Motorcycle rider

Top 10 Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle

Updated June 4, 2020 . AmFam Team

Check out these 10 great tips for buying a used motorcycle, so you can safely and confidently get a bike that’s right for you.

So, you’ve decided to buy a used motorcycle. Good for you! You’ll probably save money on the bike itself, and you can reap additional savings by avoiding setup, delivery and dealer fees if you’re buying from a private seller. The last thing you want though is for your used bike to break down or have surprise damage and problems.


What to Look for When Buying a Used Motorcycle

To make sure you get a set of wheels that’ll go the distance, it’s worth it to boost your know-how. Here are our top ten tips to keep in mind when buying a used motorcycle.

A little homework helps

Once you’ve decided on a few models you want to check out, do some initial research online to learn more about reliability, safety and maintenance. If you’re budget-conscious, look at overall costs, from fuel efficiency to insurance, to make sure you’re right on track.

Review the paperwork

When you meet with the seller of the used motorcycle you’ve selected, be sure to do the following:

  • Make sure the title matches the 17-digit VIN number that’s usually near the neck on most modern bikes
  • Carefully review the title and registration to make sure there are no liens
  • Get an online vehicle history report in advance to find out if the bike has ever been junked, salvaged, stolen or recalled
  • Ask the seller for the bike’s service history, along with any maintenance manuals that came with it

Look for crash clues

When you sit on the bike, point the front wheel straight forward, and look to see if the handlebars are evenly aligned. The bar ends, levers and foot pegs shouldn’t show signs of rust, and look for scratches on the engine case or exhaust pipes. Bent brake levers also could indicate the bike went down hard on the pavement. If the frame is dented or bent, don’t buy the bike. Damaged motorcycle frames are generally unsafe.

Check the chain and sprocket

The chain should be rust-free and have enough play to move up and down about by a half or three-quarters of an inch. There shouldn’t be a lot of movement when you move the chain side to side on the sprocket. Speaking of sprockets, make sure the teeth aren’t worn down too much.

Inspect those tires

Look for uneven wear or damage, including cracks, worn-down spots or puncture marks. If there’s wear and tear on the edges of the tires, that may indicate the bike was raced on a track.

Give brakes the once-over

Feel the brake rotors for unevenness or grooves. Make sure the brake pads aren’t worn down.

Look for leaks

Feel underneath the engine near the gaskets to make sure there aren’t leaks — be sure the engine is cold when you do this! Check for leaks around the oil filter and oil pan bolt. If the fork tubes show corrosion, pitting or oil, the fork seals could be worn.

Spot check fuel and fluids

Look in the fuel tank for rust or corrosion — use a flashlight just to be sure! Check the oil level, which often is a telltale sign of good maintenance. The brake fluid level usually can be found top of the handlebars, visible through a clear window. When the engine is running, grip the front brake caliper really hard, which will cause the brake fluid level to fall. Once you release the brake caliper, the fluid level should rapidly rise.

Rev it up

Make sure the bike is cold before you start it up; warmed-up engines can often hide chronic engine issues. Listen for loud, unusual noises, like heavy knocks, creaking or rattling, which could indicate potential engine problems. Dark smoke could mean carburetor problems — and a future visit to the mechanic!

Take it for a spin

Start out slowly and try to stay on even, dry roads with light traffic. Listen for the same sounds mentioned above. When testing the brakes, they should be smooth and responsive, not “spongy.” If they are jerky, that could mean the discs are warped. When shifting the gears, they should be firm, even and not shift out of gear when accelerating. Watch for vibration or shimmying wheels. After your test ride, do a quick spot check for leaks.

Now that you’re up to speed on used motorcycles, you’ll be prepared when it comes to buying a used bike that’s right for you. But don’t forget to protect your bike with motorcycle insurance. Talk to an American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) today to learn about protection for your two-wheels.

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    Motorcycle accidents can be sudden, swift and severe. If you can get through the immediate shock, though, you can do much to protect yourself and others in the aftermath. That’s why we wrote this 9-step guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident. Read on to learn how you can stay safe, document the incident, and more.

    Quick Checklist: 9 Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

    Before we go over each step in detail, here’s the full list for your convenience:

    1. Get Out of Harm’s Way: If you’re physically able, pull yourself out of the road.
    2. Get Help: Call 911 and receive medical care, even if you don’t think anything’s wrong.
    3. Check Yourself Out: Carefully feel around for any injuries or sources of pain.
    4. Don’t Remove Your Gear: Your helmet and other safety accessories might be helping you even now.
    5. Scan Your Surroundings: Take in the details at the scene of the accident to avoid danger, then remember them for later.
    6. Get Pictures of the Scene: Any shots you snap may be useful as visual evidence.
    7. Talk with Anyone Involved or Present: Record insurance info and eyewitness accounts.
    8. Get a Copy of the Motorcycle Accident Report: The info in the police report can come in handy when talking with insurance agents.
    9. Contact Your Insurance Company: File a claim right away!
    1. Get Out of Harm’s Way

    2. If possible, move to the side of the road. Some motorcyclists’ first instinct after an accident is to worry about their bike. For now, though, leave it as it is. You just got into a motorcycle accident — put yourself before your ride and reach a safe location.

