Posted: under Consumer Goods.
Tags: motorcycles, used motorcycles
The most convincing part of the whole bike shopping process is the test drive, and this is true regardless if you shop for new or used motorcycles. This is the time to see how comfortable you are with the bike design or how well the motorcycle performs. Used motorcycles can give away their problem spots during the test drive, yet, you should not overlook the technical inspection either. Prevent the potential safety hazards by checking the condition of the frame. Even the tiniest crack in the frame could be a safety hazard.
Used motorcycles that have any type of frame damage such as kinks, fractures or dents are out of the question, and no matter how appealing the price may be, you should never buy such bikes. The seat and the accessories can hide some of the problems in the frame, and it is of paramount importance that you check those too. Use a flashlight to make the darker frame portions visible so that you are really convinced the frame is intact.
Used motorcycles that have been well maintained will have good chains. A lot of troubles and risks result from a neglected bike chain. A well maintained bike will have a flexible chain with no signs of corrosion. Test all the chain sections by moving the bike around.
The battery leads should also be checked when shopping for used motorcycles. If the battery leads are clean it means that the bike has been properly maintained. There should be no corrosion signs either.
Tires and how they are worn off revealed a lot to a trained eye. Don’t buy used motorcycles that have tires with an uneven wear. Check the tread patterns in the tires too, although that can be done only if the tires are well inflated. If you haven’t inspected used motorcycles before, maybe you should take a mechanic or a connoisseur with you for help.
The suspension and the steering head also require special attention when considering the purchase of used motorcycles. Sitting on the bike, pressing the front brake and performing the fork compression should reveal the resistance and the rebound capacity. When inspecting the forks check for irregularities on the surface and for oil leakage.
Mar 09 2010
Posted: under Consumer Goods.
Tags: buy used motorcycles, used motorcycles
When you do not have enough power to purchase a new bike, you may be willing to buy used motorcycles either because they do not have enough money to invest in a new one or because they want to customize it in some peculiar way. You can find great rides and unique deals on the second hand market, you just need to know where to look and how to shop for the right bike.
The bike type is extremely important. Don’t let yourself impressed by technical features, variety and designs. Scooters, sports bikes, touring bikes and cruisers come with a rich offer. You can actually find anything you want on the second hand market from dirt bikes to dual purpose and enduro designs. It is important to find the model that best corresponds to your riding style, a bike that you can handle and enjoy at the same time.
When used for off-road rides, lots of bikes have the suspension worn extensively. Don’t overlook such an issue when you have made up your mind to buy used motorcycles. When the bike is in a good technical condition the price is usually higher. Then, while dealers will have higher prices, private owners show more flexibility and openness for negotiations. Try to check a list of used motorcycles for sale on the Internet and see what the general offer looks like.
If you buy used motorcycles you have to make sure that they will not need hundreds of dollars for maintenance, because that’s the worst deal possible. Therefore, before closing the deal, check all the technical issues to be convinced that the purchase is safe and reliable. Moreover, test rides will tell you a lot a bout used motorcycles. Don’t get blinded by the great looks, a good bike is one that you like riding.
Service history is one other issue that should not be overlooked if you buy used motorcycles. If the tires have not been well inflated, the oil changed, and the socket and chain repaired or checked, then the condition of a certain bike must have deteriorated a lot. Check the records to find out about the last service.
Don’t forget about mileage, because this detail will tell you a lot about the history of the bike. Too high or too low mileages are not good. When the mileage is too low, then the bike has been sitting around for quite a long time, and you do not know anything about the storage conditions. The risk of over-usage comes with too high mileages, meaning that you can hardly consider such a motorcycle safe.
Mar 05 2010