Practical Advice

Used motorcycles are popular among enthusiasts. Some models are still in very good condition and are available at a reasonable price. To hope for good deals, vigilance is key. During the first contact with the motorcycle of your dreams, don’t be immediately seduced by its beauty. Keep your eyes open and carefully check every part of its bodywork and each of its components.

The First Details to Check

The day you discover the motorcycle you’ve chosen, don’t be too enthusiastic, but calmly take out your checklist. Are the papers in order? What about the registration? Has regular maintenance and servicing been carried out?

If everything seems normal, inspect the first elements that are easiest to check, such as the water level, brake fluid, or oil. Check if the drive chain is well lubricated and if there are no scratches or marks on the fairings and paint. This examination gives you a first glimpse of the condition of the machine and whether its previous owner took good care of it.

A More In-Depth Exploration

To go further, the help of a mechanic or specialist can be useful. Some technical knowledge is indeed necessary to avoid any disappointment.

• • Among the parts to check are the exhaust studs. A thorough inspection allows you to see if the thread is not worn out.
  • Next, examine the fork. The first step is to touch the fork tubes to ensure the seals are not greasy and therefore in good condition. It’s also an opportunity to check if the shock absorber and fork function normally. If you compress them and the rebound is dampened, that’s good. If you get a “spring” effect, precautions should be taken. Finally, check for play in the steering at the fork level to detect any potential loose tightening. This problem often manifests as a “toc-toc” sound.
  • The engine and frame should not be forgotten. The bolts should be in good condition. If they have a damaged or worn head, it means frequent disassembly has likely occurred.

The Test Ride

For the test ride, it’s advisable to start a motorcycle cold. The engine noise, suspicious vibrations, or poor balance are all reasons to be wary of the actual condition of the machine. After a cold start, a hot start is also not superfluous to see how your bike reacts.

Good Advice

An impeccably clean engine is not always a good sign. It may be an indication of a leak that someone wanted to hide from you.

No need to be a skilled negotiator to discuss a more advantageous purchase price. Sometimes, it’s enough to share your passion, try to learn more about the owner, the reasons that led them to sell their motorcycle, and gather as much information as possible about the machine. This allows you to bond with the seller but also to better understand the product being offered to you.

The best way not to make a mistake is, of course, to be accompanied by a specialist or someone more experienced.

Check List

Are you falling for a used motorcycle? Here is the list of precautions to take to ensure you make a good deal.

To Check

• • the condition of the stands (center and side)
  • wear on the grips, footpegs, levers (including ends), brake pads, wheels, and rims
  • any play in the pedals and levers
  • the wheel mechanism
  • the proper functioning of the fork and steering
  • the quality of braking
  • the noise of the brake assist
  • the good condition of the shock absorbers and fork seals
  • the overall balance and symmetry
  • the absence of blisters, cracks, scratches, and scuffs.

To Explore

Bodywork: the quality of the paint, the condition of various fasteners like screws, any cracks or alignment play, as well as holes and asymmetrical elements should be discovered during the visit.

Engine: pay attention to signs of disassembly, leaks, and the noise emitted during startup, whether cold or hot. The color of the exhaust gases can also say a lot about the overall condition of the engine.

Transmission: carefully check the proper functioning of the clutch and the condition of certain elements like the gearbox, drain and fill screws, and the chain. The transmission play should also be checked, as well as the absence of any parasitic noise during rotation.

Other Elements

Safety indicators, bulbs, kickstand switch, and dials will be subject to a systematic examination. The optics must be intact, and the position lights must function correctly.

What Documents to Require?

Certain documents must be provided by the seller to prove that the motorcycle being sold actually belongs to them. These include the registration certificate, whose numbers must match, and the certificate of non-pledge. Be careful, a very recent invoice is quite suspicious. To be completely reassured, you can ask to see the maintenance log, invoices, the manufacturer’s certificate of conformity for foreign motorcycles, the results of technical inspections, and the estimate provided by the insurance company for this motorcycle you are interested in.

Although this list is already quite long, it can very well be supplemented by the professional accompanying you during the visit. They will be able to point out other key elements to check before investing your money.