How To Inspect A Used Motorcycle

How To Inspect A Used Motorcycle

7 November 2014
 Categories: , Blog


When you are looking into purchasing a used motorcycle for sale, you will want to be sure that you of course test drive it to find potential problems. However, before you get started on the test drive, here are a few things to look for:

  • Condition of the Frame: Before you begin your test drive, be sure that you look into the condition of the frame. You will want to be sure that you inspect for the smallest cracks. Any cracks, no matter what size on the frame of a used motorcycle could mean that it has a salvaged title. Plus, cracks can pose a huge safety threat, which means you actually will not want to test drive the motorcycle, and instead move on to looking into other used motorcycles. 
  • Chains and Sprockets: A chain that is not well maintained can be extremely dangerous for the motorcyclist because it can also cause significant damage to the rest of the bike. You will want to check the chain for any corrosion, as well as pull the chain in certain directions to be sure that it moves smoothly, but not too quickly, which could indicate a loose chain. Also be sure to look at the sprockets. The teeth of the sprockets should be even with one another and they also should not have any signs of being worn. 
  • Battery Leads: You will want to check for the cleanliness of battery leads. This is because a dirty battery can indicate that the bike has been sitting unattended, which can indicate that there are likely a number of problems with the bike that can end up costing you a great deal in repair costs. 
  • Tires: Be sure that you check the tires on the bike, as well. You will want to be sure that the wear is evenly distributed. If there is a great deal of wear, you should consider talking down the asking price of the bike since you will likely have to replace the tires in the near future, which can be costly. 
  • Anything Missing: Once you have inspected all the main components of the bike, you will want to look for anything that is missing. This includes any missing bolts, covers, trim, and more. If you notice any missing parts, you will want to call your local dealership like Blue Ridge Harley-Davidson to get an estimate on how much it will cost for you to replace these parts. Some missing parts can be more expensive than you may think, which is important to understand when it comes to negotiating on the price of the used motorcycle. 

So, when you are looking into the purchase of a used vehicle, be sure that you know what to inspect since this will help you to either negotiate on the price, or know when it is time to look into other options.