides or short trips. This will help you narrow down your selections and try to be honest with yourself and not be convinced with the bike’s appearance.

Buying a used motorbike from a dealership

Purchasing your used motorbike from a dealership has numerous advantages compared to a deal with a private seller.

We recommend this as a priority if you can manage it; however, it comes with some risks, and thus one needs to understand its pros and cons first.

Even though purchasing from a private seller, you might end up paying less, striking a deal with a dealership will guarantee you a backup plan in case the motorbike starts presenting serious problems or breaks down after purchasing it.

Furthermore, many dealerships have some warranty, or if they lack one they will work with you in case the motorbike encounter serious problems during the first months.

Pros of buying a used motorcycle from a dealership

• A dealership is likely to have numerous motorcycles that they are selling, and thus, you have a wide variety to pick from. Also, if you are unsure of the option that will suit you best, you might consult with the dealership, and they will advise accordingly. 
• Purchasing with a dealership might allow some modification on the bike in that if you feel there are some specific functions you need and lack in the motorbike, they can be added. 
• A dealership might offer some financial facilities and even allow you to pay on hire purchase if you do not have all the money. This is not the case with a private seller since a private seller will require to pay the whole amount at the transaction time. Additionally, dealerships might provide warranties that might cover some damages in case they arise. 

Cons of buying a used motorcycle from a dealership

• There is a high probability that the dealership might be slightly expensive compared to purchasing from a private seller. The dealer allocates all their expenses to the selling price of the motorbike; thus, you will find their prices are slightly higher.

Purchasing a used motorcycle from a private seller

Even though numerous risks are involved in purchasing a used motorbike from a private seller, it is also governed by some advantages.

Many private sellers do not have numerous motorcycles where you can select from; therefore, you need to know exactly the kind of motorcycle you want. Some people are very specific about the model and the make of the motorbike they want to buy.

At the same time, others are somehow flexible provided the motorbike has the reliability aspect in it. Therefore, you need to know the specific specs you want your motorbike to have.

There are numerous reasons why one will have the urge to purchase a motorbike. Even though many people purchase them for rides and enjoyment, others are looking for a little bit of a project and thus need to be cautious.

Whatever the case, you need some level of expertise to pull up something durable and reliable.

Thus if you want something that’s road-ready and doesn’t require work, then you do not need a comprehensive background in mechanics and fixing things.

However, suppose you want something that needs service. In that case, you need to understand your abilities to fix things since it’s incredibly frustrating to think you understand how to fix things, and then later, you realize you do not have the capabilities.

Pros for buying a used motorcycle from a private seller 

• A private seller might accept to sell his motorcycle at a relatively low price compared to a dealership, and a private seller might allow some bargains. This is so because minimal salesman pressure gives you the power to negotiate the price. 
• Purchasing from a private seller means the process is faster, unlike a dealership where you will be required to follow a systematic approach that might be time-consuming. Thus if you value time, purchasing from a private seller is the ultimate solution. 

Cons of purchasing a used motorcycle from a private seller

• Private sellers lack financing facilities, and thus you will be required to have the total amount during the transaction unless the seller is slightly compromising and agrees with your payment plan. 

Factors to consider when buying a Used Motorcycle

Besides considering numerous things, the pride of ownership is always reflected in the appearance.

Although most riders take an extreme look at the motorcycle’s exterior, if you want to look right, below are factors to consider when buying a used motorcycle.

1. Check on the overall appearance

Having a clean bike will boost your confidence and morale on the road. Therefore, you must not buy a very old bike that has been poorly maintained.

To know if the bike is worth the price, the seller needs to have good communication skills while divulging all the bike details. Thus you need to check on the general appearance of the bike carefully since it is very easy to tell the bike that has just been cleaned for sale purposes and the one that has been well maintained.

Focus on all the tight spots, and since it is hard to reach places where dirt can accumulate, you can look for a motorcycle enthusiast to help you through the checkup process.

Sellers are sometimes very clever and might easily trick you if you are not keen. They can do that if you are more arrogant since they will be waiting for your excitement to override your common sense, and now you will lack the capabilities to look more closely.

In case of a crash, the first things to break on a bike are the connection points, and thus it is easier to sport points that have been shoddy repaired.

2. Examine the exhaust

Exhaust is an important component in the motorcycle; thus, it needs to be examined too.

Many people do this in the wrong way and are always in a hurry to start the bike up so they can hear how it roars. This doesn’t seem right since it might interfere with your inspection, and you might be overwhelmed by the sound and fail to check other aspects properly.

