Buying a used motorcycle can be overwhelming for first-time buyers. Several concerns come to mind when opting for second-hand motorcycles. To help you in the decision-making process, we have compiled a checklist for buying a used motorcycle in detail.
What to Know Before Buying a Used Motorcycle
From the appearance to the mechanics, you need to inspect several things when buying a second-hand motorcycle. Following is a checklist for buying used motorcycles along with some pro tips.
Check the Overall Appearance
When buying a new motorbike, what fascinates buyers among other things is its overall appearance – things are pretty much the same when buying a used motorcycle. A neat and clean motorcycle will look more appealing than one that’s not well-kept.
What is important here is for the seller to communicate everything to the prospective used motorcycle buyer in detail.
Then, it is for the used motorcycle buyer to decide what is cosmetically acceptable to them. Some buyers may be willing to make certain compromises and let go of certain faults in the overall appearance of the motorbike, while some don’t.
That said, go over a used motorcycle thoroughly before buying one. It is easy to differentiate between a motorcycle that just received a quick clean and one that is well-kept over time by a motorcycle enthusiast.
Inspect all the tight spots, and check the cleanliness level of all the hard to reach places. A true enthusiast will get into the areas where dirt accumulates easily and clear it up thoroughly but someone who just quickly cleaned the outer structure of the motorbike will not. Therefore, one must always look closely.
Pro Tip: If you find plastic fairings on the motorcycle, check the points that connect to the frame. The first thing that damages when a motorcycle crashes are these connecting metal tabs and if the previous owner got some shoddy repair done, it will show.
Check the Exhaust
When inspecting a motorcycle, people tend to get attracted by the roar of the motorbike. While that is fascinating, that is not what you need to check when buying a used motorcycle. What needs to be checked is the exhaust. Therefore, the bike should be cold (not run before) for the initial inspection.
Case in point: warm engines are capable of turning over easily. You want to ensure the exhaust is mounted solidly. The motorcycle’s exhaust system receives tons of vibrations from the engine, this leads the pipes and mounts to fail. Listen carefully for exhaust leaks when starting the motorcycle.
Most exhaust leaks take place where the header connects to the engine. You will hear a popping sound if the header is loose. A big exhaust leak will make a louder sound, while a smaller leak will make a more subtle sound.
Pro Tip: Inspect for dents in the exhaust header as they can cause performance issues. Make sure to inspect the exhaust from underneath. Lay on your back and get a clear view of the exhaust to identify if any issues persist.
Inspect the Frame
As you lay down to check the used motorcycle’s exhaust, go over the motorcycle frame too. Look thoroughly for scrapes, dents and cracks. Figure out if the motorcycle you are interested in has bottomed out, or has taken a hard landing, been in some kind of accident in the past.
There are things that are not visible to the eye, just to be sure, slide your hands over the frame as much as you can. You may end up feeling something on the frame that you couldn’t see.
Inspect the steering head bearings. Hold the front brake lever and move the motorcycle back and forth. If you hear a clicking sound or feel movement, it generally means the steering head bearings are worn out or loose.
Pro Tip: Inspect the steering stops on the used motorcycle’s frame’s neck. This is the metal stop that connects tabs on the lower steering stem in order to stop the handlebars from turning. If the metal is bent or really rusty, there is a possibility the motorbike was involved in a crash previously.
Check the Clutch
Another important thing to check when buying a used motorcycle is the clutch. Feeling a bit of a slack in the clutch is normal and the excess can be adjusted easily. But just to be sure, squeeze the clutch to determine if it is smooth and release it slowly. The release should be smooth.
Sit on the motorcycle and engage the clutch. The motorcycle should roll off smoothly with little resistance when in the first gear. If you feel any pops when engaging or releasing the clutch, there is a higher chance of wear.
Pro Tip: Among other useful tips for buying a used motorcycle, checking the clutch is really important. Ensure the clutch engages and releases smoothly. If not, the chances of wear are higher.
Check the Brakes
Take the bike out of the gear and move it forward. Then apply the front brakes gently. The brake lever of the used motorcycle should operate smoothly and the motorbike should slow to a stop with little to no noise from the brakes.
