by Paul Roberts

Created on: July 16, 2009

Buying a used motorcycle is not the same as buying a used car, this needs to pointed out up front right away. For those that want to venture down the road of used motorcycle buying may I offer just a few helpful hint. I'm going to assume here ( that's always awkward) that just as one who will go looking for a used car, those that are looking for a used motorcycle, have some sort of mechanical skills and knowledge of the type of motorcycle they are looking for. If and I say if we are looking for a used bike to save money think again. There is a reason why someone sells their bike.

Hint 1: Just because it has a lot of chrome and barely ridden, garage kept doesn't mean it runs good or that it is worth anymore then what the used bike price book says. Lots of chrome just means someone dressed it up for them. Bolt on chrome comes a dime a dozen and it may not reflect your taste, so don't pay for something that your thinking about changing. Chrome doesn't make the bike and it looks real bad when there is oil dripping out from behind it. Garage kept is nice to say but why the low miles? Has this bike been ridden or just washed? If it has been trailered alot your looking at front fork oil seals and sometimes bent forks from over torquing the tie down straps.

Hint 2: Check where the bike is sitting. Look for the oil spots. If the bike is in a garage or car port there should be some wee-wee marks somewhere. All bikes eventually leak it's just how bad and where. If the bike has been sitting up for awhile then a few things may be down but not to panic. Here are the no panic lists.

A. Battery

B. Tires

c. Brakes

D. Lights ( missing turn signals, burned out bulbs etc)

Now anything else and I would say you need to have some mechanical skills and know how and start deducting things from the negation price.

Hint 3: Most motorcycles be it a HD , BSA or Honda that has been allowed to sit for a time being will have the same symptoms-bad gas ! This little problem causes real big problems. Gas over time will enamel and clogged the jets ruin the seals and just basically make the bike run miserably or not at all. One sure sign will be that gas comes out of the throttle body or that the potential seller doesn't take the bike off choke and so on. If you haven't priced a carb for a motorcycle lately get ready for a shock. It is the heart of the bike for most and the manufacturers of this little baby are proud of it.

Hint 4: Sit on the bike and bounce it up and down. If it bottoms out you got suspension problem. Now if it is a rigid frame or after market modified well then it is up to you , that's a whole new arena that most novice don't need to enter and I'll leave it at that.

Enjoy buying a used bike and bringing her back to live. Be a part of the journey just don't get taken on one. My garage is line up with old relics that have been resurrected., some out of enjoyment others out of necessity. Ride long, hard and free.

Learn more about this author, Paul Roberts.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.