What to Look For When Buying a Used Motorcycle
The used motorcycle market is full of fantastic deals waiting for Cape Girardeau and Paducah, KY riders, but many customers get overwhelmed by the options. In this guide, we'll walk you through what to look for when buying a used motorcycle in Scott City-as well as where to find the best buys. Learn more with Lawless Harley-Davidson®, and continue your research at our showroom!
Where Can I Buy Quality Used Motorcycles?
While some riders try the private market in Memphis, TN, a certified dealership is the most convenient spot to shop. Why?
- Bike History: Dealerships hand-pick their used motorcycles because they know that one bad bike can tank their reputation. That's why you won't find any lemons here, but you might on the private market.
- Inspection Process: Harley® dealerships have highly-trained technicians on standby to thoroughly inspect every used bike on the lot. If you're buying in a private sale, you'll have to trust your own motorcycle knowledge.
- Bike Expertise: Harley® dealerships are held to high standards by the brand, which means our inventory is stocked with great options with clean histories. A dishonest private seller, on the other hand, may not reveal major service or maintenance issues that could cost you a lot down the road.
- Price Range: Dealerships deal with huge numbers of motorcycles every day, which means a much larger price range to suit any budget'everything from Certified Pre-Owned models to models priced under 10k!
How to Assess a Used Motorcycle: Material Condition
Whether you choose a dealership or a private seller, it's a good idea to do a little research before you take a test ride. By assessing the bike's condition on the spot, you can spot the best options for you and boost your negotiating power when you're ready to buy!
- Windshield - Properly mounted without cracks or glazing
- Tires - Plenty of tread with no signs of dry rot
- Wheels - No dents or wobbles when you spin the wheel, no loose or bent spokes
- FuelTank - Good overall condition and no paint chips
- Fenders/Side Cover - Minimal scratches and dents with side-cover tabs intact
- Seat - No tears, missing trim, or collapsed foam
- Paint/Chrome - No improperly repaired body areas, shiny chrome that's free of rust
- Saddlebags - Undamaged hard bags, soft bags free of scratches and tears
How to Assess a Used Motorcycle: Performance Components
Now that you've taken a good look at the exterior, it's time to hop on and see what the bike can really do. We recommend putting the motorcycle through its paces to make sure the performance is smooth and the battery has plenty of pep. Then take inventory of the following:
- Engine Noise - Runs smoothly with no knocks, rattles, or rumbles
- Oil - Correct fluid level with no leaks in the reservoir
- Clutch - Adjusted properly, does not slip or drag during a road test
- Ignition - Starts easily in minutes, even in the cold
- Transmission - Engages smoothly and does not jump out of gear
- Exhaust - No broken hardware at the cylinder head, no exterior rust bubbles, and no leaks
One major red flag to note: Any motorcycle that produces heavy black or blue smoke has severe mechanical problems. We recommend moving on!
Shop Quality Used Motorcycles for Sale at Lawless Harley-Davidson®
Now you know exactly what to look for when buying a used motorcycle, and we hope you'll put those skills to the test at Lawless Harley-Davidson! Our used motorcycle inventory is packed with high-quality options that won't break the bank, so stop by Scott City to see what's in stock today. You can also contact us with your questions, and we'd be happy to answer.