The second hand market is a great place to find a truly unique bike that fits both your personality and budget. However, if you are not careful, buying a used motorcycle could also result in hefty repair bills that you were not expecting. This is why it is so important to know exactly what you should be looking for before you begin your search for the perfect bike. The good news is, the tips outlined below can help you to effectively inspect the used bikes you are interested in buying, from places like Nick's Powerhouse Honda, and determine whether or not they are worth further consideration.

Checking For Frame Damage

Even minor damage to a motorcycle's frame can render the bike unsafe. Consequently, if you spot frame damage, you should always walk away from the sale immediately.

Begin by using a flashlight to look under the bike and inspect all visible portions of the frame. You should be looking for dents, weld tears, cracks, and hairline fractures. Next, ask if you can remove the bike seat in order to inspect the frame from the top. If the seller is unwilling to allow this inspection, walk away from the sale.

Checking For Wear Patterns

The wear patterns on a motorcycle's tires can tell you a lot about how the bike was driven in the past. In the majority of the wear is in the center of the tires, this indicates that the bike was used as a daily driver. However, if the wear pattern favors the outside of the tires, this indicates that the bike was used for racing. Since racing bikes are typically subjected to far more stress and a much higher risk of being involved in an accident, you may wish to avoid purchasing a bike that was used in this manner.

Checking For Chain Damage

Any damage to the motorcycle's chain can put your safety at serious risk even when taking a short test drive. Consequently, you should always inspect the integrity of the chain before even agreeing to take the bike out for a spin.

When checking the chain, begin by visually inspecting the chain for signs of corrosion. Next, zoom in on the sprockets surrounding the chain and look for any signs of uneven wear or severely worn teeth.

If the chain appears in good condition, move forward with your inspection by pulling and pushing on the chain to check for flexibility. After checking the first section of chain, move the bike forward or backwards just a few inches to expose another section of chain. Continue this process until you have inspected the entire length of the chain.

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