A first-time buyer can find the used motorcycle purchasing procedure a bit intimidating. How do I search? What questions should I ask? How can I be sure I’m not purchasing peanuts? When it comes to obtaining a good bargain on a used motorcycle, we as motorcycle dealers are more educated than others because we work with buyers and sellers frequently. Here is a brief explanation of the main characteristics a novice rider needs to look for in a used motorcycle.
Let’s get started right now. For the first time, you come closer to the bike. What comes to mind right away? Wow, the bike is really polished. You specifically asked for this, therefore I’ve provided it. There is a clear feeling of ownership pride in the look. The majority of bikers give their bikes excellent exterior upkeep. You do want to appear respectable, right? Let’s take a closer look.
It is important to pay attention to the overall appearance
Riding a bike that has been well-maintained is frequently enjoyable. The vendor must get in touch with you first and provide you with all the bike’s information. An older “project or restoration” bike can catch your attention, and you might be ready to forgive some minor cosmetic problems. You could be looking at a “brush popper,” in which case some wear is normal. The only person who is aware of what is appropriate in terms of appearance is you.
Examine the motorcycle in detail. Examine every little space. You are aware of the difficult-to-reach areas where dirt may collect. The enthusiast will invest the time required to fix these issues and maintain his bike’s showroom appearance. Not a “quick cleaner,” really. He’s hoping you won’t be evaluating things too deeply and that your enthusiasm will trump common sense.
Installation of the stock exhaust is recommended
I can understand your want to fire up the bike and hear it roar. In the future, you’ll have plenty of time for it. Before the initial examination, the bicycle must be refrigerated. Warm engines start more easily. Tell the vendor not to run the bike before you arrive when you phone to inquire about where to see the bike. First, make sure the exhaust is firmly in place. The mounts and the pipe might break as a result of the exhaust system’s high level of engine vibration. You could feel places of rust that had completely rotted through on difficult-to-see parts of the exhaust.
If the frame is in good shape, there should be no damage
While you’re down there examining the exhaust, you might as well check the frame as well. Look closely. You are looking for dents, scrapes, and cracks. Does the bike seem to have hit the ground hard, bottomed down, or been in a collision? Get some practical practice with the frame. You’ve covered as much of the frame with your hands as you can. You may feel something that you cannot see.
Check the steering head’s bearings. Maintain control of the front brake lever as you rock the car back and forth. Movement or a clicking sound is a reliable sign that the bearings in the steering head may be worn or loose. Put your hand over the upper triple clamp and frame to feel the movement.
The brakes on an old vehicle should be replaced
Then, while seated, move the motorcycle forward while shifting into gear. Lightly use the front brakes. The bike’s brakes should make little to no noise when it slows down, and the brake lever should be simple to operate. Retract the brake lever. The bike should now return easily to its previous position, rolling freely without the brake calipers dragging. If they fall behind, they must catch up. When applying the brakes fast, you shouldn’t feel any pulsing in the lever because this would indicate a bent rotor.
It shifts smoothly with the clutch
The clutch cable should have some give; any additional slack may often be tightened. Attach the clutch firmly. Is it adaptable? Gradually release the clutch. It ought to be easy to release. When the clutch lever is pressed in or released, there shouldn’t be any “snags” or “pops”. Sit down on the bike. Put the car in drive. Once the clutch is engaged and the bike is in first gear, it should roll easily and with little effort.
It is important that the suspension doesn’t bottom out in bumps and potholes
Put pressure on the front end of the bike while seated. The forks should silently and gently reposition themselves. Any loud noise might be harmful. Examine the fork seals. They must be immaculate and smudge-free. The tops of the seals and the forks shouldn’t have any fork oil on them. The bike could just require new, affordable seals if there is a little amount of oil around the fork seals. The forks themselves ought to be spotless, glossy, and smooth. On the seat, bounce up and down.
In this case, the coolant should have been topped off
Frequently, coolant is bright green in color and smells good. While the engine is still cold, remove the coolant cap and give it a quick inspection. I adore green. Brown-colored coolant might be a sign that rust or oil have entered the engine. If the engine has already begun to deteriorate, you should consider the possibility of costly repairs. If there is oil in your coolant, you may have a leaking head gasket or failed O-rings. Although changing a head gasket doesn’t always mean the end of a bike, it does require a professional “gear head,” so if this problem is present you might want to reconsider your purchase.
