Used Motorcycle Inspection Guide

Inspection is one of the most important steps in shopping for a used motorcycle. A good inspection will give you a better idea of how much more life a used motorcycle has in it, as well as alert you to possible future maintenance problems. However, not everyone knows what to look for when it comes to inspecting a used motorcycle. While you can always hire a mechanic to give their opinion, some people prefer to do it themselves. That’s why the experts at Kawasaki® of Universal City have created this used motorcycle inspection guide. 

Outer Appearance

On the one hand, minor dings and scratches on a motorcycle’s body can often be painted over. On the other hand, they can also indicate how hard and how often the used motorcycle has fallen in the past. Don’t forget to check wheel alignment as well. If the front and back wheels aren’t aligned, that’s often a sign that the motorcycle has suffered at least one crash. 

Maintenance Marks

A used motorcycle’s internal components can also tell you a lot about how well the previous owner or owners took care of it. If the components are misaligned or appear excessively worn, that’s often a sign of poor maintenance. Be very thorough when inspecting the interior components. Be sure to check the nuts, bolts, valves, brakes, rotors, drain plugs, injectors, carburetors, tires, chains, throttle bodies, and whatever else you feel needs to be checked.

Other Interior Components

While inspecting the used motorcycle’s fuel tank, check to make sure that the fuel inside isn’t discolored or full of metal flakes. You should also check the condition of the coolant in the cooling system. While these fluids can be replaced, the fact that they weren’t already replaced by whoever previously owned the motorcycle tells you that they didn’t keep up with maintenance. For the same reason, be sure to check the air filter and spark plug. These components are very easy to swap out, so their being in poor condition often indicates poor maintenance. 

Shop used motorcycles at Kawasaki® of Universal City in Universal City, Texas. We’re proud to serve communities like New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Sequin, Texas. We also offer servicing, parts ordering, financing, and promotions. Stop by today!