A Few Tips to Ensure a Confident Ride on a Pre-Owned Motorcycle

Are you ready to buy a used motorcycle and want to make sure that you know what to look out for? You can shop with confidence because Hap’s Cycle Sales provides extremely helpful pointers to follow when you are about to get your ride on!

Look for Maintenance Issues

Scan the frames for cracking paint. Paint that is peeling due to age is not worrisome, However, if you bend a section of pipe and it is painted, this may signal there is cracking and a fracture underneath.

Be wary of used air-cooled and carbureted bikes because former owners may have skipped on maintenance or attempted to get more power, particularly by jetting carburetors improperly. Also, inspect the air filter to ensure that it has been maintained since a clogged air filter places further stress on an engine. 

Oil Changes Performed

Ask how often the oil has been changed and get documentation reflecting the maintenance if possible. Request to take off the fill cap to see if the oil in the engine appears grimy. If so, the integrity of the bike may not have been safeguarded properly.

Brake Fluid Flushes

Since brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, the brakes get hot and when they cool off condensation occurs. This can result in water in the caliper, brake fade, and corrosion that prevents the brakes from working. Test the feel of the brakes because spongy stoppers are red flags that routine maintenance has been neglected.

Beware of Inferior Aftermarket Parts 

If inferior aftermarket parts have been installed to replace original components, this could indicate that the overall maintenance has been less than adequate as well. Incorrect replacement parts could lead to future problems. 

Know About Safety Recalls 

Most newer bikes have transferable warranties which means that once your name is on the title you should automatically be alerted about any safety recalls.

Go for a Test Drive 

Take note if an older air-cooled, carbureted bike smokes somewhat during startup and warming, or if it idles harshly after the motorcycle is already warm. Take a sufficient test drive to allow the fork to move through its travel. Then, examine the fork tube seals for leaking that is caused over time by forks that haven't been cleaned consistently after riding through dust or debris. Lack of care produces scoring on the tube itself and therefore the seals can't block dirt from penetrating within. In this event, the tubes must be replaced which can be a costly fix.

Hap’s Cycle Sales is an awesome place to go for new or used motorcycles in pristine condition at competitive costs. We are located at 2530 17th Street in Sarasota, Florida, and you may speak with our knowledgeable team by calling (941) 365-3443 or just stop in at your earliest convenience. We hope to see you soon!