How to check the general condition of a used motorcycle?

The cycle part of a used motorcycle

The wheels : check the sidewalls of the tyres, their wear, the absence of cracks. Check the rims (for spoke or spoke rims at the junction with the tyre, mostly fitted with tubeless tyres: The presence of an inner tube may indicate that it no longer fills its sealing functions, that it may be deformed or oxidized. For spoked rims, the tension of the spokes must be checked).

The brakes: monitor the condition of the discs (absence of scratches and warping) and the hardness of the front and rear brake controls. In the case of disc brakes, it is necessary to look at the level of brake fluid in the reservoir, its color as well as the travel of the lever.

The suspensions: - The fork: no scratched or marked tube, no presence of leaks. Do not hesitate to lift the bellows to check.

- The rear shock absorber: check the shock absorber and its settings. If you consider it too soft and the setting is at maximum, the shock absorber is probably defective and therefore needs to be replaced.

Check that there is no play in the steering column.

The chain and the transmission: check the general condition of the chain, lubrication and tension. For the crown, the condition of the teeth indicates the wear (pointed teeth = worn transmission to be replaced).

The framework : carefully check the footrest attachments, the side casings, in short all the elements exposed during a fall. A twisted tie, traces of rust, an impact on part of the frame, scratches on the exhaust pipe should not be neglected. Beware of repainted motorcycles!

The orders : Check clutch guards, front and rear brake and throttle grip. There should be no frayed cables or soft brake controls (leak or bad hose, or air bubble in the system).

The engine part of a used motorcycle

The general appearance can give some information about its condition:

- Too dirty means that its owner is hardly careful but can also be a cover-up (leaks, impacts on the casings…).

- Too clean can mean that there is a small leak and that it was necessary to clean.

Ask to run the engine and listen: you can easily notice the absence of mechanical noise, the absence of rapid knocking, the sharp revving without suffocation and without return of gas, the absence of whitish, thick or blue smoke (the engine may be out of order).

The exhaust pipe: look carefully at the exhaust mountings, which are subject to very large temperature differences. Check that it is in good general condition (no leaks, no excessive rust, no greasy deposits on the outlet...).

Levels : Check the engine and gearbox oil level par the gauge or par the small eyelet on the side of the motor. Of a yellowish and translucent color, the oil darkens and becomes opaque as it ages. If this is the case, it is therefore that the owner or the seller did not bother to carry out an oil change before selling his machine. For p cooled modelsar fluid, check to see if the coolant level is good.

The electricity part of a used motorcycle

First, ask to see the condition of the battery and fuses.

Check the lighting: - Engine stopped: Switch from low beam to high beam, the reaction must be instantaneous. Otherwise, the battery is weak or exhausted.

- Engine on: ActivTurn off the main beam and put on the gas: the light intensity should increase if the alternator is working correctly.

The conveniences: Check the proper functioning of all electrical equipment (dipped beam, main beam, turn signals, horn, brake lights, number plate lighting, warning light and dashboard lighting, etc.) ).

All these electrical checks will not take you more than ten minutes.

If you look carefully at all the points mentioned, this first examination will allow you to discuss the selling price and above all will allow you to avoid certain pitfalls.