    3. Get Help

    4. Whether you feel perfectly awful or perfectly fine, you or an able bystander must call for emergency services. If it seems unnecessary, just say this aloud: “I was in a motorcycle accident.” . Trained medical professionals may notice what you can’t, so call 911 right away.

    5. Check Yourself Out

    6. Emergency services will appreciate any info you can provide on how you’re feeling. Get in a position that causes the least strain on your body. Once you’re as comfortable as you can get, try to perform a careful and basic medical check on yourself. Slowly test which limbs you can move. Assess where you feel pain. Consider if you’re nauseous or dizzy.

    7. Don’t Remove Your Gear

    8. Motorcyclists wear safety gear to minimize injuries and reduce risk . Your jacket and helmet might be protecting you from problems you don’t even notice in the post-accident rush of adrenaline. Leave your gear on until a medical professional says otherwise. They can help you safely remove it if needed.

    9. Scan Your Surroundings

    10. If possible, look around at the scene of the accident. Do you see anyone else with an injury? Are the motorcycle and its parts in the way of traffic? How are the weather, conditions of the road, lighting in the area? Use this information to avoid any further threats. Try remembering it afterward for a more accurate motorcycle accident report.

    11. Get Pictures of the Scene

    12. Law enforcement agents will be among the emergency services to arrive at the scene. As you wait for everyone to arrive, take pictures of everything. Don't touch the motorcycle or any parts, though — their placement is evidence of what happened, and the effort might worsen your injuries. Shoot the photos from as many angles as you can while staying safe, and show the weather conditions as well. The visual evidence may come in handy.

    13. Talk with Anyone Involved or Present

    14. Sometimes, motorcycle accidents only involve the motorcyclist. Other times, it may involve another driver, or someone whose property was damaged in the incident. Everyone involved should be aware of everyone else’s insurance situation. It may also help your case to get quotes and contact info from eyewitnesses who are otherwise uninvolved. Ask anyone else present for their account and record it with their permission.

    15. Get a Copy of the Motorcycle Accident Report

    16. When the police investigate accidents, they compile their findings into a document. As someone involved in the incident, you can request a copy for yourself. The motorcycle accident report includes statements from involved parties and witnesses, recorded observations of the scene, and more. All this information is essential when filing an insurance claim.

    17. Contact Your Insurance Company

    18. Motorcycle insurance is a must-have, and not just because most states legally require it for riders. It can help cover hospital bills, which can mean paying less or even paying nothing for treatment. Once you’re out of danger with everything else taken care of, contact an insurance agent while you’re recovering. File an insurance claim as soon as you can. As with everyone else, be completely honest about the details of the accident.

    Request a Motorcycle Insurance Quote Today

    We hope that you never have reason to need the information in this guide. With that said, knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident might make a huge difference someday. So can having motorcycle insurance with American Family Insurance. Speak with an agent today about our coverages, including collision coverage, and get a quote.

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    And conventional bikers are taking notice. From saving on gas bills to riding a smarter bike, old-school motorcyclists find dependability and decreased maintenance costs a major driver as well. A few manufacturers have electric bikes that have been on the market for about a decade. And others are following this trend — with the new rides rolling off the production line soon. Take a look where the market is at, and where it’s headed, with our primer on electric motorcycles.

    Extended Riding-range for Battery Powered Motorcycles

    Manufacturers are plugging new tech into their electric bikes, scooters and motorcycles. Lithium ion battery R & D continues to produce more energy efficient ways to ride. Here are a few ways these powerful batteries are charging the industry.

    Better mileage

    Many manufacturers have pushed the range that their bikes can travel before running out of a charge with their latest offering.

    Fast charging

    New quick-charging battery systems keep your downtime to a minimum. A few producers are currently promoting a charging pack that’s 50% quicker than previous models. The most aggressive of these charging systems boast a 100% charge in just 60 minutes.

    Battery guarantees

    Some groups are offering unlimited battery warranties that extend for five years.

    Regenerative braking capability

    One big benefit of electric motorcycles is their ability to re-capture energy. By converting braking and coasting momentum into a real-time recharge, that energy is used over and over again.

    Electric motorcycles vs. gas

    When compared to the range that a conventional 1000cc sports bike gets, some e-motorcycles travel just as far on a full charge as they would on a full tank of gas.

    E-motorcycles Accelerate Faster

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    220 mph, zero to 60 in 2.0 seconds

    The heavyweights on the market can hit 60 mph in two seconds flat with a top speeds around 220 mph. Now that’s cooking!

    Peak performance via onboard energy management

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    Hydraulic brakes helps you stop on a dime

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    Electric Bikes Require Less Maintenance

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    No oil means no oil changing

    Owning an electric motorcycle is just plain easier. No checking and changing the oil or filter.

    Tune ups are a breeze

    No spark plugs, clutch or timing belt to replace. No fuel filter to change. In the long run, less maintenance helps to justify the higher price tag.

    Less moving parts

    Because e-motorcycles are really just an electric motor and drive train, there’s less worry. You won’t have to keep an internal combustion engine up and running.

