Purchasing a used bicycle requires a bit more prep work than simply walking into a dealership, pointing at the closest shiny object and saying “I want that one. ” If you are a smart, savvy shopper you can find unique rides and great deals in the used motorcycle market only by following a simple buying guide that will allow you to find precisely what you want when you buy used motorcycles, hopefully at а price you can afford.
The Type Of Bike
It’s easiest to go into the search with an idea of what kind of bike you want. Do you want an aggressive sportbike, a simple as you go touring bicycle, a get around city scooter, a flying through the air or trudging through the off-road sand bicycle or perhaps a laid-back cruiser? A lot of it’ll depend on what you want the motorcycle for, how long your rides are to last, and how long you plan on keeping that particular ride.
Bear in mind that different types of previously owned bikes will show various types of wear. Off-road dirt bikes, enduros, and dual sports bikes, for example, will show wear in the suspension if they’ve been ridden hard. A sportbike could have taken a corner somewhat fast and slid out. Decide what you want and shop accordingly.
Rіdе And Inspect What You Want To Buy
You will want to give the bike a good going over before purchasing, or even have your mechanic come with you if you are closing to laying down the cash. Based on which type of bike you are looking to buy you will have to check things such as the sprocket and chain for wear, the tires for maintenance and irregular wear, any loose parts or damaged parts which may need replacing, worn cables or lines, and indications of a spill. Some telltale signs of a motorcycle having been laid down can include a dented tank (that the handlebars can swing in and dent the tank if the bike was down), scrapes on the foot pegs, or end of the handlebars/grips, partial repainting, and, in the case of sport bikes, scuffed fairings, or new fairings. As with any used vehicle, check the miles on the motorcycle. A bicycle with higher miles is more likely to have parts that are worn and will soon need replacing.
If the seller allows, take the bike for a short test ride being quick to notice if the brakes work properly, throttle turns smoothly and overall smoothness of the ride. Ask yourself: is the bicycle maneuverable enough on the street? Does it accelerate well enough to get around in traffic? Will it turn in short distances? Most importantly, does it feel safe? Don’t be too surprised if a vendor won’t let you take it for a test ride. It’s not uncommon. At the very least gets the vendor to start the bike. Listen for strange noises, check for smooth throttle motion, and watch for smoke.
Things you will want to give a once over include:
Brakes – pads, hoses, rotors, fluids
Chain and sprocket – chain tight or stretched, oiled properly, any bent or broken teeth on the rear sprocket?
Electrical – lighting working, headlight high and low functioning, turn signals work, horn works.
Engine – any leaks? Is your oil dark? Listen for valve clutter or strange noises when running.
Exhaust – blowing smoke may be а blown gasket. Are the pipes blue/purple? Maybe jetted wrong and probably ran hot. Any holes?
Gas tank – any scratches? Maybe an indication of a downed bike. Any rust? Rust from the tank can mean rust on your carbs, not a good thing. Look inside and run a rag around the mouth of the tank opening.
Forks – pitted? Tight? Creaking? Does it spring back?
Wheels – how are the tires worn? Are they cracking?
That should give you a pretty god idea of what you are looking at. Bring a flashlight, a rag, a tire pressure gauge, a helmet and a laptop with you to look at any secondhand motorcycle.
Request For The Service Record
If a used motorcycle is well maintained, it has the support records to prove it and will save you dollars in the future. So figure out if things like the chain and sprocket have been well maintained, oil changed properly and punctually, tires inflated properly, and if regular maintenance was performed. Examine the service records to see when the last maintenance was performed. If the owner balks at this request, consider moving on to another bike. He can only be unorganized, but he may be hiding something.
Negotiation
Like anyone, you are probably going into this hunt for a “new to you” bicycle with a budget. And you probably have that funding for a reason, so try to stay with it. If this is you must have a bicycle or a bucket of bolts, don’t show the seller your emotions one way or the other. Be quick to point out if parts need replacing, what wear has happened, how old the bike is, and also mention that the mileage (both low and high can be bad signs on a secondhand motorcycle). When buying occasionally used bikes with extremely low mileage says that bike has been sitting around for a while and that won’t be good for the motor or the carbs. Check to find out if it smokes while warming up and if it occasionally misses a beat. If it does, the carbs are probably gummed up, or varnished, from sitting idle too long. Rebuilding the carbs is probably not the first thing you want to be doing to your brand new bike.
