3 Signs You Are Buying A Quality Used Bike
Riding a motorcycle is the ultimate form of freedom for many bike enthusiasts. If the cost of a new motorcycle is prohibitive, you can invest in a used motorcycle instead. However, it's important that you take your time when evaluating used motorcycles so you end up with a bike that will meet your needs. Look for the following signs to identify high quality used bikes.
1. Immediate Start-Up
Whenever you are testing out a used motorcycle, be sure that you ask the owner to leave the bike cold prior to your arrival. A motorcycle that has been warmed up may not provide you with the opportunity to identify critical motor problems. Typically, you want to hear a motorcycle start immediately with no abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The way that the motorcycle sounds when firing from a cold state can tell you a lot about the condition of the motor.
Be sure that you request the seller keep their motorcycle cold so that you can select a quality used bike.
2. Intact Bar Ends, Levers, and Footpegs
You can tell a lot about the condition of a used motorcycle by examining its bar ends, levers, and footpegs. These components should show signs of aging that are in line with the age of the bike itself. Damage to these components is an indication that the motorcycle may have been involved in an accident. Look for scratches and scrapes on the chrome as you evaluate a used bike.
You also want to check for any shortening or curling of the levers, as these could be indicators that the levers have been reworked after an accident. In general, you may want to avoid a used bike that has been in an accident to minimize the risk of unexpected repairs in the future.
3. Original Electrical Wiring
One of the first things you should do when evaluating a used motorcycle is by popping the seat. All of the wiring for the bike's electrical system is located beneath the seat. Here, you will need to check for evidence of electrical damage. This evidence could manifest as too many monochromatic wires, excessive amounts of electrical tape, or shoddy connections. Electrical issues can put any motorcycle out of commission, and they tend to be expensive to repair.
Be sure that the used motorcycle you are thinking of buying doesn't show any evidence of electrical damage so that you can avoid any serious performance issues in the future. For more information about used motorcycles, like used Harleys, contact a dealer.
