Why Mechanics Make the Worst Used Motorcycle Buyers

 

If you’re in the market for a motorcycle, going with a used model may be your best option. Previously owned bikes are typically less expensive than brand-new ones. They’ve already gone through those notorious few years of major depreciation as well. That means you don’t have to worry about losing more than half of your initial investment before you even break them in.

 

On the other side of the argument, though, buying a used motorcycle can be fraught with misadventures. All too often, people jump headlong into what they think is a good deal on a bike only to be taken for a ride they didn’t bargain for. That leaves them dealing with unexpected expenses and keeps them from enjoying the bike as much as they’d like.

 

No doubt, you’ve heard that it’s important to look for certain problems when you’re shopping for a used bike. In fact, taking a motorcycle to a trusted mechanic to have it checked out before committing is highly recommended. A mechanic can go over the bike with a fine-tooth comb to find hidden problems that could potentially make it a bad investment.

 

When Knowledge and Experience Work Against You

 

Mechanics have in-depth knowledge about which problems to look for in used vehicles. That gives them the power to protect themselves against unexpected expenses. They also understand how to fix issues on their own. That alone can save them a great deal of time, money, and hassle in the long run.

 

With that being the case, many people might think that mechanics are in a perfect position to get the best deals on used motorcycles. In reality, that’s not quite true. In fact, mechanics tend to make the worst buyers. Why is that the case? Well, several reasons come to mind.

 

Having High Standards

 

For one, mechanics often have extremely high standards when they’re in the market for vehicles, and motorcycles are no exception. Sometimes, their standards are impossibly high. No used bike can possibly live up to them.

 

All used bikes have a certain amount of wear and tear, even if they’ve been taken care of. You might find anything from slight cosmetic imperfections to mechanical or electrical issues. Those problems may be fairly simple and inexpensive to fix, and most buyers see them as flaws they’d expect to find with pre-owned bikes.

 

Mechanics, on the other hand, have a way of looking for perfection. They might see those fairly minor issues as unacceptable flaws. As such, they often forgo decent bikes because of simple problems. In doing so, they pass up fantastic deals.

In many cases, the best bikes aren’t the ones that have been kept in a garage all their lives; they’re the ones that have racked up time on the road and given their previous owners memories to look back on. Their little imperfections give them personality. Since mechanics overthink those things, though, they can’t see the forest for the trees, so to speak.

 

Knowing Too Much

 

We’ve already mentioned that mechanics know exactly which mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic problems to look for when they’re inspecting used motorcycles. They know parts and systems inside and out. In many cases, they can spot potential issues that haven’t really even developed yet.

 

That level of knowledge can certainly be a good thing. It empowers mechanics to protect themselves from expensive repairs and disheartening downtime both now and in the future. It safeguards them against unexpected problems.

 

Unfortunately, it can also work against them. It makes them overly cautious. Again, it can sometimes cause them to walk away from bikes that might serve them well for years to come because of minor issues that may never even amount to major repairs down the road.

 

Falling Into the Fixer-Upper Trap

 

Having ample knowledge about parts and systems can also take mechanics in the opposite direction. They might see numerous problems with a used motorcycle, but they know they can fix them. Whether they’re looking at a worn-out clutch, a leaking gasket, or electrical gremlins, they may seem them as simple weekend projects. They might even be able to get incredible discounts on parts.

 

In those instances, mechanics have a way of convincing themselves that as long as they get a good price on a bike, fixing all of its little issues isn’t really a big deal. As far too many people have learned in the past, though, those minor problems can quickly snowball. Before long, that fantastic deal ends up costing them much more than they expected in the long run.

 

Mechanics that lean in that direction often buy used bikes that other people would avoid. People who don’t have extensive mechanical knowledge willingly admit they’d be in over their heads with a long list of seemingly minor repairs. Those who know how to fix problems on their own, though, may ultimately underestimate what’s involved in getting a bike that has seen better days into showroom condition.

