A second hand motorcycle can be a good decision if you’re looking for a beginner bike with a budget, or a practice bike before you level up. Here are some things to look out for.
Firstly, you should ask to see documents from the owner of the bike. This includes receipts, maintenance records, MOTs, and any repairs. This will tell you about the condition of the bike and what may need doing to it. Also check to see what mileage it has, which you can use to settle on a price.
Look at the
bodywork to check for scratches or any rust in corners. If the paint is wearing away or the leather on the side has faded, these are signs of a well-used bike, so the price should reflect that.
You can tell if any parts have been replaced – other than mentioned in the documents – by looking at the mirrors, handlebars, and footpegs. It doesn’t hurt to ask either.
Have a sit on the bike and switch on the engine. Listen to how it sounds – did it start easily, was it smooth? If there is a lot of smoke on start up, this could be a bad sign so be wary about this.
