What to look for when buying a used bike in South Africa

With the cost of new motorcycles escalating beyond what many consumers can afford, the secondhand bike market has taken off, with many bikers opting for a used model over an out-of-the-box option.

Related: What are the benefits of buying a new motorbike vs. a used one?

Buying a used motorcycle in South Africa can be a great way to save money, but it requires careful inspection to ensure you're getting a good deal and not a "lemon." Here's a comprehensive guide of second-hand motorbike buying tips on what to look for, broken down into key areas.

Used bike buyers guide - Everything you need to know

The Paperwork and History

This is the first and most critical step, especially for a motorcycle.

• Registration and Licensing: Ensure the bike's license is current and there are no outstanding fees.

• Service History: Ask for service books or records. A bike with a complete and regular service history is a good sign of a well-maintained machine.

• Proof of Ownership: The seller should be able to provide the necessary documents to prove they are the legal owner.

• The Seller: Ask the seller how long they've owned the bike and why they are selling it. Their answers can provide clues about the bike's history and potential problems. A motorcycle with multiple owners in a short period can be a red flag.

• Theft Check: It's a good idea to check the frame number (VIN for motorcycles) to ensure the bike hasn't been stolen.

General Inspection

Give the bike a thorough visual check, from top to bottom.

• Frame: Look for cracks, dents, or dings in the frame. This is crucial, as frame damage can be expensive or impossible to repair.

• Bodywork: Check for mismatched paint colours, missing panels, cracks, or dents. These can indicate the bike has been in a crash.

• Storage: Ask how the bike was stored. A bike kept in a garage will likely be in better condition than one left outside, exposed to the elements.
  
  

The Components (Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension)

These are the parts that take the most wear and tear.

• Chain and Sprockets: Check the chain for rust or excessive wear. Check the chain's tension on a motorcycle and see how far you can pull it away from the rear sprocket. Excessive slack or the ability to pull it far from the sprocket indicates a worn chain and sprockets that must be replaced.

• Brakes: Inspect the brake pads and rotors. Pads should have sufficient material, and rotors should be free from warps or excessive wear. For disc brakes, check for at least 2mm of pad lining.

• Suspension: If the bike has suspension, ask when it was last serviced. Check the forks and shocks for leaks or rust.

• Tyres: Look at the tire tread. Sufficient tread is essential for safety, and replacing tires can be costly. Uneven wear on tires can indicate problems with the bike's alignment. Also, check for dry rot or cracks in the rubber, which can happen if the bike has been standing for a long time.

• Wheels: Spin the wheels to check for wobbles or a bent rim. Listen for crunching noises, which could mean worn bearings.

Mechanical and Operational Checks

• Engine:

  • Start the bike cold: This is a key tip. A cold start will show how the bike truly runs. Listen for any knocking or rattling sounds.

  • Oil: Check the oil level and colour. Dark, translucent fluid is normal, but black oil means it hasn't been changed recently.¹⁸ Look for any oil leaks around the engine.¹⁹

  • Exhaust: If there's an aftermarket exhaust, ask if the original is available. It's illegal to sell a bike with a non-compliant exhaust.

• Functionality:

  • Test Ride: Always test-ride the bike. This allows you to feel for any issues.

  • Headset: Grab the front brake and rock the bike back and forth. Any knocking or movement between the frame, fork and triple trees could mean a worn headset.

  • Swingarm: Push the bike from side to side, trying to move the arm side to side. Any play indicates a problem with the bearing set, which can be an expensive fix.

  • Gears: Test all the gears to ensure they shift smoothly without skipping or stuttering.

In Closing

By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce your risk and increase your chances of finding a great used bike that will provide you with many happy kilometres on the road or trails of South Africa.