How to choose a motorcycle

Part 3 - Should I buy a New or Used Motorcycle ?

So you've decided on the motorcycle you want - now what ?
(What to look for - assessing the condition of the motorcycle if used or second hand.)

Before deciding on a new motorcycle I always check what is available used or second hand. It can save a ton of cash especially if already modified. Mind you it could be a disaster too so choose carefully.

The explanation

After spending heaps of time choosing from the list you've prepared on the type of motorcycle you're after which is the second most fun part of getting a motorcycle you come down to the actual selection process which is of course the funniest.
(Is there such a word?)

The condition of the motorcycle is most important when selecting. Many choose a 2nd hand or used motorcycle to start with which is often a sensible thing to do. If you can afford a new motorcycle this bit doesn't really apply to you - but still consider it - at least.

There are many things that are important when choosing. The most important issues when looking at the motorcycle are condition of the motorcycle and or the history of the motorcycle and the servicing dealer. Mind you a filled in servicing book does not mean the motorcycle is any good either but it is a guide nonetheless.

The 250cc class in Australia is plentiful so you shouldn't settle for the first one you like or meets your criteria. Go and check out few you may find a even better example 20ks away ! Things to look when buying 2nd hand when the motorcycle is on the show room floor include the following and some comments about what to look for :

Body work or fairing and frame if any

Damage to the fairing is expensive relative to cost of the motorcycle to have repaired. It may indicate that it has been dropped. It certainly does not write the bike off - just something to consider when finally buying it. Also if the fairing is new or been repainted it may indicate a crash or dropped too many times. Then again it may because the previous owner did not like the original colours ! Also if pristine it usually means a carefully owner. Most riders are passionate about their motorcycles and looked after them ! and also remember a 'one lady owner' does not necessarily mean it has not seen a race track !

Older and cheaper motorcycles have steel frames so check the overall condition - newer bikes have alloy frames and don't rust naturally but other bits like the rider sub-frame needs to be examined. Most people don't ride in the rain or park extensively in water prone areas for obvious reasons.

Painted frames may indicate a crash alternately it may mean the previous owner wanted to colour code the motorcycle. Again consider the overall condition.

Note that : For 2nd Japanese 250cc motorcycles which are arriving into Australia many are repainted as lots of Japanese riders do not have garages so the motorcycles have been out in the elements for most of its life hence repainted. Just something to remember.

External condition of the engine if unfaired or condition of the frame

If unfaired check for engine casing damage. Check for rust on faired and unfaired motorcycles. Like the faring check for engine damage that may be caused by crashes or being dropped. Again all motorcycles rust so consider the overall condition rather than focusing on one spot. Newer motorcycles have alloy engines so it could be pretty hard to find !

Condition of the riders seat

The riders seat usually indicates the life the motorcycle has had. A well worn seat may indicate a heavy owner or perhaps a tad of neglect. Again check the overall condition of the motorcycle to the seat. If new and the motorcycle has high mileage there are probably heaps of factors such as - the prior owner used their own seat.

Condition of the handle bars

The overall condition of the handle bars also indicate the life of the motorcycle. New grips for example may indicate a crash. Then again it could be lower quality grips. If the bars are new it could indicate a prior crash. Check to see if they have been previously straightened of if the front stock has been re-welded.

Condition of the foot pegs

New pegs can indicate a hard life or perhaps if out of character with the rest of the motorcycle may indicate crash or that the prior owner had aftermarket pegs put on for various reasons. Minor damage or wear could mean anything.

Condition of the brake and clutch levers

The main thing to look out for I reckon is weather they are new or out of character with the motorcycle.

Condition of the tyres - front and rear

Tyres usually cost a lot so it is wise to check if they have life left. Check carefully if they haven't been squared off or gone off - ie solid. 250cc tyres are usually pretty hard for longevity rather than sport riding so it could be hard to tell if you haven't ridden before. Mind you they are still much cheaper than for bigger motorcycles.

If the tyre is worn right to the edges it probably means the rider was pretty good and its probably been on the track. If the centre is flat the motorcycle has probaly been a commuter. It is rare to find new tyres on a second hand motorcycle for obvious reasons.

Condition of chain and sprockets

Again get them as new as possible. Though not really expensive these bits can tell if the prior owner looked after it or not. If these bits are new and the motorcycle is low mileage say 10,000ks something is not right or the owner didn't look
after the chain, hence motorcycle. It is rare to find a clean chain - for obvious reasons.

Condition of the actual wheel

Most motorcycles have painted wheels except maybe the cruiser types which are usually chrome numbers. Wheels are usually in a dark colour - why ? to hide brake dust of course ! Ever had white wheels ? - only Suzuki still makes them. They look fantastic when cleaned but left they stain pretty badly. So a lot of work required to keep your motorcycle looking good. Back to the condition of the wheel - Tyre changes often cause cosmetic damage to the wheel is usually nothing to worry about but if there are lots of marks it may indicate lots of tyre changes out of character with the rest of the motorcycle it may indicate a careless prior owner.

Speedo reading and speedo itself

Most older motorcycles have cable operated speedos and distance counters. It is not legal to disconnect them but it happens accidentally. With lots of Japanese 2nd import 250cc arriving you can be pretty certain they are genuine readings. However many are repainted as lots of Japanese riders do not have garages so the motorcycles have been out in the elements for most of its life hence repainted. So if unpainted they may look far older than their mileage appears.

Condition of cables

Check they match the overall condition of the motorcycle.

Condition of exhaust pipe

Check they match the overall condition of the motorcycle. They can be expensive to replace.

Condition of the tank

Tanks if metal are expensive to replace so try to get one as undamaged as possible. Furthermore why tank guards are optional is ridiculous.

Your servicing dealer

An often forgotten aspect of the motorcycle experience is the choice of servicing dealer. Having a good relationship with the mechanics who look after your motorcycle will help you learn more about your motorcycle and keep it in good condition. The dealer gets your loyalty and cash and you get a motorcycle that may enjoy more carefully servicing and certainly when it come time to trade-in up or down you might even get a better deal.

So there you have it, some of my ideas on what to look for when choosing second-hand. I didn't proof read it so any errors are un-intentional. This is a new site afterall !

Part 4