Custom Motorcycle Clutch

What You Need To Know When Purchasing A Used Motorcycle

So you want to buy a motorcycle. Obviously, a new one would be ideal, but sometimes new is just not in the budget, so your options expand to the used or "pre-owned" market. There are plenty of awesome used bikes out there, but it's important to go at it with some knowledge, so you're not getting taken advantage of. Of course, we'd all like to bring along a bike expert when we're test driving and checking the potential purchase out...chances are you may not know a bike expert, or they're busy that day in which case, read on my friend. This article should help in your quest to make an educated used motorcycle purchase.

When doing some research for this piece a friend told me that even the most beat up bike can ride smooth during a test drive. He also said one of the most important bits of information you need when looking into a used motorcycle is who owned it before. Some questions you may want to ask are: How they rode and how often? If they did tricks (i.e. wheelies, burn-outs, etc.) with the bike, had they ever been in an accident (with any bike)? Knowing the previous owner can give you some insight into how the bike was treated during it's time with that person and that can effect the bike's performance in the future.

Once you've established that the previous owner didn't completely tear up the bike with their crazy riding antics you can ask some more questions to get a better idea of the bike's physical condition. Here's a list of questions you may want to consider. Don't limit yourself though; ask all the questions you can.

1. Have any of the parts (i.e. clutch, etc.) been replaced?

2. Has anything on the bike been rebuilt?

These first two questions seem obvious and hopefully the seller would volunteer the information, but you never know whom you're dealing with, so it's a good idea to make it a point to ask. If parts have been replaced and/or components have been rebuilt you'd want to get even deeper with your questioning. Who rebuilt it? Who replaced the parts? What type of parts were the originals replaced with? Have they always taken it to the same mechanic if they didn't do the work themselves? And, why were the parts replaced or the components rebuilt (necessity or pleasure)? In the event the bike does contain replacement parts and/or rebuilt components it's a good idea to take notes and speak with someone that is knowledgeable in motorcycles. Also, read the warranty, if it has one, and see if those modifications will affect its validity. If some of the parts are merely after-market alterations, ask if the owner still has the original working part.

3. Has the bike been in any accidents (major or minor)?

I know I mentioned asking the previous owner if they have been in any accidents, but now you have to be more specific. Have there been any accidents with this bike, not just that person? It is a good idea to ask if the previous owner has been in any accidents in general. It will give you some further insight to the type of rider they are. For this question, you're asking if this particular bike has been in any minor or major accidents. The first two questions tie in with this question because a lot of the time if a bike has had replacement parts and/or rebuilt mechanisms it was a result of an accident or "rough riding". Scratches on the pipes, chrome pieces, tins, or body panels can indicate that the bike went down or was "dumped", particularly on the parts protruding from the sides the farthest.

4. Was the bike bought new or used by the person you're considering purchasing from or is it a custom build?

Buying a bike with multiple previous owners is asking for more trouble, for there could be too many "unknowns". The process of purchasing a used bike is involved enough, so to add multiple owners to the situation is putting yourself in a more difficult position. Try to stick with a bike that has had only one previous owner from the seller that bought it new or slightly used, that way you're not stuck with unanswered questions about previous owners.

Other than asking for the bike's history there are some physical features that you want to look at. Here's a list of some things you'll want to check, but this isn't everything, so you always need to keep your eyes open for things that simply don't look right.

Things to look for:

1. Tire wear

2. Break wear

3. Mileage

4. Parts Rust (chain, etc.)

5. Movable parts are sticking (clutch lever, gear pedal, throttle, brakes, etc.)

6. Chain/Sprocket wear

7. Excessive wax/grease

8. Cracks in the frame.

9. Paint condition and/or body rust

Obviously, the tires and brakes can be replaced, but you'll want to be aware that they will need replacing before you buy the bike. As long as you're OK with replacing them, then that's really not a big deal, but if you don't want to replace them you have a price negotiation point, had they not been previously mentioned in the sales ad.

Mileage is something that should have been brought up in the beginning of your talks about the bike, but always check it to see if the seller is being honest. Something like that can be easily overlooked. Typically a bike with 2, 000-5, 000 miles is sufficiently broken in and tends to run better than one with under 2, 000 miles. But you don't want a bike with 100, 000+ miles on it either. The sweet spot tends to be anything under 30, 000-40, 000 miles, before the value significantly lowers, regardless of bells and whistles added.

Issue four is simply a matter of thoroughly checking the chain. If there is rust of any amount you've got another price negotiation, again, if it hasn't already been mentioned.

For issues five, six, and seven you'll need to consult a professional, but if you happen to be checking your potential purchase over and notice some of those things you'll definitely want to either write it down or take a mental note. As for issue eight... if you're positive the frame is cracked or highly damaged in any way, just walk away from the purchase completely, right then and there.

