• Tips & advice to buy a second-hand bike

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    THINGS YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER WHILE PURCHASING A USED BIKE

     

    Explore the keeper count it has had, sometimes, the seller may not be open with information either willingly or due to lack of information. It is always best to compare and confirm using a bike check prior to buying your used bike.

     

    THE FIRST IMPRESSION IS MADE BY THE PHOTOS

     

    Another crucial factor is photography. For example, if you see that the motorcycle in the images is unclean or neglected, you should be cautious. The fact that the seller couldn't be bothered to take a few minutes and clean the motorcycle in order to acquire a couple of nice images cannot be recommended.
     
    There is also another aspect where the pictures look too good to be true like taken out of a magazine or a branded tabloid, check the motorcycle with your own eyes before buying.

     

    DOES IT HAVE DUPLICATE COMPONENTS INSTALLED?

     

    You're at risk if the motorcycle has a lot of non-standard parts (such as the exhaust, handlebar, guards, and so on). To begin, ensure that they are homologated, of recognizable brands, and in good condition. On the track, a racing motorcycle with several customized parts is pretty common. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the owner should state it clearly.
    It's also a good idea if the ad you're looking at has all of the factory parts in case you wish to restore it to its original condition or if you have issues with a component.

     

    VERIFY THE DOCUMENTATION

     
    If you want to buy a used motorcycle, make sure it has passed the MOT. Request a snapshot and, most importantly, ensure that the mileage on the documentation and the MOT records match. Avoid deception at all costs by running a mileage check. If they aren't the same, be wary.
     
    If, on the other hand, the motorcycle does not have an up-to-date MOT or the necessary permissions, proceed with caution: ensure that the motorcycle is in good enough condition to pass the test. Examine the repairs and their associated expenses. However, if you know what you're looking for, it's a decent starting point for bargaining a few bucks extra.

     

    LOOK AT THE BIKE DETAILS

     

    What is the best recommendation when buying a used motorcycle? For example, look at the state of the tires. If the wear is visible in the center, it has been used on the highway. If the edges, on the other hand, are worn, the vendor prefers to elbow down. Examine it along with the drivetrain for slack.
     
    Why is it a good idea to check my bike? It offers you a better picture of its upkeep and whether the seller is being truthful. Another important feature is to review the papers and bills while speaking with the seller. Be friendly and approachable. Allow them to explain.
     
    After you've reviewed the paperwork, ask the owner to start the motorcycle. Careful! Misuse is indicated if the owner starts it from cold and begins to throttle down. On the other hand, if they've taken care of it, they let it warm up and accelerate gradually. This suggests it's burning oil through the segments or valve seals.

     

    TEST DRIVE THE BIKE

     

    It's time to make a decision if they won't let you test it. Go ahead if they inspire trust, but with bikes, it is always best to go for a test drive. If they allow you to test it, take a short ride and make sure it accelerates smoothly, doesn't stray to one side, and that the gears engage perfectly, softly, and without scratching. It's time to put the brakes and suspension through their paces. Are they all working perfectly? If the suspension sinks too much, it indicates that it is highly worn.
     
    Thieves frequently try to sell stolen bikes in the quickest and easiest way possible. Our free bike check service allows you to quickly and easily determine whether the bike you want to buy is listed as stolen on CarDotCheck’s reports.