    Smarter ebike tech

    Bluetooth-enabled smart phones can hook into many of the e-motorcycle’s stats. A sampling includes maps to known charging stations, carbon footprint data and financial comparisons of money saved over conventional gas-powered bikes.

    Electric Scooters Are Gaining Momentum

    With some scooters reaching top speeds around 50 mph, e-scooters are also gaining popularity. The Super Soco is targeting more aggressive riders with their TC MAX, which push above 60 mph. The Vespa Elettrica is made for urban commuting with a more conservative 30 mph limit. Like e-motorcycles, these models also come equipped with an app. You’ll get a wide array of data and stats that inform your ride.

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    Yes, you should take a look at your motorcycle coverage options to best protect your ride, and remember to check in with your American Family Insurance agent. Reducing your carbon footprint can help you contribute to a greener world, and getting an electric motorcycle might be the way to go. With it, you’ll enjoy performance, convenience, versatility and all the other cool benefits that are part of being a biker. Ride on!

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    Motorcycle Tire Maintenance

    Start where your bike meets the road and give the tires a thorough check before you start the engine. Here’s how you can make sure your motorcycle’s wheels are ready for spring:

    Check the tire pressure. You always want to check your motorcycle's tire pressure when your tires are cold, which shouldn’t be a problem since it’s been in your garage since last fall. Grab a tire pressure gauge and your motorcycle’s manual and see if they’re within the recommended range. Underinflated tires will cut down on your gas mileage and overinflated tires will be more susceptible to wear and other damage. Plus, they’re both much more dangerous to drive on.

    Give them a closer look. Take the time to look closely at both tires and spot any cracking or other signs of a leak like punctures. If you notice wear, swap out the tires as soon as possible. Driving on a damaged tire is never worth the risk.

    Know your tires’ story. Different styles, brands and types of tires will have different lifespans and fare better in certain conditions. If you bought your bike used, you should have gotten details on how long the tires have been used, mileage and where it was driven. Research the specific tire model, its lifespan and find its date code on the actual tire. If you’re not sure, take your bike to a repair shop or dealer to get more info and an inspection.

    Check Your Motorcycle’s Brakes

    The brake system is probably the most ignored part of your motorcycle. When it works, you don’t think about it — and when you notice something wrong, you need to take it in right away. Avoid an expensive and potentially dangerous problem by checking these parts of your brakes:

    Check the brake fluid. Motorcycle manufacturers’ recommendations will vary, but the general rule of thumb is that you should change your brake fluid at least once every two years. Refer to your owner’s manual and manufacturer tutorials if you want to do it yourself, or hand the job off to a pro.

    Making sure your brake fluid is within the recommended range, however, is something you can do every time you hop on your bike. Make sure it’s at its maximum level at the start of spring by checking the gauge usually located near your handlebars for your front brake and near the back tire for the rear brake. If it’s low, fill it with manufacturer-recommended brake fluid.

    Peek at the brake pads. When brake pads wear down and aren’t replaced on time, your bike could suffer some seriously damaging and expensive consequences. Most brake pads will have an indicator visible without having to take your bike apart, so make sure you understand how it works and how it indicates that a change is necessary. And if you’re not comfortable handling the job yourself, it’s not all that expensive to outsource it to a mechanic.

    Inspect the Interior of the Motorcycle

    Once you’ve checked the parts of your bike that keep you on the road and stop you when you need to, it’s time to check out some of the parts not visible to the naked eye:

    Check the oil. You may have changed your oil and replaced the filter when you winterized your bike, but if not, you’ll want to do that now — it’s good to give it a healthy start to the riding season.

    Test your battery. When your motorcycle sits still for months at a time, especially in less-than-ideal weather, your bike’s battery’s life can be shortened. It’s smart to charge it occasionally throughout the winter months, but if you forgot to do so, it may need replacing. If you’re having trouble getting your battery to work, remove it and take it to a local hardware store that offers battery testing.

    Look at the fuel filter. Your motorcycle’s fuel filter is crucial to the health of your engine. Give your bike a clean start by replacing the fuel filter and filling it up with a fresh tank of gas before you take it out for a long ride.

    Check the bike’s spark plugs. Most manufacturers will recommend that you check your spark plugs every 4,000 to 5,000 miles, but even if you didn’t ride your bike that much last year, you should still inspect them. Take a look at each one individually and keep an eye out for oil leakage, ash deposits or overall wear and tear. If you notice wear and tear or are concerned about their condition, replace them — they’re a small price to pay for a clean-running ride.

    Inspect other often-ignored moving parts. The chain, kickstand, throttle shifter — all these parts can get dried out and even rusty while in storage. And while they’re considered minor when compared to your tires, brakes and engine, they’re still important! Lubricate where you need to and avoid having to make a frustrating fix early in the season.

    Once you’ve inspected and tested your motorcycle, clean and shine it up make sure you're ready to ride with proper etiquette before you take it out on the road — then, make sure you’re protected from the unexpected with the right motorcycle insurance. Your American Family Insurance agent is dedicated to making sure your coverage is customized to fit your specific needs. Get in touch today and get the peace of mind you deserve.