You should never be in a hurry to start the bike since there is plenty of time for that test. The issue with warm engines is that they turn over easier, and it is advisable to inspect the bike when it has not been turned on.

When you call the seller on the inspection day to ask him where to meet, ensure you ask him not to turn on the bike before you reach there. You need to examine the bike when it has not been turned on because you need to ensure the exhaust is solidly mounted.

This is so because numerous vibrations impact the exhaust system from the engine, and when it is poorly mounted, it can cause the pipe to fail. There is a high chance of hearing the exhaust leaks when you first ignite the motorbike, which is useful in your inspection.

Any dent on the exhaust header, no matter small it is, might cause some performance issues; thus, you should conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure you are satisfied with the condition of the exhaust before moving to the frames.

3. Examine the frames

The exhaust is very close to the motorcycle’s frame, and once you are satisfied with the exhaust condition, you might as well give the frame the one cover.

The frame is very big, and here you need to be keen and more attentive since here you are checking for many things; dents, scrapes, and cracks.

Are there any visible signs that the bike could have been involved in an accident? This is where you need to involve your hands in the inspections, too; however, you must be more careful not to harm your fingers. Slide your fingers over the frame as much as possible, and if you feel something weird about it, do not hesitate to inquire.

Do not rush things; examine the steering head bearings by holding the front brake lever and then rock the bike back and forth. If you hear some clicking sound, it is a good indication that the steering bearings might have loosened up or, worse, worn out.

Also, examine the steering stops on the neck of the frame and feel how it revolves around.

If you note any unusual metal bent, bulging, or excessively rusty, do not hesitate to inquire about it since that can indicate that the motorbike could have been involved in an accident.

4. Check on the Clutch and Brakes

The Clutch is an important element in the motorbike that aids in gears’ engagement; thus, it should be appropriately examined.

A little slack in the clutch cable is normal due to wear and tear, or if you feel it is not engaging in the right spot, that can easily be adjusted.

Therefore, you need to squeeze the Clutch in to feel if it is smooth enough. Release it slowly and ensure you are not feeling any snags when releasing the Clutch.

At this point, it is important to sit on the bike and feel how the clutch lever is engaged and see how the bike will roll when the Clutch is released. Is there some resistance or the bike is rolling smoothly. Also, it is important to understand that it is common for the clutch lever to have some free play before it engages.

After finishing with the Clutch and now the bike is rolling, it is time to examine the brakes. Gently apply the front brakes to confirm if they are functional or if they need some adjustments.

After pushing the brake, the bike should slowly stop without producing noises. When you release the brakes, the bike should continue rolling over smoothly.

In case you note any weird thing with the brakes, do not hesitate to inquire, although these are things that can easily be adjusted.

5. Check on the suspensions

While still going on with the road test, shove down the front end and watch how it returns to its position. It should be silent and return to its position in case it produces any loud sound that’s bad news.

Focusing on the fork seals, they should be clean and smooth without any oils on the top of the seal. In case they are many damages, there is a high probability that the bike would require some new seals, which are relatively affordable.

6. Examine the coolant

Before going for a road test, while the engine is still cold, remove the coolant cape and examine how it is.

The normal appearance of the coolant should be neon green, and it should smell sweet. A mixture of other colors like brown would mean either rust or oil has invaded the engine.

If the engine is rusting, you will incur some heavy cost repairs in the future, and if it is oil invading the coolant, it means there is a leaking gasket or failed rings that needs repair.

7. Examine the electrical

Headlights, brake lights, and indicator lights are essential aspect of the motorcycle that aids in your safety. 

Therefore, you should check the headlights on both low and full light and, ensure they are functional, run through all the switches to verify that they are all working. 

Final Thought

Buying a used motorcycle is an excellent choice and one of the achievements one can make, especially if they are low on the budget.

Numerous things need to be checked, and since this is a used motorcycle, you should also inquire about the bike’s service records and receipts. This is necessary to avoid later inconveniences.

Also, check the motorcycle’s VIN and the license plates and ensure they match what’s on the title.

Therefore, motorcycle buying should be among the most enjoyable practices. One can purchase it from a dealer or a private seller but ensure the motorbike meets your demands and requirements.

If you think you have some more points regarding the topic, then you should write them in the comment section below.

We are happy to hear from you.

“RIDE SAFE, LIVE SAFE“