Buying a second hand motorbike

Posted by Greg Allen on Sunday, December 17, 2023 Under: Buying A Used Motorbike

The first thing you want to do when buying a used motorbike has inspected the bike from the outside. This includes checking for scratches or signs of rust on the frame, as well as looking at the tires and wheels. Next, check all of your lights, mirrors, turn signals, and horn. If the seller has a key, turn it over in the lock to make sure that it turns freely. Also, make sure you have an idea of how much fuel is left before you purchase it.

Check the MOT service records

it’s always best to ask if the bike has been checked by a qualified mechanic and whether or not it’s come back with any faults. If the owner doesn’t want to show you the paperwork, then they may have something to hide. MOT service records will show that all major parts of your bike have been looked at and deemed safe.

Checking these is also a good idea as sometimes there are things that need replacing but won’t be apparent until they’ve had an MOT test- like brake pads for example!

Check the documents with the seller

It’s most important to check the owner’s documents. Does the owner have all of their paperwork? How many miles does it say on the odometer? The more paperwork and fewer miles, the less likely that person is trying to scam you. So, check out the V5C documents. Also, make sure the bike has been serviced within the past year.

Check the current market price for the model you are looking for

First, check the current market price for the model you are looking for. There are a variety of websites that will let you know what a particular bike is worth. You can also bring in an expert who specializes in motorcycles and they’ll be able to give you an accurate assessment of the value. Once you have checked the value, do your research on how much it would cost to buy a similar motorcycle. The difference between the two numbers will tell you whether or not it’s worth it to make this purchase at this time.

Electrical Checks

If you’ve got a multimeter, check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure there are no loose connections. Start the engine and listen for anything that sounds out of place. Finally, if the bike is more than five years old, ask if you can run a diagnostic test on it with an OBD reader. The seller should be able to provide the needed information. If they don’t, walk away.

Just because a motorcycle has some damage doesn’t mean it’s automatically worthless or overpriced – you need to weigh up whether the flaws are worth bearing in mind or not when making your decision.

Check the tyres

When you’re buying a used motorcycle, you should check the tyres. They will show you how well the bike has been maintained. A previous owner may have taken good care of the bike, but they may have also neglected it in other ways, so the tyres are one of many things to consider when looking at a bike. You can tell if a tyre is worn by looking for signs of cracking and bubbles on the surface.

It’s always worth taking a test ride before you buy a motorcycle. It’ll give you an idea of the bike’s power, handling, and brakes. You can also take note of any rattles or other noises that might indicate a problem with the bike. Ask the seller about how often it’s ridden and how many miles it has on it.