 

Price Disagreements

 

Almost all motorcycle buyers try to negotiate prices. Many sellers even list their bikes for a bit more than they’re actually worth with that in mind. It gives them extra wiggle room to let buyers talk them down a little without having to sell themselves short.

 

Of course, that only works for sellers because most buyers don’t fully understand the true value of a motorcycle or just how much repairs might cost them over the long term. That’s not exactly the case with mechanics. They’re well aware of the cost of parts and labor; after all, that’s their livelihood.

 

Because of that, even if mechanics are willing to overlook certain flaws, or embrace them as the case may be, they keep that in mind when agreeing to a price. They generally expect to work their own expenses into the equation. As a result, they may go out looking for unrealistic deals. In turn, they’ll have a long list of sellers turning them down instead of meeting them somewhere in the middle.

 

How to Tell If a Used Motorcycle Is Good

 

There’s no denying that it’s important to have at least a little knowledge of motorcycles before buying one, especially if you’re looking at used models. Taking a bike to a mechanic you trust for an inspection before buying it can definitely save you a lot of money and grief as well. They’ll tell you if they find any serious issues with a bike, but they’re not likely to be as critical as they would be if they were considering buying it themselves.

 

Still, you don’t have to have in-depth mechanical and electrical knowledge to get a great deal on a used motorcycle and protect yourself from common pitfalls. A little caution and common sense can go a long way here. If you’re thinking of buying a pre-owned bike, keeping the following points in mind can ensure you get a nice bike at a good price.

 

First Impressions Are Important

 

When you’re searching for the right motorcycle, outward appearances are the first thing you see. They’re also a crucial aspect to consider. If a bike is covered in dents, scratches, and rust, it hasn’t been cared for very well. On top of that, the cost of making cosmetic repairs will fall on your shoulders. You’re bound to be happier with a bike that looks good on the outside from the beginning.

 

That being said, a small scuff here or a parking lot ding there doesn’t necessarily mean a bike isn’t worth buying. As said earlier, all used motorcycles have their own flaws. A little wear and tear is perfectly normal.

 

Look for Leaks

 

Once you get past the surface, there are other issues to think about. When you’re inspecting a used motorcycle, be sure to look for signs of leaks. A puddle under the bike or active dripping would be a surefire indication of trouble, but you’re not likely to actually see those. That’s the type of thing a seller would probably try to hide.

 

Be sure to look for built-up grime around the engine, suspension, and oil and brake lines. Those can be telltale signs that a bike has a fluid leak. Check the bike’s fluid levels as well. If they’re low, that might mean they’re escaping somewhere.

 

Hissing sounds while the bike is running or a lot of black soot built up around the pipes could mean it has an exhaust leak. Slow acceleration, irregular idling, and backfiring can be indications of vacuum leaks. Look for white or black smoke when the bike is running too. Those may be signs that there’s a hidden internal leak you can’t see from the outside.

 

Inspect the Chain and Sprockets

 

A bike’s chain and sprockets help determine how well it accelerates and affect its speed, power, fuel efficiency, and many other factors. They should be clean, properly lubricated, and in good condition. If they are, that’s a good indication that the motorcycle has been taken care of. Otherwise, the bike may not be in the best shape.

 

Rust is one of the problems you’ll want to look for. Bent, worn, or missing teeth on the sprockets is another. Check to make sure the chain isn’t damaged or overly dry as well. Any of those issues could not only make for expensive repairs but also cause more in-depth problems that’ll need attention at some point.

 

Check the Engine and Controls

 

When you start the bike, pay attention to the engine and controls. Be sure the clutch and brake controls work smoothly and aren’t overly tight or loose. It’s important to make sure they do what they’re supposed to as well. Check to ensure the clutch actually changes gears and the brakes engage properly. Make sure the engine isn’t slow to respond when you twist the throttle too. Along with all that, listen to the engine. Ideally, it should idle and run smoothly.

