Mistakes not to make when buying or selling a used motorcycle

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January 11, 2019

Even for new bikes straight out of the factory, the future owner won’t have to buy with their eyes closed, especially if the transaction goes through a personal ad site. The rule is even truer for used vehicles. Here are some tips to follow when buying a racing car, even from a professional.

Mistakes not to make when buying or selling a used motorcycle

Not checking the compliance of the ad

New scooter, moped, motorcycle or used quad, the rule is the same for every two-wheeler: you don’t buy on paper. Any acquisition requires you to travel to verify that the advertisement coincides with the vehicle in question.

It will be necessary to check the model, the year, the possible clamping, the indicated mileage, etc. Beware of motorcycle ads that are too good to be true or at low prices.

Failure to check the motorcycle’s safety features

Buying a used motorcycle is initially cheaper than a new one, provided it is in excellent condition and the previous owner has carried out rigorous motorcycle maintenance. This is why before signing the check, be sure to take a look at the general condition.

The tires

Again, the description in the ad can be misleading. Look for the condition of the motorcycle tires for yourself and remember to ask for the pressure that you have to put. This detail allows to know very quickly if the owner takes care of his tire..

We will check wear : the minimum legal depth of the tire treads is 1 mm. Observe whether the tire has any abnormal marks on the tread or on the sidewalls.

Used tires will tend to drag the prices down: don’t hesitate to negotiate. At the same time, check the rims and spoke tension if this is a vintage road motorcycle..

Braking system

Monitor the wear of the pads or the drum, the condition of the brake discs (be careful if there are any deep scratches or warping), the hardness of the front and rear brake controls.

The color of the brake fluid in the reservoir is evocative. If it’s light brown it’s fine, if it’s dark black it will need to be changed.

The chain kit

Remember to inspect the chain tension : A chain that is too tight can wear out very quickly and even damage the gearbox. It should have about 3cm of slack with the rear wheel resting on the ground.

Take advantage of asking the seller if he regularly monitors the voltage: every 1000 km ideally !

If it is all-terrain, used for motocross riding for example, and therefore frequently used on muddy and dusty tracks, the chain must have been greased after each outing.

Corrosion

Check the chrome, frame, swingarm and inside of the tank for rust. The muffler should grab your attention: often the visible corrosion is only the submerged part of the iceberg, the inside of the mufflers are usually already well nibbled.

The other points

  • The direction
  • The suspensions. Check the fork tubes for oil leaks, as well as the steering column for play.
  • The muffler must be approved.
  • Traces of possible falls. Examine the paintwork, the fairing, but also the handlebar ends or the footrests and gear selector. Finally, check that the motorcycle has the required equipment: left rear-view mirror, horn, speedometer, odometer, stand, anti-interference device, indicators and low beams up to standards, etc..

Do not try the motorcycle

Remember, not all motorcycles have the same story. A roadster and sportbike could have had a more eventful life than a Harley Davidson intended for the ride.

A motorcycle can never be bought without a trial. Test the brakes, the accelerator, shift all gears, listen to the engine, etc..

If the seller refuses to let you try his motorcycle on the pretext that his insurance does not include the handlebar loan, beware.

Failure to check motorcycle documents

Check the history of the motorcycle, in particular its date of entry into circulation, the first hand and above all, the conformity of the registration document with the motorcycle: look at the serial number of the card and the number of the chassis plate or engraving on the frame. You can also ask for the seller’s identity papers, to be sure you are not dealing with a thief.

Finally, you have the right to demand to see the motorcycle maintenance book as well as invoices for any repairs.

Take the opportunity to ask if the maintenance is regular: ideally every 6,000 kilometers on older motorcycles, every 8 to 10,000 kilometers on newer motorcycles.

Do not ask the owner questions

It is crucial to understand the seller’s behavior in order to know if the two-wheeler has been damaged or poorly maintained: Does it leave a warm-up time? Is he a fan of wheeling, burning, or stopping, etc. Has the motorcycle been used on the track ?

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