Buying a used motorcycle

May 6, 2023 7:11 AM

I am in the early, early stages of thinking about getting a motorcycle. I rode in my younger years and miss it. I'd like some advice about buying a used motorcycle, which I would almost certainly do via a dealer.

I have this impression that used motorcycles are less dicey than used cars, perhaps because they often have such low mileage compared to cars of a similar age. This impression may well be wrong, so please educate me.

If I were to buy a used motorcycle, what should I look out for? What might I want to have a mechanic check for me? What is typical mileage, high mileage, low mileage, relative to age? I know next to nothing about this, so feel free to explain even the most basic things.

I rode motorcycles when I was young, but had mechanic support from my father, who also found good used ones for me, so I got the pleasure of riding but did, essentially, none of the work.

Note: I do not want to hear anything about motorcycle safety. I know all that. It's being accounted for in my decision-making about whether I might actually get a bike, and how I would use it. What I don't know about are the machines themselves, or how the used motorcycle market works.

posted by Well I never to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total)

(Disclosure: I don't ride any more, but I used to, and I really miss it sometimes.) I know I'm making generalizations here, but I live near a Navy base, and it seems like every young Navy guy buys a hot little Honda or a sport/racing bike, and just absolutely thrashes it. Apparently, the only part of the tach that matters is that wedge near the redline.

I would assume that a sport/racing bike (Honda CBR, Suzuki GSX, Kawasaki Ninja, etc) has spent most of its life wound up and ridden very hard, where the cruiser/touring style tend to be ridden in a much more laid-back fashion. There are, of course, exceptions, you might luck into a Hayabusa that someone pampered its whole life.

Depends on how deep you're willing to dive (and how deep they'll let you go) on an inspection. But bare minimum, I'd check chain tension and path for signs of wear, or if the chain has jumped and gotten jammed anywhere. Check for stuck links (links that don't swivel easily). How's the front and rear suspension feel? Still plenty of cushion and return?

Check the oil. If it's noticeably dirty and aged (black and molasses-like), I would ratchet up my wariness. (I mean, if a seller can't even change the oil to at least give the appearance of proper regular maintenance...) Inspect the oil dipstick for contaminants. Using a small telescoping magnet, dip the oil reservoir and see if you get a bunch of metallic filings. Inspect the spark plug(s) if you can. Are they totally fouled, or relatively clean? Check the brake rotors for gouges or wear, give the brake pads a quick visual inspection. You're basically looking for egregious neglect here, not "are these pads worn within the X number of mm allowed" sort of stuff. Does the clutch feel nice and crisp, and return easily, or does it feel mushy? How's the throttle response? Does it look like it's been dumped? Anything bent? How do the tires look?

On your test drive, how did it start? How are the brakes? If you give it a little clutch slip, does it respond quickly or feel like the clutch is mostly shot? All the lights/signals work? After your test drive and it's been warmed up, how does it idle? Nice and smooth? Does it surge? How's the exhaust smell? Gassy like it's running rich? Hot like it's running lean?

You're kind of rolling the dice with any used vehicle, but as long as there's nothing obviously wrong, you're probably fine. Especially if you're used to doing your own wrenching, even a bike with a minor underlying problem or two can turn into a real gem. Good luck!
posted by xedrik at 8:03 AM on May 6, 2023

The lowest risk way to buy a used motorcycle (in terms of hoping not to buy a lemon or get scammed) would be to join a motorcycle forum for either the brand or type of riding that you envision with a "for sale" section (example), and then buy from a known, long-standing member there. I've bought and sold a number of used motorcycles that way (often sight-unseen long-distance) and never experienced anything other than a straightforward transaction.

If you are wanting to do test rides, you'll want to have your motorcycle endorsement and your own gear lined up ahead of time. Just like with buying a car, you can pay a mechanic to do an inspection, assuming you can coordinate this with the seller.( I've never personally done this but I'm sure it is a good idea.)
posted by Dip Flash at 12:46 PM on May 6, 2023

So helpful! Thank you both!
posted by Well I never at 1:41 PM on May 6, 2023

I rode until recently and was part of a couple local motorcycle groups on Facebook. There was a lot of conversation on FB and a weekly meetup - there were great friendships there and in the wider local moto/scooter community in general. I would definitely find people to talk to in person. Standing outside the bar with other riders with the row of bikes parked in front of you is a fantastic way to ask questions and hear about their experiences and shop recommendations.

If you’re a person who wants to ride with others, these groups are also a great way to find out about regular rides.
posted by bendy at 12:08 AM on May 7, 2023

Second comment, you don’t mention what type of bike you’re thinking of but personally I’d always go with an old-school Honda - I’ve had a CB450 and a CB750. If you’re looking for something to wrench on yourself an old Honda would be perfect.

If you want a sport bike I can only advise you to take all the MSF courses.
posted by bendy at 12:13 AM on May 7, 2023