Men and women often turn to the internet to buy a used motorcycle. They know the selection online will be much larger than anything they can find locally. However, before purchasing a used motorcycle over the internet, a buyer must ensure the bike is in excellent condition so they won’t be in danger every time they ride it.
Knowing the red flags to look for when getting a used Harley Davidson is crucial. The bike should undergo a thorough examination to detect any problems. The following things should always be inspected before making this purchase.
Engine
Inspect the engine quickly for signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. It should be clean and free of oil and grease. If this visual inspection does not show potential problems, start the engine. See if it makes any rattling noises or idles roughly. Test the throttle input to see how the bike responds. Give the bike time to warm up before moving on with the inspection.
Tires
Check the tires and wheels while waiting for the engine to warm up. Look for punctures, cracks, or other signs of age. Broken or warped spokes are cause for concern, and a buyer should inspect the bearings for wear or looseness. The tread depth should be adequate for each tire, and the tires should be at the correct pressure.
Brakes
A motorcycle’s brakes should be secure. There should be no signs of leaks from the hoses or hydraulic fluid reservoir. Examine the wear indicator on the brake pads to ensure they are not past the limit line, and look for warpages and gouges in the brake discs. Finish this portion of the inspection by checking the thickness of the brake discs.
Connections
Inspect the battery terminals to ensure they’re free of corrosion. Turn the headlights and brake lights on and off to ensure they function as intended and illuminate fully. Inspect the turn signals to see if they’re scraped or bent, and check for loose light bulbs. The mirrors should remain straight and intact.
Fluids
Examine the oil to ensure it is clean, debris-free, and at the appropriate level. Check the brake fluid in both front and rear reservoirs and the coolant. If any fluids are dirty or less than full, a more comprehensive inspection is needed to determine if there are hidden problems.
Chain
Every biker should know how to adjust a motorcycle chain. This will make it easy to inspect this bike part before buying it. A rusty chain or one with worn teeth on the sprocket is a red flag. The bike may have other issues. If these problems are not seen, ensure the chain has the correct slack and appropriate lubrication.
Test Ride
Once the visual inspection is complete, it is time to take the motorcycle for a test ride to see how it performs. See if the engine stalls, hesitates, or backfires during this ride. Upon releasing the throttle, the engine should rapidly go back to idle. Listen for unusual noises and watch for smoky exhaust. The clutch should not slip or drag, and the transmission and gear shift levers must operate smoothly. Brakes that slip or grab or an issue, and if the bike pulls to one side, the frame may be damaged. After riding the bike, look for oil and coolant leaks.
Following these steps will help catch any problems with a used bike. If a buyer cannot complete this inspection, they should pay someone to do it. Buying a bike without an inspection can result in costly repairs, so try to avoid doing so.
