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If you’re in the market for a motorcycle, buying a used one is a great way to save money or score a hard-to-find vintage bike for your collection. However, buying a used motorcycle requires a few extra steps to guarantee a quality purchase. To help you get the best bike for your money, we’ve compiled questions to ask when buying a used motorcycle, along with a handy quality inspection checklist and tips for making sure your bike arrives safely.
Questions to ask before buying a used motorcycle
Before you make your purchase, there is some important information you’ll want to gather. Whether you’re buying from an authorized dealer or directly from the owner, whoever you’re working with should be able to supply you with all the answers. If not, you may want to shop elsewhere.
What’s the mileage?
Knowing how far the bike has traveled will give you a good idea of what kind of maintenance it might need, as well as how many more miles you can expect to get from it. On average, regular motorcycles will give reliable performance for 50,000 miles. Beyond that, the bike is still viable but will need more regular maintenance. In the case of sports motorcycles, around 20,000 miles is when the bike would be considered “old.”
Has it been in a crash?
A motorcycle’s crash or accident history can clue you into damage or performance issues that might not be apparent otherwise. It’s wise to get a full history of the vehicle to understand its condition.
Tip: you can use the motorcycle’s VIN to find records of its crash history, major repairs and previous owners. Whoever you’re buying the bike from should have the VIN readily available, along with the title and registration when it comes time to purchase.
Does it have maintenance records?
Inquire about the maintenance and repair history of the bike. These records can come from the dealer, the repair shop or receipts that the current owner might have. These documents aren’t always available, but if they are, they can tell you a lot about the vehicle.
Does it have any aftermarket parts?
You’ll want to know if the motorcycle has any aftermarket parts or special modifications, especially if they affect how the bike operates. It’s very common for bikes to be modified and the aftermarket industry for motorcycles is huge. The used motorcycle you’re purchasing will likely have some modifications.
Are there any extras included?
From saddlebags to security devices, there’s a chance the previous owner could include some extras with your purchase. If you’re new to motorcycles and don’t have all the accessories yet, this is a good opportunity to save a lot of money.
Looking for places to ride?
Whether you already have a motorcycle or you’re planning a trip for when you do, these destinations have something for seasoned riders and newcomers alike.
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Used motorcycle quality inspection checklist
With so many moving parts, it’s important to make sure the motorcycle has been properly maintained and is in good condition. Some problems won’t be obvious to the naked eye and can cause serious (and expensive) issues later down the road. Inspect each of these parts before committing to a purchase. It is highly recommended that an inspection is done by a certified professional before testing or riding the motorcycle for the first time.
✔ Brakes
Test the brakes to ensure the bike stops smoothly, taking note of any dragging or scraping. Listen closely for noises that could indicate excessive wear on the brakes. Make sure the brakes are functional before getting on the bike and perform an additional check at a very low speed.
✔ Clutch
Feel the clutch and pay attention to any resistance or friction while squeezing and releasing it. Ideally, the clutch will engage and disengage smoothly without much slack.
✔ Chain and sprocket
Get a close-up look at the chain and sprocket of the motorcycle and make sure that the chain has optimal tension. Visually check for excessive and noticeable wear marks. It should be clean, smooth and free of rust or corrosion.
✔ Electrical
Turn the bike on and thoroughly test all the electrical components. Take note of the lights, including the hazard lights, and make sure the console display and electrical components are functioning properly.
✔ Exhaust
Keep an eye out for corrosion, rust, leaks or rotting on the motorcycle’s exhaust. You’ll also want to make sure that the exhaust pipes are mounted securely and don’t rattle from the engine’s vibrations.
✔ Frame
Inspect the motorcycle’s frame for any visible damage. Scratches and dents could be signs of a previous crash or damage that could affect the bike’s performance.
✔ Tires and wheels
Look for any signs of uneven wear and tear on the tires, including flat spots and unusually smooth areas that aren’t uniform with the rest of the tire. Inspect the wheels for dents or bends and take note of any warning lights that appear on the console.
✔ Cold start
One final tip is to see how the bike starts cold. This is especially important on older motorcycles. If you have trouble getting the bike started or you hear loud rattling when it’s running, it’s likely that the motorcycle needs maintenance or has some underlying conditions.
If you’ve made your way through this list and everything about the motorcycle is to your liking, you can be confident that you’re making a quality purchase.
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Make sure your motorcycle arrives safely
You’ve gone through the work of finding your dream bike and finalized the purchase. Now you just need to get it home. If your motorcycle is coming from a long-distance or out-of-state seller, having it shipped to your address could be the safest and easiest solution.
The key to successfully shipping your motorcycle is finding the right transportation company to handle the job. Click the links below to learn more about securing safe, efficient and affordable motorcycle shipping services.
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Montway Auto Transport is one of the nation’s top-rated motorcycle transportation companies, arranging safe and efficient shipping in all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska. Click to learn more about motorcycle shipping services and motorcycle shipping costs. For more information, custom quotes or booking, speak with a Montway shipping advisor at 888-989-8526.