A secondhand motorbike is not a bad purchase. If done correctly, you might save yourself some money and enjoy a vintage bike. However, buying a used motorbike comes with its own challenges and inconveniences. Unfortunately, those are exactly the reasons many people feel discouraged—in addition to the possibility of a bad deal or a scam.
Buying a preloved motorbike can be an exciting experience. If you plan to get a pre-loved motorcycle but do not know how to start, let this article help you find the proper motorbike.
How to Buy a Second-Hand Motorbike
Step 1: Do Your Research
That is why it is almost always the first step to everything. Before buying your pre-loved motorbike, it would be best if you do some background research on your own. Here are some of the critical things you should not miss out on:
Reviews of the unit in general
People’s thoughts about the seller
The owner’s review about the bike for sale
Insurance quotation for the said unit
The said unit’s MOT history
These details could help you gauge your buying situation and make better decisions.
Step 2: Check the V5
The V5 form is where all the keeper’s details are enumerated. It is a necessary aspect of the transfer of ownership to you, and it could help you analyse any discrepancies between the legal document and the vehicle itself.
Inside this document, you would find details like the engine number, colour, chassis number, and so on. If you did not see any of the mentioned details, this might not be the right bike for you.
Step 3: Observe the Motorbike
Here are some of the crucial things to notice on a motorbike:
The Warmth: Was the motorbike already warm when you arrived? Unscrupulous sellers may warm up their lemon motorbikes to prevent you from seeing how they start the machine from scratch. Make sure to specifically request them not to do it yet until you arrive. It also helps to come earlier than your scheduled time to witness the starting of the bike yourself.
The VIN Plate: Next, check if there are any signs of number tampering on the plate. You could check the frame itself, the numbers, and the rivets to see if it has been replaced.
Leaks: Make sure you also observe the underneath of the bike. Since it is hidden from sight, it is where you can see all other critical details, such as oil leaks or rotted exhausts.
The Electronics: Are all the electronics working? Checking the bike’s charging rate could help you determine its battery life.
The Aftermarket Stickers: Stickers not only act as decorations. Sometimes, they exist to conceal something. Feel out if there are any gaps or ridges under the stickers.
Step 4: Ask Questions to the Seller
Make sure that you are comfortable with everything before you get the keys to their motorbike. Ask all questions bothering you and make sure you are satisfied with their answers.
Conclusion
Most of the decision-making factors could only be observed during the actual setup. Seeing the motorbike itself and taking it for a test ride can determine whether you should buy the vehicle or not. To make sure you are not making the wrong decision, only purchase pre-loved vehicles from trusted sellers. If you are not familiar with how the machinery works, you can always ask an authorised technician to accompany you during physical inspections.
If you are looking for used motorcycles for sale, you might find the one you are looking for from our site. We only sell quality used motorbikes at affordable prices. As the UK’s leading independent motorbike dealers, we pride ourselves on honesty and trust by taking all the stress and hassle out of private selling with a no-haggle valuation.