If you are looking for a bike that is good value for money, there is no reason you should not be able to find a used machine that is exactly that. You just need to make sure that you are careful when it comes to spending your money. It’s worth investing time and effort into doing your research before you check a bike over, and you should never rush when you are checking what you are buying.
If you feel unsure about buying a used motorcycle, and you want some peace of mind, there is nothing to stop you buying from a reputable dealer such as procycles.com.au. You can check out independent reviews of the dealership, and relieve some of the buying pressure, safe in the knowledge that you are purchasing a decent machine. But what if you want to buy a bike from a private seller?
Start with the basics
Obviously you need to check the bike thoroughly, before you buy it. This does not mean that you cannot save yourself time and effort by taking a cursory look first of all. You should be able to see if there is any obvious crash damage. You should also check for any visible leaks. Overall, you need to pay attention to the overall condition of the bike. Does it look well cared for?
If the machine fails to meet your expectations at this early stage, it may not be worth continuing with the purchase. If you think it seems to be a decent prospect then you will need to check in more detail.
Knowing what you are looking for
It’s important to note that not all bikes act in the same way. Some bikes will start up in a more noisy fashion than others, for instance. If you are new to the make of bike you are looking to buy you need to make sure you acquire some knowledge before you look at the machine. This way, you know what is normal and what is not.
Taking a closer look
When you make arrangements to view a bike, make sure that you ask to see it cold. Do not forget that it’s a lot easier to start a bike that is already warm, and issues may be hidden. Once you have had a quick look at the machine, it’s time to conduct a more careful examination.
Generally, if the bike looks pristine and has all of its papers, it’s a pretty safe bet. If the seller presents you with a stack of paperwork for the maintenance work carried out, this is also a good sign. Even so, you should check things such as the colour of the oil, which should be pale yellow. You should also check for dry cables and rusty chains, as well as less obvious leaks. Do not forget to check for rust inside the fuel tank.
Once you have completed the checks, and you know it’s safe to do so, ask to take the bike for a test ride. You should, of course, be prepared to leave cash as security.
Never feel pressured into making a purchase until you have checked everything you need to. If you make a rash purchase, you may regret it in the future.
