Buying a Used Motorcycle
Rule #1: Never buy a bike sight unseen. Rule #2: Always carefully inspect a bike before buying. Rule #3: If the seller’s location is too far away for you to travel to before buying, forget about it. If you violate these rules, email me—I have some property for sale.
Sources (beyond your local newspaper):- In some cities the Craigslist motorcycles classifieds is an excellent marketplace. If you live in or near a city that has a high volume of Craigslist ads, check the website once or twice a day. Also, place a "Want to Buy" ad (it’s free). When your ad scrolls off the front page, delete it and post again (but no more often than once a day.)
- Another good source is the weekly Cycle Trader classified ads magazine (available at convenience stores). I’ve not had much luck with the CycleTrader.com website but you may.
- ebay Motors. But, before bidding see rules 1-3 above.
- Popular online motorcycle forums (bulletin boards) that have classified ads. Some cater to all types of bike owners. Others specialize, catering to particular brands, type or model such as: Harley, BMW, touring, sport touring, cruisers, Suzuki SV650, etc. You will have better luck at the specialty forums. Check BABailey’s index of forums.
Buying guides:
Use Adam Glass’ evaluation guide when inspecting a bike. If you are inexperienced, find someone who is experienced and mechanically knowledgeable to go with you. Or, have the bike inspected by a qualified mechanic who is experienced on that model bike.
Before Seeing The Bike
Of course there is no guarantee the seller will answer truthfully. But the manner in which they are answered should give me a good feeling about doing business with the seller. Lack of knowledge, hesitation or evasion will raise doubts in my mind.
Through the phone conversation and later in person I am not just learning about the bike. I am trying to get a handle on the seller. How long has he been riding? Is he knowledgeable? Does he really care about his bikes or is he indifferent to their condition on a daily basis. Keep in mind that as long as a bike hasn’t been crashed or thrashed, it is not too difficult to clean up a bike that has been neglected so that it presents a favorable first impression.
Prior history:
- When did you buy the bike and what was the mileage?
- What can you tell me about the prior owner(s) and how they used the bike, took care of it and what maintenance/repairs they had done?
How did you use the bike...city/commuting, high speed highway, twisties, weekend day trips, extended touring, track days?
What is the mechanical, electrical and cosmetic condition of the bike? Any minor or serious problems? Anything that is “iffy” or marginal?
What is the current mileage? Has the odometer ever not worked?
What do you do with the bike at the end of the riding season (winterization process)?
Service history:- What maintenance and repairs have you had done?
- Serviced by dealer or shop (do you have invoices?), a friend or do it yourself?
- Do you adhere to the manufacture’s service schedule? What is the service interval? [A conscientious owner will know at least the basic service interval and what should be checked.]
- When was last service, what was done?
- How often do you change the oil? What brand and type of oil?
Any performance modifications? Any after market accessories?
Condition of the tires? When did you last put new tires on the bike? How many miles on them?
Condition of the chain and sprocket? How many miles on them? How often do you lube the chain?
Condition of the clutch and cable? How often do you lube the cable?
Condition of the brakes and hoses...how many miles on them?
Have the fork seals ever been replaced? Has the fork oil ever been replaced?
Does the transmission work smoothly?
Has the bike ever been dropped (zero speed or low speed drop)? Ever been crashed? Any dings, scratches or other blemishes?
Are there any generally known issues, problems, gremlins or quirks with this particular bike model and year? [Some bike models/years do have known issues. So do your homework before shopping. If the seller does not mention them in response to this question it raises questions about his honesty or his knowledge of the bike.]
Do you have any problem with me having it inspected at my expense by my mechanic prior to purchase? [Walk away if he balks at this.]
Do you have - owner's manual - shop manual - Clymer manual?
Do you have the toolkit?
Any close-up pictures you can email to me?
