Buying a Used Motorcycle: A Checklist for What to Expect
Peak motorcycle riding season is just around the corner, which may have you daydreaming about the open road this summer. If those visions have you considering shopping for a quality used motorcycle, it’s time to start planning. Shopping for a used bike is a little different than shopping for a used car, but if you approach the process with a checklist of key areas to consider, you’ll be well on the road to snagging a quality pre-owned bike that will give you years of fun and adventure.
Used Motorcycle Buying Checklist
Understand Financing Before Buying a Used Motorcycle
Cash is king when buying a used motorcycle, but there are times when you may want to finance a purchase. Be aware that fewer institutions are willing to finance motorcycles, and interest rates are generally higher than loans for cars and trucks. If you’re financing on your own, consider starting with pre-approval from your local credit union. You may also find competitive rates from online lenders that specialize in motorcycle financing, and some of these companies offer same-day loans.
Understand What to Expect During a Test Ride
A dealership will usually let you take a test ride, especially if you are a returning customer or they expect to handle service on your motorcycle purchase. But rarely will an individual seller let you take a bike for a test ride. People of all skill levels may come to see the motorcycle, and if a rider lays down the bike and causes damage, they can simply slip away.
However, it is not uncommon for a seller to demonstrate the bike while you drive alongside so you can see and hear the motorcycle in motion. Consider bringing a buddy along who can handle the driving while you focus your attention on the ride demonstration.
Pay Attention to Handling During the Test Ride
If you do get to test ride the motorcycle, pay close attention to how the bike handles. Handling characteristics may reveal signs of a previous wreck or front-end damage. If the motorcycle pulls to one side or wobbles at speed, chances are it hasn’t spent its entire life in the upright position.
Check the Age and Condition of Motorcycle Tires
Start your safety evaluation of your target bike with the motorcycle tires. Examine the tread carefully. The old “penny test” still works for a quick check. With Abe Lincoln’s head upside down, place the penny into the tread. If his entire head is visible, that tire has likely reached the end of its useful life. For a more technical measurement, Dunlop recommends replacing a tire when it is worn to 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining.
Also, pay attention to wear patterns. Uneven wear can indicate suspension problems, wheel imbalance, or front-end issues.
There is more to evaluating tires than tread depth alone. Age is important as well. Since 2000, motorcycle tires have used a 4-digit code on the sidewall that reveals when they were manufactured. The first two digits indicate the week of production, while the last two indicate the year.
Motorcycle tires should generally be replaced every five or six years, regardless of mileage. Beyond that point, dry rot can become a safety concern. Tire condition can also become a valuable negotiating point when making an offer on a used motorcycle.
Look for Signs of Accident Damage
Walk around both sides of the bike. Are there mismatched paint colors or welds that look non-factory? Are there creases or buckles in the frame tubing, or cracks on powder-coated parts? These may be signs of previous frame repair. Be especially conscious of cracks or dents in aluminum frames, as they are prone to metal fatigue and generally cannot be straightened safely.
Review Service History and Maintenance Records
Ask for service records and maintenance history from the previous owner. If the seller has complete and organized records, that’s usually a good sign the bike has been well-maintained. Look for documentation showing routine services such as engine oil changes, brake fluid flushes, chain maintenance, valve adjustments, or tire replacement.
Ask the Previous Owner for Factory Keys and Original Parts
When buying a used motorcycle, ask the previous owner for all the factory keys and original parts. Bikes are commonly customized, and some aftermarket equipment or modifications may not work for you long-term.
There may also be legal or practical reasons to keep the OEM takeoff pieces. It’s not unusual for owners to remove catalytic converters, bar ends, mirrors, or other factory components. Some bikes may also have altered wiring or non-factory connectors tied to aftermarket accessories. If you live in an area with stricter emissions or inspection requirements, having those original parts can save time and money later on. It’s also a good idea to confirm that the factory keys operate the ignition lock and fork lock properly.
Use a Scan Tool to Check Vital Motorcycle Systems
A motorcycle scan tool can help uncover hidden problems that may not be apparent during a quick walk-around or test ride. The TopScan Moto is a pocket-sized scan tool operated through the TopGuru app (iOS) or TopScan app (Android) on your smartphone. It can perform quick system diagnostics across 20 internal systems, checking for fault codes and helping distinguish between software and hardware issues.
The TopScan Moto is sold with model-specific cables for BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kymco motorcycles.
Older motorcycles or carbureted bikes without modern ECU systems may not support this type of diagnostics, but scan tools can be especially valuable when inspecting newer fuel-injected motorcycles.
Check for Aftermarket Equipment and Engine Tunes
Many bikes have been given a custom tune or other aftermarket equipment. If that’s the case with the motorcycle you’re targeting, ask the owner for the handheld tuner used to modify the engine. It should contain both the factory tune and the updated tune currently installed on the bike. Without that device, it may be difficult to access or restore the original settings later on.
While inspecting the motorcycle, also look for altered wiring, electrical tape, vampire connectors, or other signs of non-factory electrical modifications tied to aftermarket accessories.
