Choosing a Used Motorcycle

This is a great article on buying a used motorcycle that I found in the book Motorcycles: From the Inside Out by Michael M. Griffin. However, you will notice from some of the wording in this article that it is a little bit dated as to the motorcycle models available today. The information is still valid to today's buyers, so read on if you need information before making your used motorcycle purchase.

Buying a used motorcycle presents no small challenge to the motorcyclist. All too often, the prospective buyer has not taken the necessary steps to inform himself of such things as prevailing prices for a given model, parts and service availability for follow-up maintenance, and mechanical characteristics of that model. Under these circumstances, it is easy indeed to understand why many more motorcycle buyers than sellers end up dissatisfied with their transactions.

Buyers are often ill-prepared to deal with the price of a used motorcycle. Market value is important in all transactions. But when dealing in used motorcycles, this factor becomes doubly important. In buying a new motorcycle, the customer is confronted with fewer economic and mechanical variables. A new motorcycle on the showroom floor is assumed to be in excellent condition. It hasn't been ridden, and thus it is not worn in any way. The machine's projected longevity is at its maximum. Further the showroom browser will find less variation in retail price from dealer to dealer; dealers generally pay the same wholesale price for a given model motorcycle.

The prospective buyer of a used motorcycle must deal with many more variables in price determination, however. Of these, his most important judgment will be to evaluate the motorcycle's degree of wear, maintenance, and market value....

Begin the inspection of the motorcycle with a close look at the overall finish. Is rust evident? If the motorcycle has received minimal maintenance, it should be easy to find rust in the hard to reach areas. Make sure during this process that you not only look at the bike, but you also feel the motorcycle. Sometimes it's easier to find rust by feeling it.

Next, check all electrical components, such as the lights, horn, and directional signals, both with the engine off and running.... Inspect for evidence of wires chafing against the frame, for this may lead to stripped insulation and shorted circuits. Also, be sure that all electrical connections are soundly fastened.

Other items that need to be checked:
Steering Head - Check for cracks and other irregularities
Be sure the front and back wheels line up in a straight line
Spin the front wheel to check for wheel bearing wear - if worn, the bearings will rattle or click in the wheel
New handlebar grips and footpeg rubber - When a motorcycle is laid down on the road, the first items to become worn and bent are the footpegs and handlebars. If your prospective used motorcycle has new grips and rubber on the footpegs, look under these to see if the parts are bent or scraped. If so, chances are your used motorcycle has been put on the ground at least once.