Inspection Checklist for Buying a Used Motorcycle

When you’re in the market for a used motorcycle, you’ll want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to avoid getting a lemon. After all, an unscrupulous seller might try to shortchange you by hiding problems with the bike they’re trying to sell, or worse, it might even be stolen property! You can avoid falling prey to one of these unsavory types by going to a reputable dealer, of course, but it’s always smart to thoroughly inspect and test out a used bike before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County in Westminster is your SoCal used motorcycle dealer. We’ve drawn up this handy checklist to help you properly inspect any used motorcycle that interests you so you can ensure you’re getting a solid bike.

What To Bring

When you go to inspect a used motorcycle, whether it’s from a private seller or a model carried by a dealership, you should bring a few things with you.

• Cash: Most sellers will request that you pay a deposit at the bare minimum, while others will want the full price of the bike up-front. And cash is reliable, easy and always accepted.
• Flashlight: You’ll want to inspect the nooks and crannies on a bike, and you won’t be able to see much without a light source. Even if it’s daylight, the bike might be in a garage or other dimly-lit area, and a flashlight will help you to get a closer look.
• Notebook: You should bring something to write with so that you can make notes and write down the answers to your questions. You can also use a notes app on your phone.

Inspecting The Body

Check over the bike’s exterior to make sure that it’s not too badly damaged. A scratch or a shallow dent may not be much cause for concern, but several scrapes may indicate that the bike has been through some crashes or serious accidents and it may not be in very good condition. A lot of cosmetic damage may also indicate a bike that hasn’t been taken care of very well.

The fuel tank should be flake-free with clean, smooth paint. You’ll want to look over the sides and fenders as well. Test the seat to see if the foam has collapsed and make sure it has no tears. Inspect the chrome and make sure it has no rust on it. Look over any windshields or other aftermarket components to make sure they were installed correctly, too.

Checking The Engine

Before you see a bike, tell the seller that you will only inspect the used motorcycle if it’s cold. Sometimes, those shady types like to run a bike and warm up the engine to mask problems. The only way you can get an accurate read on a bike’s condition is if its engine is cold when you arrive.

When you start up the bike, look for excess engine smoke, especially thick smoke that is blue or black in color. Listen for strange rattles and noises. Watch for any leaks or pooling fluids. If the transmission jumps out of gear while you go on a test drive or the clutch drags or slips, you should look elsewhere. The engine is the most expensive component of any used bike, so you can save yourself a lot of time and money by ensuring that it’s in good working order.

Tires

The wheels on a used bike can also tell you something about its condition and whether it was cared for. You don’t want to buy a bike that has rotted tires with balding treads. Tap each spoke with a screwdriver handle to listen for a pinging sound that indicates they are tight enough. Spin the wheels and look for wobbles. Make sure the chain is lubricated and tightened. Inspect the belt for signs of abrasions.

We hope this checklist helps you to find a used bike that meets all your needs. Come see us at our dealership in Westminster, California, to take a look at our available inventory of used motorcycles for sale. Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County proudly serves the greater Los Angeles area as well as the whole of Orange County.