Furthermore, when the rider releases the brake lever, it should smoothly return to position and the motorbike should be in a position to roll freely without dragging the brake callipers.
Pro Tip: Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and bring the motorbike to stop when applied. If the brake callipers drag, they require work. If you feel pulsing in the lever when braking at speed, it indicates a bent rotor.
Moreover, bring a set of measuring callipers when inspecting a used motorcycle to measure the thickness of the rotors (brake disk thickness) at the centre. Each rotor must be stamped with minimum thickness.
It is advisable not to buy a used motorcycle with brake issues. You can also discuss if the seller is willing to get the issues fixed. Whatever you decide, don’t try to ride a motorbike with brake issues. Safety comes first.
Check the Suspension
Straddle the motorcycle and shove down on the front end. Make sure the forks return to position slowly and silently. If you hear any loud noise it is bad news. Inspect the fork seals thoroughly they should be clean and smooth.
The tops of the seals and the forks should have no fork oil. If you find a bit of oil around the fork seals the motorcycle requires new seals. Fret not, these are relatively affordable.
That said, if there is rust or cuts on the fork tubes the repairs are going to be more serious. Furthermore, the forks should be clean, smooth and shiny themselves. Sit on the seat and bound up and down to make sure the rear shocks are resistant.
Pro Tip: Inspect the fork tube, run your fingers up and down. If you feel bumps the fork tube is most likely rusty. Then, if you feel a crease, it means the fork has been bent at some point in time, most likely caused by an accident.
Inspect the Chain
Pull the drive chain from the rear socket to check its tension. You will need to pull it at the three-o’clock position. The chain should not stretch out any farther than halfway off the socket, if it does, it’s time to replace it. Inspect the cleanliness of the chain’s inner area. This is the area that connects with the sprocket and it should be smooth and clean.
Pro Tip: Don’t buy a used motorcycle with sprocket teeth leaning over, this indicates the sprocket and the chain both have excessive wear and need replacement. Ask the seller to replace the chain in this scenario.
Check the Tyres and Wheels
Smooth even wear is expected in used motorcycles, however, excessive wear signals towards performance breakdowns. Then, if there are flat spots on the tyres, it is an indication of severe hard braking and skidding.
After you are done inspecting the tyres, check the wheels. Look for dents. You can keep the motorcycle on the centre stand with the transmission in neutral and spin the back wheel. As this happens watch from both the sides and the rear to identify any types of bends in the wheel. The same process can be done with the front wheel using the kickstand and help from another person.
Pro Tip: If you experience severe vibrations and noise when turning the motorcycle it means the tyres have worn out.
Check the Fuel Tank
Inspect the fuel tank, open it and look inside. A flashlight helps. You should be able to look through a light-colored fuel. However, if the fuel is darker in colour it is getting old and should be replaced. Also, look for rust or grit in the tank.
Pro Tip: Certain tanks come with a coating applied to prevent or cover the rust. In such a scenario, you will see a light milky surface instead of a shiny silver one.
Check the Coolant
Check the coolant. Normally, it is neon green in colour and it should smell sweet. But if you see brown-colored coolant it means rust or oil have entered the engine. If the engine is beginning to rust, it is bad news and you will need to get expensive repairs done.
Pro Tip: Keep the engine cold and remove the radiator cap to see if there is oil in the system. If you see oil floating on your coolant it is an indication towards engine problems.
Check the Headlights
Check the headlights on both high and low beams. Also, make sure all other electrical elements are working. Sit on the motorcycle and run through all the switches including the horn, blinkers, brake lights and hazard lights, among others to make sure everything is in working order. All in all, you should know about all the motorcycle parts and how they function to make an informed decision.
Pro Tip: When testing the motorcycle if the headlight gets really dim even though it is not set on low, it indicates a weak battery.
That brings an end to our comprehensive checklist and tips for buying a used motorcycle. If you are buying a used motorcycle from a private seller, ask for the service records and check the motorbikes VIN number and licence plate. Make sure the price being quoted is worth it.
You can save yourself from all the background checking hassles and buy used motorcycles for sale in the UAE on dubizzle at a variety of prices.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on motorcycle maintenance, safety and more.
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