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Inspection Checklist For Buying A Used Motorcycle

Nov. 22 2019 Miscellaneous By ___

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There are certain advantages to buying a used motorcycle, including paying much less and having many options to choose from. A lot of used motorcycles are well-maintained and can run almost like new, but you need to do your homework to ensure you’re taking home a steal and not a lemon. To help you make the right purchase, we at The Cycle Exchange have created this inspection checklist for you. When you want to check out some quality used motorcycles, visit our dealerships in Andover and Ledgewood, NJ. We’re proud to serve the people of New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA.

What to Carry

There are some necessary things you should take with you when you go out to inspect a used bike. These include:

  • Flashlight: Sometimes it gets dark during an inspection or the motorcycle is parked in a dark spot. A flashlight will let you examine even the nooks and crevices of a motorcycle. 
  • Notebook and pen: You should jot down some of the questions you really want to ask in a notebook to ensure that they don’t slip your mind. Also, remember to write the answers down, along with any pertinent information you’ll want to remember later.
  • Money: If you end up liking the bike, you might have to pay a deposit to ensure the dealer/owner will hold it for you. Carry some cash with you just in case you meet a bike you fall in love with.

The Body Inspection

The body of a used motorcycle should be in good condition. If there are dents and scratches, they can be more than eyesores, indicating old accidents that may have caused internal damage. This means you could end up frequently shelling out on maintenance issues. For the body inspection, make sure to take a look at the following items:

  • Fuel tank: There shouldn’t be any paint flakes inside.
  • Seat: There should be no tears or collapsed foam.
  • Chrome: There shouldn’t be any rust.
  • Fenders/Side covers: These should be free of scratches and dents.

Some used motorcycles have windshields that were added as upgrades. If the windshield was a DIY custom job, inspect it thoroughly. Poor installation could lead to issues down the road. Find out if the windshield is permanent or removable. If it’s permanent, you should be comfortable with the style and size of it.

The Engine Inspection

You want to inspect the engine when it’s cold so inform the seller that you don’t want them to start or use it the bike on the day of inspection. When a used bike is started cold, you can tell if it has any start up issues. Touch the engine to make sure it’s cool to the touch to avoid getting a lemon. To check the engine, examine the:

  • Engine smoke: It shouldn’t be heavy or odd-colored.
  • Engine sound: There shouldn’t be any strange rattles or rumbles.
  • Exhaust: It should look undamaged and shouldn’t have any leaks.
  • Transmission: If it jumps out of gear on your test drive, walk away.
  • Clutch: If it drags or slips on your test drive, say no.

A used motorcycle engine can involve some of the most costly repairs you’ll ever have to undertake so if anything seems off, don’t go for it. You may be saving yourself expensive repairs down the road!

The Electronics Inspection

Another high-cost repairs area of a used motorcycle are the electrical repairs. You’ll have to do a thorough job to inspect all the different electrical systems of a bike. Inspect the following:

  • Lights: Check the signal and brake lights, including the high and low beams. The indicator and instruments lights should be working.
  • Horn: It should sound loud and strong.
  • Battery: It should start without any problem.
  • Additional accessories: They should be installed properly and not need extra professional work.
  • Charging system: Run the engine and hit the brake - this should make the headlight get brighter as the charging system engages

The Tires Inspection

Tires are a crucial part of a bike and you should ensure you’re getting decent ones. Check them by examining these areas:

  • Tires: There shouldn’t be any rot and there should be plenty of tread.
  • Wheels: There shouldn’t be any dents and the wheel shouldn’t wobble when spun.
  • Spokes: When hit with a screwdriver handle, there should be a ‘ping’ sound instead of a flat one.
  • Chain: It should be well adjusted and well lubricated.
  • Belt: There should be no cuts or abrasion.

Now that you know some more about used motorcycles and how to select a good one, why not come on down to The Cycle Exchange and take a look at our wide inventory of used bikes? We have locations in Andover and Ledgewood, NJ and our helpful staff are always happy to assist you.