Road Testing & Inspection of buying a

Pre-loved / Second-hand / Used Motorcycle.

If you think this is far too long well you do not need to read this, and definitely do not need my 164 page  'Do Your Own'  Motorcycle Check!  And Good luck!

In my eBay store I have a great Cd-rom which when purchased will enable even a novice how to inspect a motorcycle they wish to purchase and determine how good there next potential purchase of a second hand/used Motorcycle will be, and if it is up to scratch.
It will also determine on how to negotiate a much better deal on your purchase.

The Cd-Rom has a 50 Point 'Tick The Box' pamphlet to print out and when you arrive to view the motorcycle will go in blind, and have the ability to go down the list, check the motorcycle, and tick the boxes off if all okay......    So you may find as with all used bikes that there maybe some major or minor things that need doing, if you decide you still want to purchase the bike, the owner will know what your talking about, and you can negotiate a better price and discount for yourself.

Although I will not go into to much detail on mechanics which should always be checked, here is a simple list to do:

Before Seeing the Motorcycle:

1. Ring the owner, ask for the engine number and frame number, ring and find out from the company which makes the motorcycle whether it be H-D, Suzi, Kwaka, Trumpy, etc etc if the motor usually has a matching frame number?
2. Ask if it's Registered and roadworthy? Re-Check the frame and engine number against the registration.
   
3. Ask if they mind a motorcycle mechanic check it over? The reply will give some indication on how good it is, but not always. 
   
4. Make sure it is owned in full by the owner and not being paid off on finance usually a rego check will provide this.
   
5. Ask the owner where the vehicle is usually housed (Kept) whether in a garage, house, next to there bed, this will give good indication on how they care for the motorcycle.
6. Ask them who does the service, if the owner (may need to be looked at) if at a Motorcycle Shop, ask which one and ring them to inquire about the motorbike, and there opinion.
7. Ask the owner if it's insured, if so who with and for how much for?
8. Ask if it's all original, if not what has been changed?  Is it just cosmetics or hard Parts, like gearbox, shockies, motor etc.. as may alter handling, ask who did any modifications?
   

 
Before Riding The Motorcycle:

1. Ask to see the roadworthy certificate. If none ask if the owner minds getting one?
   
2. Make sure when you arrive the motorcycle is cold (not been running as vehicles seem to be better when warm and can hide numerous faults -
   
3. Do a thorough physical check, especially underneath for oil leaks, tyres, chains/belts, lighting, nuts and bolts, oil level, (check it's on the right level and cleanish, no sludge) brakes (disc's) etc etc etc and take your time also check for rust, anything that can be taken off easily, like side covers, take them off and inspect.....
4. Check the key(s) are original.
   
5. Ask if the owner has the original service manual? Who does the main services?
   
6. Ask if it's ever been dropped or in an accident? If you suspect it has a quick check by running a string line from the bottom of the rear wheel around the tyre to and around the front tyre to the rear again will show you if the wheels are out of alignment. (Will not work on some H-D's as they where made to run out of alignment)
   
7. If it has a centrestand put it on the stand and spin the front wheel then the back wheel to make sure they are running true and this will determine bearings are okay.
   
8. Does it have an original and complete toolkit, plus other extras with it?
   

About to Ride the Motorcycle:

1. Start the motorcycle and let it idle for sometime before you ride it, (around ten minutes) check it turns over properly ( and idel's at a fair not high rate) and check for oil leaks, you can even listen to the motor by putting a screw driver end to the engine and the other to your ear and you should not hear any clunking.  Like a doctor listens to you heart, lungs etc.
2. Check that no smoke is coming out the exhaust.
   
3. Pull the clutch in and check it does not have a rattle.
   

After the Test Ride:

1. After the ride, leave it stand for some time and check for oil on the ground.
2. Re-check the oil, make sure it is still clean.