What should you look for in a used bike? Few are perfect, but here’s what to look at to pick a winner.
- OVERALL CONDITION Eyes wide open here—look at several models in the same year if you can, to get a feel for what’s out there.
- MILEAGE Lower is always better, but it's best to pick a bike that’s been run regularly instead of one with lower miles that sat for five years and needs work.
- FIRST OWNER If he or she bought it new, maybe they took better care of it.
- FOOTPEGS Scraped footpegs mean the bike was leaned over vigorously. Not the end of the world, but a sign that the bike has been ridden hard.
- TIRES Bald, hard tires equal neglect. Tires worn flat in the center speak of freeway droning. Tires worn clean to the edge signify aggressive sport riding. New tires mean a significant sum you won’t have to spend.
- OIL Is it full? Is it clean? If there's a dipstick, be sure to feel for grit.
- MAINTENANCE RECORDS You’re looking for regular maintenance from a certified shop.
- PAPERWORK/REGISTRATION Is it all in order? Is it current? If not, the DMV is going to take their pound of flesh from you one way or another.
- MISSING PARTS Motorcycle parts can be astonishingly expensive. Missing or damaged parts can double the cost of a bike, or halve its worth.
