Buyer Beware
With the cost of new motorcycles fast approaching a point where the average Joe will have to look at a used bike, many folks are doing just that. There is an art to buying a used bike, and it pays in spades if you do your homework beforehand in terms of parts availability, service costs, and known problems with certain models.
Related: What is the average price range for motorcycles in South Africa?
Once you're armed with that info and you've found a bike that piques your interest, you can follow the below routine to ensure that you don't end up with a lemon that you will struggle to sell in future. Used bikes are a great place to start if funds are tight, and there are excellent bargains to be found if you are patient and follow a few simple rules.
How do I choose the right size and type of motorcycle for my needs?
Year and Mileage
The first thing you should check when looking at a used bike is the registration papers and ensure that the bike's license is up to date and that you won't be having to pay outstanding registration fees. While doing this, you can also check the year of manufacture against the mileage on the bike and make sure that the mileage isn't too great for the age of the bike.
Check the bikes service history
Ensure that the bike has been serviced regularly and that it's latest service has been completed before buying. You dont want to be on the hook for a full service just after taking delivery.
Check for damage
Work your way around the bike, looking for scrapes, dings, and dents in the frame, swingarm, and rear sets. Check for bent handlebars. Check the shock absorbers for rust and leaks and make sure there aren't any missing fasteners.
Engine
Give the engine a once over to see if there are any oil leaks, mismatched colour parts, squeeze out from gasket maker and missing fastners. These are dead giveaways that the engine has been opened or rebuilt.
Tyres
Check that the tyres are in good condition with sufficient tread. Replacing tyres is expensive. Tyres with excessive wear for the bikes age indicate that the bike was ridden hard or abused with burnouts. Also ensure that the tyres arent dry-rotted or flat spotted from standing immobile for long periods of time.
Brakes
Check the condition of the rotors and brake pads. Pads should have sufficient life span and the rotors free from warps or excessive wear. Replacement big brand brake parts can be expensive so factor this in when buying.
Bodywork
Check over the bodywork for colour mismatches between panels, Ensure all fasteners are accounted for and that there are no missing panels or cracks. Check for dents, scrapes and possible repairs that could indicate fall damage.
