Trevors #TipTuesday - 9 Tips For Buying A Used Motorcycle (Part 1)

1. Look for Damage

Visually inspect the motorcycle and make sure there aren’t any major scratches or dings. Pay special attention to the gas tank; if it’s dented, it may need to be replaced. Look at the exhaust pipes, too, and check for any bluing on the metal, which could indicate that the motorcycle overheats.

2. Check the Tires

Stick your fingers in the tire tread. If it covers the tip of your finger, it’s in good shape. If it doesn’t, or if the tires are worn on one side or the other, it might indicate a problem with the alignment or possibly a bent wheel. Also make sure the fender isn’t touching the tire, which could cause abnormal or uneven wear.

3. Listen to the Engine

The sound should be smooth and clean. Listen for any knocking or rattling, which could be something as simple as a loose bolt or be indicative of a bigger problem. Also pay attention to the idling; rough sounds could indicate a problem with the gas or mean that the engine hasn’t run for a while.

4. Assess the Oil

When you look in the oil window or pull out the dipstick, you want to see a dark brown, semi-translucent fluid. If the oil is black, it hasn’t been changed recently. Also check underneath the motorcycle for leaking oil, which could indicate a problem with the primary gasket (or something worse).

5. Check the Mileage

Make sure the odometer has a reasonable number of kilometres on it. All zeroes or an oddly low mileage could mean the entire speedometer has been replaced.

For more information, contact Overberg Suzuki & Radiators.