Inspect Rusty Chains, Sprockets, and Wear Items
Chain and sprocket condition can be another useful negotiating point when buying a used motorcycle. A well-maintained motorcycle chain can often last 15,000 to 20,000 miles or longer, but neglected wear items may need immediate replacement.
Inspect the chain for rust, stiff links, or excessive slack. While checking the rear tire area, examine the sprocket teeth closely. Worn sprockets may appear sharp, pointed, or hooked like a shark tooth.
Chain wear can also be estimated with a simple field test. Pull the chain away from the rear wheel sprocket with your fingers. If the chain lifts far enough to expose more than half of a sprocket tooth, the chain may be excessively worn and should likely be replaced.
Check the Condition of the Motorcycle Battery
A compact battery tester like the TOPDON BT100 is an easy tool to bring along when shopping for used bikes. It tests all 12V lead-acid battery chemistries and can also perform cranking and charging system tests. A battery tester is a modest investment that can help uncover hidden electrical problems and will likely become a useful tool for the other vehicles in your garage as well.
Check Brake Fluid and Engine Oil Condition
Check all fluids for insight into the motorcycle’s condition. Thick or gummy fluids usually mean the bike has sat for long periods or has not been well-maintained. Clutch and brake fluid should appear clear and clean. While performing your in-person inspection, check for leaks around seals, gaskets, and fork seals.
Arrange a Cold Start Before the Bike Is Started
Arrange to inspect the bike cold before it has been started for the day. A hot engine can mask starting problems, smoke, noises, and other issues that may appear during the first minute after startup. A proper cold start gives you better insight into the motorcycle’s true condition.
A compact thermal camera like the TOPDON TC002C Duo can also help verify that the motorcycle hasn’t already been warmed up before your inspection. By quickly scanning the engine, exhaust headers, and radiator areas, you can identify residual heat that may indicate the bike was recently started. Compact enough to fit in a pocket, the TC002C Duo connects directly to compatible smartphones and tablets, making it an easy tool to bring along when shopping for a used motorcycle.
Check the VIN and Title Information
Perform a VIN number and title check to make sure there are no liens, theft records, or salvage history issues tied to the motorcycle. VinCheck.info is a useful free resource for checking accident records, recalls, and ownership history.
It may sound obvious, but physically check that the VIN number on the bike matches the VIN listed on the title. A scan tool like the TopScan Moto may also help verify VIN information stored within the motorcycle’s ECU on supported models, providing another layer of confidence during your inspection.
Buy (or Don’t) With Confidence
Whether you’re a first-time buyer shopping for your first street bike or an experienced rider searching for a specific model, taking the time to evaluate the motorcycle’s condition can make the entire buying process smoother and far less risky. Bringing along a few helpful tools, such as a battery tester, thermal camera, or motorcycle scan tool, can also provide additional peace of mind before money changes hands.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to walk away. If something feels off about the bike, the seller, or the paperwork, there will always be another motorcycle for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Used Motorcycle
What should I check first when buying a used motorcycle?
When buying a used motorcycle, start with the major safety and wear items. Check the motorcycle tires, brakes, chain, sprockets, engine oil, and brake fluid condition first. From there, inspect the frame, front end, and handlebars for signs of damage, and physically check the VIN number and title information before making a purchase.
Is it bad to buy a used motorcycle with aftermarket equipment?
Not necessarily, but aftermarket equipment and engine modifications should be inspected carefully during your in-person inspection. Ask the previous owner for all the factory keys, OEM takeoff pieces, and any handheld tuners used to modify the engine. Also look for electrical tape, vampire connectors, or other non-factory connections that could indicate poor-quality wiring work.
Why is a cold start important when inspecting a used motorcycle?
A proper cold start can reveal hard starting, smoke, unusual noises, or other engine problems that may be hidden once the bike is warm. Some sellers may start the motorcycle before you arrive so the engine is already hot. Inspecting the bike cold gives you a much better understanding of the motorcycle’s true condition during the first minute after startup.
How old is too old for motorcycle tires?
Even if the tread still looks good, motorcycle tires should generally be replaced every five or six years. Older tires can develop dry rot, cracking, or hardening that reduces traction and safety. While checking the rear tire and front tire condition, make sure to inspect the manufacturing date code on the tire sidewall.
Can a motorcycle scan tool help when buying used bikes?
Yes, especially when buying used bikes with modern fuel-injected engine systems and ECUs. A motorcycle scan tool can help identify stored fault codes, software issues, or hidden electrical problems that may not appear during a test ride or visual inspection. Some scan tools can also help verify VIN information on supported motorcycles.
What are common red flags when buying a used motorcycle?
Some common warning signs include leaking fork seals, pitted fork tubes, rusty chains, mismatched paint, poor service history, fluid leaks, or uneven tire wear. You should also be cautious of sellers who refuse to allow a proper in-person inspection, avoid questions about maintenance records, or cannot provide a clean title and matching VIN number.