Buying A Used Motorcycle?

Lemon Laws also apply to motorcycles. Why? Because whether you've ever considered this or not, motorcycles can be lemons, too. When buying a used motorcycle there are a few checks that should be made when looking over the bike, and before handing the seller your hard-earned cash. Has the bike been wrecked, well maintained, broken in properly, ridden hard, or sat for years and years without service? Many of these questions need to be addressed when buying a used bike, and there are still many things that can be checked to help avoid buying someone else’s problem. You can easily inspect a motorcycle yourself, or consider contacting a pre-purchase used car [motor vehicle] inspector.

Visual Inspection of the Motorcycle
When doing a visual inspection and before taking a test ride, you should have a check list of what to inspect on the motorcycle. Then take the list, and go down each item marking it as it passes or fails that portion of the inspection. Also, ask the owners how often he/she rides it and what type of weather conditions. If a bike sits for long periods of time, parts aren’t getting lubed, tires could go flat and get cracked, and the battery is draining (unless being kept on a battery tender).

Items to check on a motorcycle:

* Check the chain and sprocket
* Check turn signals, headlight, brake lights, etc work?
* Look inside the fuel tank (might need flashlight) for rust or other particles.
* Check for rust anywhere on the bike
* Check the frame for cracks and repairs and to make sure the frame is straight
* Check the brakes
* Check the forks
* Look at tires for cracked or warn tread and inspect the manufacture date

When walking around and inspecting a motorcycle, it’s imperative to take the time to go through the motorcycle entirely. Don't be affraid to get dirty. Due to the size and easy access, just about everything on a motorcycle can be inspected with nothing more than a flashlight and possible a few tools to remove the seat or side covers.

Taking a test ride
Start up the bike and inspect the exhaust for excessive noise. And if a dual pipe motorcycle, verify the pressure coming out of each exhaust pipe is the same. Check the cooling and fuel systems for leaks. How does it start, stop, and shift. Shift it both up and down through all gears while riding. When applying the brakes is there the right amount of play and stopping distance? And most importantly how does it feel

It can be hard sometimes to take a used motorcycle for a good test ride, many owners might not be comfortable letting someone ride off on their bike. But, as a buyer it is always a good idea to get a feel for how well it runs, even if it’s not possible to get it up to faster speeds.

Getting the Motorcycle Inspected by a Mechanic!
It’s always a good idea when buying a used motor vehicle/motorcycle, to get it checked out by a mechanic. The cost of having an inspection done outweighs the potential cost of repairs. On a motorcycle though, the cost of the inspection might not outweigh the cost of possible repairs. If looking at a expensive bike, or not sure what to inspect on the motorcycle, it’s a good idea to take it to a mechanical inspector. With a good checklist, and some research and knowledge before looking at the motorcycle, the cost and hassle of having the motorcycle inspected might not be worth it.

As with all purchases if you are unsure, or feel the seller is asking too much or hiding something, don’t be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of bikes on the road and when it comes to a used motorcycle it is better to be safe and sure than to end up on the side of the road somewhere. Also make sure that the title is good and the vin numbers match up. If they have it get the service records, owner’s manual, and tool kit. Don’t forget to get a bill of sale.

By: Andy Dabbs

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www.usedcarinspectors.com -- Andy Dabbs has been is business for over 15 years working with folks in the Minneapolis area, and now helps those in search of a new used car, get them inspected. Check out Andy and the folks online at his website. If you are looking for a new used car, or have already found one, feel free to give us a call at the Lemon Squad Used Vehicle Inspections center!