A Boat for Mother’s Day

Posted on: 1 May 2017

The open road has long been a source of romance and inspiration for countless people. If you're among them but you're limited in your financial capabilities, purchasing a pre-owned motorcycle can be a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. However, it's important that you don't let yourself get too wrapped up in excitement without sufficient preparation.

Below, you'll find a guide to a few things you should be aware of when you purchase pre owned bikes. Keeping your eyes and ears open for these potential pitfalls can allow you to secure the bike of your dreams without falling into the maintenance disaster of your nightmares.

Conduct A Cold Inspection

A bike that's warmed up and has been running for a long time may be able to hide some of its flaws. Setting aside the romance of a roaring engine, a hot bike may also make it difficult to closely inspect metal components for damage that you need to feel with your hands or inspect internally.

Before completing your purchase, make sure to conduct a thorough examination of the bike without it recently running. This will guarantee that you're totally unfettered in your inspection, and will also allow you to start the bike yourself so you can check out any potential issues it has immediately after startup.

Examine Electronics

In most cases, the area under the seat will hold the battery and any delicate electrical connections which may be damaged. This is a particularly important area to inspect, as it's a high stress area on the bike with delicate components that may be difficult to clean.

If you notice factory components which still appear to be in strong shape, it's likely that the bike's electrical system will be up to snuff. However, be aware of the dangers posed by after market additions or any obvious repairs, as they may put stress on the battery or be covering for potentially serious faults and shorts.

Inspect the Tires

Motorcycle tires can be a costly expense, but they have to be well maintained in order to keep the bike safe. After substantial use, you may see wear on the tread or the development of bald spots, and those could put you in danger when you're trying to enjoy a cruise. Be sure to inspect the tires thoroughly before even taking a test drive, and if you find significant wear, make sure you take that into account in your purchase negotiations.