People who intend to buy a used motorbike should not rush into it. To undertake such a project, it will be necessary to define the best way to purchase the two-wheeler and check certain essential points in order to avoid being tricked. Let's look at the different steps to follow when buying a second-hand motorbike.
Standard checks when buying a second-hand motorcycle
It is important to check the general condition of the motorbike when you are with it. For example, if a motorbike has 5,000 km on it but is far from new, either the mileage is suspect or the motorbike has been poorly maintained. You should also pay attention to the condition of the bodywork, to make sure that it really corresponds to the original advertisement. It is also important to check the condition of the engine. Start the motorbike once, if it starts instantly, it means that the battery is in good condition. You should also check the oil, brake fluid and coolant levels, and make sure there are no leaks.
Steps to follow during a test ride
Before signing the sale contract that will close the deal, it is important to test ride the bike yourself. During the test ride, you can check the condition of the handlebars, suspension, brakes and transmission. Instead of getting carried away by the speed, it is essential to pay attention to the behaviour of the bike. You can also take advantage of the ride to check for hidden damage, such as suspicious mechanical noises or the presence of smoke. During the test ride of the used motorbike, you should observe the trajectory and the handling. If you are satisfied with the test ride, you can decide whether or not to buy the used scooter or motorbike.
Documents and certificates required when buying a motorbike
Remember that if the seller does not want to ride during the test and is reluctant to hand over the keys so that you can test the motorbike, you can hand over your driving licence or identity card during the test. At the time of purchase, you should ask the seller to give you various documents: the maintenance booklet, overhaul and repair invoices and the vehicle registration document. While the service booklet should show the last servicing and the mileage, which serves as a guarantee, the registration document has the same numbers as those on the engine and frame.