There are many things to consider with issue nine. Typically a cosmetic issue, paint can also be a hassle if you don't know what to look for. A few scratches and dings in the clear coat can usually be buffed out (if you care enough). However, look for rust and wear in these key areas...

1. The bottom side of the gas tank. Not only can water and moisture get trapped under there, if the tank isn't mounted properly the paint can wear right down to the metal, due to the tank grinding against the frame from intense vibration during riding over a period of time.

2. Around the gas cap. Multiple neglected gasoline spills will eat away at the finish and paint over time.

3. Inside the gas tank. If the bike hasn't ran in a long time and wasn't properly maintained, rust and/or water inside a gas tank is bad news and will probably need replacing. To check, simply unscrew the cap and run your finger around the inside with a "hook" gesture.

4. Around the oil cap and any tubes leading to and from the oil tank and gas tank.

5. Around any fender brackets, reflectors, blinkers, and taillights. Basically any part that is attached to or rubbing against the tins. For sport bikes, look for cracks, breaks, and discoloration on the plastic body panels (FYI, decals on sport bikes are easily and relatively cheap to replace).

Remember that rust is "cancer" for metal parts. Though surface rust can be hand sanded or sand blasted off, if it's completely eaten through the metal, that part needs replacing (especially if it holds fluids). Basic paint jobs can run you anywhere from $500-$1, 000+, depending on how many parts you need painted. One part (i.e., a tank or fender) painted a single color shouldn't run more than $350, but if you have a "full dresser" or sport bike (running 5-10 body parts) it could get up there in price. So, factor in any haggling you may have to do if these conditions are noted.

Also, be mindful of buying a used bike with custom paint. Some owners will try to tack on the full price they paid for an after-market custom paint job in addition to the value of the bike. While a nice custom paint job (which is relative to the purchaser's tastes) does raise the value of the bike a bit, these disillusioned folks must be reminded that they will never get out of it what they put into it. So ask how much they paid and do the math. The same goes for any additional parts they've had chromed or powder coated. In other instances, just because the seller believes the bike is worth more if it has a "numbered limited edition factory paint job", doesn't mean you should. They fell for the sales gimmicks, not you, don't pay more for their foolishness. However, this can also work the other way for you. An ugly or unpopular paint color can be to your benefit. You might be able to buy the motorcycle a lot cheaper due to an undesirable paintjob that is harder to sell. In fact, if you can live with the color, or have budgeted to get your own after-market paintjob anyway, the condition of the paint and tins/body won't matter as much to you and even more money can be saved with this consideration. Which leads us to our next subject...

Custom built bikes are not something to be taken lightly and would require even more extensive research to make sure they're legal and sound. Sure, custom bikes are usually very unique and flashy with their wild paint and extreme features, but there are more things to consider compared with a factory manufactured used bike. It's easier for the inexperienced buyer to be seduced by the visual appeal. The best advise for purchasing a custom built bike is to consult with a professional who specializes in this field. There are many rules and regulations associated with registering and riding a custom built motorcycle, varying from state to state (so check your local regulations and laws). Don't get suckered just because the bike looks cool. Consider the following points:

1. Are all the parts legal in your state? (Exhaust pipe decibel levels, frame distance from the ground, handle bar length, rake degree and stretch of the front end, license plate placement, turn signals, gages, etc.)

2. Does the bike have a title? If so, is it chopped from another bike (which is perfectly legal), or is it a brand new custom manufacturers title? (This is also an important question for any bike. Make sure the title is in the seller's name, possession and is without financial liens.)

3. Did the owner build the bike himself or buy it from another builder? A seller that built their own bike will know everything about every piece, down to the nuts and bolts, and should have receipts for proof.

4. Was the bike built just for show or to actually be ridden? This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised at the differences. Some bikes aren't (or can't be) ridden at all and are just beautiful, unregulated pieces of art that have been transported from show to show. On that note, don't be seduced by awards, trophies, and magazine features, but do realize those things help sustain a high respectable value for the motorcycle.

It's worth noting that custom bikes built from the ground up tend to have more initial mechanical and electrical troubles compared to mass-produced factory manufactured bikes, in general, and take a bit of time to get into perfect working order. It is a one-of-a-kind and the engineering may or may not be sound. Don't be spooked, just be cautious. Definitely consider your options, because a custom bike can be an amazing purchase or a pain in the "you-know-what".

Overall, when attempting to purchase a used bike it's extremely important to remember that you're not buying new, so everything is not going to be perfect. There are plenty of minor defects you can live with. Don't take things at face value and really take your time researching the bike's owner and current condition. This is an expensive hobby and most riders take care and pride when it comes to their motorcycles. In fact, if the bike is perfect and spectacular, expect to deservedly pay top dollar. But neither everyone, nor every bike is the same. A beautiful used bike can be a nightmare internally and the only way to prevent being suckered is to be observant, ask a lot of questions, and don't let things go unanswered. Good luck and enjoy the ride!