| Purchasing a used motorcycle can be very rewarding | | | | are supposed to be lubed about every 200-300 miles |
| but it can also be a daunting task. This used | | | | or about every two tank refills. Check the slack of |
| motorcycle buyer's guide highlights 10 things to look | | | | the chain by pulling on it. It should be no more then |
| for when purchasing a used motorcycle. | | | | two inches both ways. Having a chain snap on you |
| 1. Has It Been Crashed? | | | | on the road can be extremely dangerous. |
| One of the most important things to check first-and | | | | 6. Engine Fluids |
| probably the most obvious-is to check if the | | | | Make sure to ask the owner when the oil was last |
| motorcycle has been down or in an accident. Any | | | | changed. Oil should be changed every 3,000-4,000 |
| sign of road rash or deep scratches on the fairings is | | | | miles. If the oil is black, then it's time for a new oil |
| a pretty good sign that the bike has been down. Be | | | | change. If the oil is a dark honey color, then the oil |
| sure to ask for details. | | | | was changed recently. |
| Make sure that the brake and clutch levers are not | | | | Check that the coolant levels are between the low |
| bent as crashes can damage them. More severe | | | | and high and that the color is a neon green. If it is a |
| crashes can also cause the forks to twist which | | | | murky green-brown, then the coolant needs to be |
| affects handling. If you are able to test ride the bike, | | | | changed. |
| then make sure that the motorcycle is riding straight | | | | 7. Suspension |
| and is not swaying. | | | | Ask the owner when the last time the fork seals |
| 2. Brakes | | | | have been changed and when the suspension oils |
| Brakes are extremely vital to your safety as they | | | | have been replaced. Generally, they should be |
| help bring your bike to a stop. To test the front | | | | replaced every year or two. To test the front forks, |
| brakes, put the bike in neutral and roll it forward while | | | | hold the brakes and push down hard on the bars. |
| gently engaging the brake lever. The brakes should | | | | The bike should spring back up but with little |
| engage smoothly. If you pull the lever and there is no | | | | resistance. You will need to replace the rear shock if |
| resistance, then more then likely the calipers need | | | | there is no resistance. |
| work or the brake system needs new fluid. Do the | | | | 8. Clutch/Gears |
| same also for the rear brakes and make sure the | | | | Check the clutch by holding it down and putting the |
| brakes are engaging. | | | | bike in first gear. It should feel smooth as you push |
| Check that there is at least 1/8" of brake pad | | | | the bike forward. Test the friction zone by slowly |
| material remaining. Warped rotors will cause the front | | | | releasing the clutch. Clutch engagement should be |
| end of the bike to vibrate. Brake fluid should be a | | | | fairly smooth. |
| light amber and needs replacing if it is a darker color. | | | | 9. Know what the bike is worth! |
| This is a good indication that the motorcycle has not | | | | Make sure you know what your bike is worth before |
| had proper maintenance. | | | | committing to a price. The last thing you want is |
| 3. Tires | | | | overpaying for a used motorcycle. |
| Tires are a pretty indication of how the motorcycle | | | | 10. Kickstand, horn, turn signals, headlights, etc. |
| was ridden. Squaring of the rear tire usually means | | | | Last but not least, check the small things on the |
| that the bike has mostly been on straight roads such | | | | motorcycle. Make sure the kickstand is pretty sturdy |
| as a highway. If the edges are roughed up, then it's a | | | | and is not shaky. Check that the horn, turn signals, |
| possibility that the bike has been through a canyon. | | | | and the headlights are also in working condition. |
| 4. Battery/Electrical | | | | Read the fine print before signing anything! That low |
| When buying a used motorcycle, you need to keep | | | | introductory interest rate might seem welcoming at |
| in mind that often times motorcycles are sitting out | | | | first, but can be extremely frustrating to learn that |
| in a warehouse so the battery may not be fully | | | | the interest rate is only for a couple of months. |
| charged. If you can, make sure that the battery is | | | | If everything is satisfactory and you are ready to |
| holding its charge and that the voltage is around | | | | make the purchase, check that the VIN on the |
| 12-14v. Also, make sure that the kill switch is working | | | | motorcycle matches on the title and that there are |
| by starting the engine and switching the kill switch to | | | | no liens. Have a mechanic take a look at the used |
| its off position. | | | | motorcycle after the purchase to double check that |
| 5. Chain & Sprockets | | | | everything is in working order. |
| Check the chain and sprocket for any rusting. Chains | | | | Happy riding! |