Inspection Checklist for Buying a Used Motorcycle

Whenever you make a big investment, it’s helpful to create a checklist. The same concept applies when you’re thinking about buying a motorcycle. This will likely become one of your most prized possessions, so you want to feel confident that you’ve covered your bases. It’s critical to inspect the bike for any potential issues before you put money down. Frontier Harley-Davidson is here with some tips. Keep reading to learn more.

If you need assistance with parts or service, feel free to contact us. Our dealership is conveniently located in Lincoln, NE, near Omaha. We’ve also got an impressive selection of motorcycles for sale if you’re still looking for the perfect bike.

What to Bring

There are a couple of items you want to bring with you. First, be sure you’ve got the right amount of cash to make your down payment or pay for it outright. Next, you should bring a flashlight to help you look into those dark, hidden corners of the bike. This will be crucial for helping you spot any issues you might not be able to see otherwise. You’ll also want to bring a notebook and something to write with. You’ll need to ask plenty of questions, so taking notes is essential.

Motorcycle Body

Sometimes, scratches and dents on the body of a used motorcycle are more than an aesthetic issue. They can often provide insight into the history of the bike and indicate prior collisions. This could mean more issues are lurking beneath the surface that you don’t know about. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help rule this out.

Inspect the fuel tank to confirm that it has an untouched coat of paint and isn’t flaking off. Next, confirm that the fenders and side covers are free of scratches and dents. Take a look at the seat to see if there are any tears or signs of collapsed foam. Last but not least, examine the chrome closely to see if there’s any rust. If the used motorcycle you’re looking at has a windshield installed, inspect that as well. You want to see that it’s installed correctly, especially if it’s permanent and can’t be removed. If this is the case, make sure it’s a feature you really want.

Engine

Before you can view and inspect the bike, you’ll need to let the seller know you want to inspect it cold. This is the only way to get an accurate assessment of the engine’s performance. You never know if a sneaky seller is going to start the engine before you arrive in hopes of hiding startup issues with the motorcycle.

There are some red flags you want to avoid, like engine smoke that’s too heavy or oddly colored. If it’s deep black or blue, run the other way. Listen for any strange rumbling or rattling sounds. Check to confirm that the exhaust isn’t leaking or showing signs of damage. Be sure the transmission doesn't jump out of gear when you take it for a test drive. Check to see if the clutch drags or slip when you’re operating it. All of these are signs of trouble that could cost you a lot of money and stress in the long run.

Tires

As you’re probably already aware, your tires play a very important role in how your bike handles. Check to see that the tires are free of dry rot and that they still have plenty of tread. The wheels should be free of dents and shouldn’t wobble when spun. You’ll need to test the spokes by hitting each one with a screwdriver handle. Listen for a “ping” sound. If you hear a flat sound instead, this could mean a spoke is loose. The chain should be properly adjusted and lubricated. The belt should not have any visible issues such as cuts or abrasions.

If you’ve run through this checklist and everything looks good, you might’ve just found your dream motorcycle. For those who are still shopping around, stop by Frontier Harley-Davidson today! You’ll find us in Lincoln, NE. We also serve Nebraska City.