The process of inspecting a pre-owned motorcycle is not easy. An average size motorcycle has so many components which are visible, but most buyers have no ideas of what they should look for when buying a motorbike. This is the main reason why you will find many buyers regretting after their first purchase. The following tips will guide you when choosing a used motorbike. You should follow these tips to avoid any regret in future. Many people have lost their money by making their decision blindly or in a hurry.
Examining the frame
It is important to inspect the frame whenever you are buying a used motorcycle. The frame is one of the major components of a motorbike. It is responsible for supporting the entire weight of a motorbike. This is also the part which allows the ride to steer his or her bike. Frames are made using durable materials, but they can still be damaged especially when the bike is involved in a serious accident. Serious damage is very difficult to repair.
This is the main reason why you find many motorcycles being taken to the junkyard. However, there are some unscrupulous owners who have a tendency of selling the damaged bikes to the new buyers. This is very common when the bike’s frame has a minor injury such as a hairline fracture or a crack. The owners of such bikes will try to convenience the buyer that minor damages are not problematic. You are advised to avoid purchasing a bike which has a damaged frame. Such bikes are considered to be potentially dangerous. You should only buy a bike with a bent or cracked frame when you are interested in using the other parts.
Checking the chain
The condition of a bike’s chain should be inspected. Riding a bike with a bad chain can endanger your safety or even cripple your bike. A vision inspection will help you in determining if the chain is well maintained. Any signs or corrosion is a clear indication that the sprockets and the chain were neglected. The chain’s flexibility should also be tested by pulling and pushing it gently on a small section. This is best done while the motorbike is moving forward. A properly maintained, well-oiled chain is supposed to move about uniformly when tested.
Looking at the tires
Failure to examine the tires is one of the common mistakes made by new buyers. Most people will assume that the motorcycle’s tires are not expensive as compared to the truck tires. Any tire which is worn on the side should be replaced. The tread of the tires should also be examined. They should not be very shallow.