 

You can’t expect absolute perfection from a used bike. It’s likely to have a few issues. Some of them can be fixed with a few minor adjustments. Be wary of excessive rattling or knocking, slow responses to the controls, and other major issues, though. Those often mean you’ll be in for expensive repairs down the road.

 

Test the Suspension and Steering

 

Checking the suspension is also recommended. While you’re sitting on the bike, shake and bounce a bit to see if the suspension holds up. If it’s in good condition, it’ll bounce back well and won’t be overly loose or squeaky. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too bouncy or stiff, either.

 

Then, there’s the steering to think about. It should work smoothly and responsively. It shouldn’t be wobbly or feel like it’s fighting you. Suspension and steering issues can compromise a bike’s handling and safety while also making for a rough ride. They can also be costly to fix.

 

Look at the Tires

 

It’s also a good idea to check out the tires. Granted, they can be replaced, but you may want to factor their condition into the overall picture. If they’re bald or damaged, you’ll need to buy new ones and have them mounted. That’s an added expense on top of the any other maintenance or repairs the bike may need and the purchase price, taxes, registration, and insurance.

 

Furthermore, if the tires aren’t in good shape, that’s yet another possible sign that the owner didn’t take care of the bike. It could be an omen of more costly and time-consuming repairs that you can’t see on the surface. Having old tires isn’t necessarily a deal breaker on its own, but if it’s not the only issue you find with a used motorcycle, it could be a reason to look elsewhere.

 

Consider the Mileage

 

Mileage can also give you an idea of the condition a motorcycle is in. The more miles it has, the more wear and tear it has. On average, bikes are expected to gain about 3,000 to 5,000 miles per year. With that being the case, a bike that’s 10 years old with 30,000 could be considered low mileage.

 

Keep in mind that mileage can affect different types of motorcycles in different ways, though. For example, 30,000 miles can take a major toll on sportbikes because riders tend to push them harder than other types of motorcycles. In contrast, a touring bike with 50,000 miles might barely be broken in.

 

Do the Gauges Work?

 

It’s best to be sure used motorcycles’ gauges work as well. You need to be able to tell how fast you’re going, how much fuel you have, and how many miles the bike has on it, right? This may seem like a secondary concern to many people, but if the gauges don’t work, they could hide underlying problems. You might be surprised at how costly some of them are to repair or replace too.

 

Be Mindful of Previous Modifications

 

Modifications are another point to think about. They may not directly affect a motorcycle’s condition, but they can make a difference. Not all modifications are created equal. Upgrades that improve a bike’s performance and efficiency or make it more comfortable can make it more enjoyable to ride and increase its value. Certain cosmetic changes can have the same effect.

 

Other modifications have the opposite impact. Those that drastically alter a motorcycle’s appearance tend to detract from its overall value. Customizations that interfere with its handling and performance can do the same. They may also make it more difficult and expensive to repair and less likely to sell if you decide to put it on the market at some point.

 

Maintenance Records

 

Finally, maintenance records can give you a lot of insight into a bike’s condition. If it has a clear paper trail detailing its upkeep, you know it has been taken care of and is probably in decent condition. Maintenance records can also show you what has already been done to the bike versus what you might have to handle later on. At the same time, that paperwork might include active, transferable parts and labor warranties that you can take advantage of.

 

Getting a Great Deal on a Great Motorcycle

 

It’s no secret that buying used motorcycles can mean inheriting unexpected problems. Knowing which red flags to look for when you’re shopping around can help protect you from unpleasant surprises. Still, it’s also best to keep your expectations realistic, and that’s not always easy to do if you’re an expert.

 

Though mechanics can use their knowledge and experience to their advantage when they’re buying used bikes, their expertise can sometimes work against them rather than for them. In many cases, people with only minimal knowledge make better buyers. If you keep the points mentioned here in mind, you can find a great deal on a great motorcycle without having a professional-level understanding of its inner workings.