Things to Consider When Buying a Used Motorcycle

Due to various needs, many of us consider buying old motorcycles. To avoid traffic jams on busy roads and move forward, many middle-class families want to buy a used or second-hand motorcycle within their budget. Since the price of old motorcycles is relatively much lower, it is often the first choice for temporary use. But what factors should a biker consider when buying an old motorcycle? Does only the external look of the bike matter, or is the performance of the motorcycle also a matter of consideration? Let's find out today.

Bike Cleanliness

Whether the previous owner of an old motorcycle took good care of it can be understood by observing the bike's cleanliness. Carefully inspect if there are any scratches or paint peeling off the bike's body. Also, meticulously observe those parts of the bike where dirt usually gets trapped but is difficult to clean. Notice whether the old motorcycle was hastily cleaned just for sale or if it has been regularly kept clean with care.

You can tell from their cleaning style that those who neglect their bikes have only cleaned it somehow for the purpose of selling. They haven't taken much care of the bike. A careful biker always keeps their bike clean. No matter how much time it takes, they don't hold back.

Exhaust Pipe

At the very beginning of inspecting an old motorcycle, it is crucial to check the condition of the exhaust pipe. For this, observe its condition while the exhaust is cold, without starting the bike's engine. Check if the exhaust pipe is properly attached to the bike's body. A weak exhaust pipe might fall off due to vibration if the engine is started. Therefore, before going to see the bike, request that the engine remains off, so you can inspect the exhaust while it's cold.

Frame

Now, check if there are any marks or signs of rubbing on the bike's frame. Run your hand over the entire frame to see if it's smooth. Any mark on the bike's frame will be felt by your hand. Also, check if the steering head is intact. Hold the front brake and rock the bike back and forth. If you hear any movement or clicking sound, the steering head bearing might need replacement.

Clutch

When checking the features of an old bike, observe if the clutch provides smooth support. Lightly hold and release the clutch. If the clutch releases smoothly, there isn't much of a problem. However, if the clutch holds for a while on its own before releasing, then there is a problem with the clutch that needs to be fixed. Sit on the bike and push it in the first gear. If everything is fine, the bike will move forward with slight resistance.

Brakes and Suspension

Push the bike forward slightly and apply the front brake. If the brake pads are good, the bike will slow down without any noise or resistance. Now, release the brake lightly. See if the bike moves forward on its own. Ride the bike at a low speed and see if you encounter any problems with braking.

Similarly, as a feature of an old bike, pay attention to whether any sound is coming from the suspension. If the suspension fork is rusty, it will require good quality repair. A good quality fork will look clean, bright, and smooth. Additionally, its bounce will be quite fluid.

Chain and Sprocket

The part to which a motorcycle's chain is attached is called the sprocket. Notice if there is any rust or dirt stuck on the chain. A good quality chain should definitely look clean and bright. And observe the sprocket teeth. If they are bent or worn out, they will definitely need repair.

Tires and Wheels

If you see any signs of burnout on the bike's tires, it indicates that the bike's performance will not be good. Burnouts are quite harmful to both the bike's tires and its engine. So, make sure your bike's tires are smooth. To check the tire's age, look at the four-digit code on its side. The first two digits indicate the week the tire was manufactured, and the last two digits represent the year. According to experts, if a tire is six years old, it is essential to replace it, even if its condition seems new. When observing the wheels, check for any rust or worn-out parts. Also, if there are any bent parts, they must be repaired.

Fuel Tank

Properly inspecting the fuel tank is very important. To check the features of an old bike, take a small flashlight with you. If there is clean fuel inside, you will see an amber color after shining the light. You will also see the metal inside the fuel tank clearly. If you see black fuel, it means the fuel is old and must be changed immediately. Also, gently shake the bike to check for any dirt in the fuel. If there is any heavy dirt, it will be seen floating.

Oil Tank

To inspect the bike's oil, take a stick to dip into the oil tank. If the oil is clean, it will look like a transparent syrup. However, if it looks black or if the oil inside is thick, it must be drained. Otherwise, you will not get the expected performance from the motorcycle.

Cold Start

Finally, start the bike and listen to its sound. Each bike has a different sound. Find out in advance how much throttle is needed for a kick start. Warm up the bike's engine completely before starting it. Once the engine starts, check if any smoke is coming out. Commuter bikes usually don't emit any smoke. If you see smoke, check the oil and fuel mix. Also, check the spark plug before properly evaluating the motorcycle's performance.

Electrical

Check if all the bike's electrical features are working correctly. Test the headlights on high beam and low beam. Check the indicator lights and tail lights. Also, examine all other features on the console panel.

Background and Registration

Discuss the price of the old motorcycle with the previous owner and inquire about any prior accident history or other servicing records. For this, you should definitely take an experienced person with you. And inspect all the registration papers of the bike to ensure you are buying the bike from the genuine owner.

Buying an old bike is always a complex process because all parts of the bike have to be examined very meticulously. Be careful not to be cheated at all when fixing the price of an old motorcycle. You should buy the bike from the actual owner and check the papers thoroughly at the time of purchase. And it is wise to definitely take someone experienced in all the intricacies of bikes with you.

To get reviews, specifications, features, and various other information about any bike or scooter, visit Bikes Guide. To know the prices of various bikes or scooters and new or used motorcycles in Bangladesh, keep an eye on the country's best motorcycle marketplace, Bikroy.