What to look for in a used motorcycle?

[cKGunslinger]

I've been "fake shopping" bikes on Craigslist and the like for a while, getting a feel for prices and terms, and I think I'm about ready to start emailing, calling, and visiting sellers, but I tend to be the kind of person who can get hoodwinked if I'm no too careful.

What exactly should I be looking for and what kind of questions should I be asking?

I'm looking for a not-too-old (2000+) 500-750 cruiser, probably a Shadow or Vulcan (any other suggested models in this category?) I figure less than 10k miles is desirable, no major damage or scratches, tires with tread.

A few bookmarks:

Vulcan 500 - $2800
Shadow 600 - $3400
Shadow 600 - $3200

Anything major I'm missing? Any common scams? I plan to avoid anything with expired tags or a salvage title.

 

[halik]

Anything involving shipping is a scam.

Generally though if you're shooting for low mile bike, make sure it's got OEM tires. It's really really easy to swap up clusters and sell a 15K mile bike as a 3K mile bike. So if you see non-oem tires on a bike that should still have OEM tires, it's a no-no.

I personally buy wrecked bikes, but that's just my preference.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: halik
Anything involving shipping is a scam.

Generally though if you're shooting for low mile bike, make sure it's got OEM tires. It's really really easy to swap up clusters and sell a 15K mile bike as a 3K mile bike. So if you see non-oem tires on a bike that should still have OEM tires, it's a no-no.

I personally buy wrecked bikes, but that's just my preference.

My biggest problem is that I'm not really mechanically-inclined. I really don't want something that *I'd* have to work on, and I don't want a huge money sink that I have to take to a dealer or mechanic every couple of weeks. I want a bike that I can take and get the oil changed and put a new tire on every year or so.

 

[Jeff7181]

Well, you certainly know what you expect by buying a wrecked bike. Unfortunately it's not an option for most people. For those that it is an option, it's probably still not a good option.

You might consider buying new... last years model or something. I know when the 2009 Ninjas were coming out I got a good deal on my 2008 ZX6R... $7000 out the door (MSRP is like $9200).
Over on zxforums.com I recall a post by someone recently claiming to have got a 0 miles 2007 ZX6R for under $6000 OTD this spring.

 

[zerocool84]

Have you ever owned or rode a motorcycle before?

 

[coolTechno]

hardly go for things involve shipping... check whether the seller is genuine

 

[Zenmervolt]

Other than the usual vehicle-buying caveats (make sure that the title is in the seller's name and that they provide ID, anything with shipping is a scam, look the bike over first, etc) there really isn't much to tell.

In the 500-600cc range, it's very easy to find low-mileage bikes as it's not uncommon for someone to buy a bike and then decide they don't really want to be a rider or for these bikes to really be weekend toys that are barely ridden.

As far as OE vs non-OE tires, remember that tires age in more ways than just tread. A 6+ year old bike should have new tires regardless of mileage. Rubber hardens with age and loses its ability to grip the road. After 6 years, tires will have lost a significant amount of grip and need to be replaced, especially on a motorcycle where losing grip has greater consequences than in a car.

Don't be afraid of slight scuffs or scratches either. It's not uncommon to "drop" a bike in a driveway or a parking lot. While such accidents often cause minor cosmetic damage they almost never cause anything mechanically relevant and you can use them to bargain the price down. If this is your first motorcycle, you'll probably drop it in a parking lot or driveway yourself at least once anyway.

Other than that, just make sure that there's nothing obviously wrong with the bike. I'll also point you to a few good guides:

Beginner's Guide to Motorcycling: All the basics from choosing a bike to learning to ride.

Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide: Overkill, but a list of everything to check on a used bike.

Another Guide: Geared more towards someone buying used from a dealer, but still has some good info.

ZV

 

[JulesMaximus]

You should be able to find plenty of low mileage used bikes in the category you are looking.

Just look for signs of neglect, check under the bike for fluid leaks, check to make sure it starts and runs well, look for excessive rash on the engine/frame/plastics, check the tires to see if there are any cracks in the rubber.

Ask for service history/receipts. You might not get it but it doesn't hurt to ask.

A new battery will cost you around $50-60 (this is really easy to replace so I'd do this yourself). Make sure you have the place you buy the battery from charge it first. New tires will cost around $300 installed. A basic inspection and service will cost around $130. You'd probably need to replace tires and do a routine service on any bike that's 5+ years old and that you're unsure of the history on.

Is this your first bike?

 

[cKGunslinger]

Yes, this will be my first bike. I'm still trying to get into a MSF course in the next few weeks, but they are rather booked. My parents are long-timer riders (they actually left this morning for a bike trip up to South Dakota,) and my brother is a new rider, but I've never really been into the idea until recently.

Also, any advice on the wife? She's certainly not disallowing me to get one, but she frequently claims she's very worried. I'm not sure what else to say other than I'm taking the safety course and I'm a rather defensive/conservative driver by nature.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Yes, this will be my first bike. I'm still trying to get into a MSF course in the next few weeks, but they are rather booked. My parents are long-timer riders (they actually left this morning for a bike trip up to South Dakota,) and my brother is a new rider, but I've never really been into the idea until recently.

Also, any advice on the wife? She's certainly not disallowing me to get one, but she frequently claims she's very worried. I'm not sure what else to say other than I'm taking the safety course and I'm a rather defensive/conservative driver by nature.

Take the safety course and don't ride beyond your means. Don't ever ride after drinking alcohol and wear a helmet, motorcycle boots, motorcycle jacket (not that crap they sell at Wilsons), and some decent motorcycle gloves at the very least. These will protect you if you have an accident.

The MSF course will lay a good foundation for safety. You need to provide the rest through practice and just being alert when you ride. Spring is a tough time to get in to take the course. Usually their busiest times.

Do these things and you can minimize the risks.

I wouldn't ride with a passenger for at least a year and a few thousand miles. That adds to your stopping distances, lowers your cornering speeds and can really upset the balance of the bike if your passenger doesn't know how to ride on the back of a motorcycle.

All of the bikes you are considering would be good first bikes.

 

[zerocool84]

If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

 

[desy]

Maybe I'm a little bit pollyanna on this one but I've always had good experiences with used bikes and their sellers. IMO people lie about cars MUCH more than bikes, why, usually bikes are a passion and people love to talk about their passion.
As for the bike, if your doing city driving, smaller and lighter, mostly highway go for the heavier larger displacement machine.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

 

[Greenman]

I know a fellow that owned a Shadow, he claimed it had trouble holding 65 on the freeway because of the 4 speed tranny. I have no idea if that's true or not, just some hearsay to check out before you buy.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

40hp? my 82 GS650 gets 73hp. i guess it's seriously tuned for torque

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

40hp? my 82 GS650 gets 73hp. i guess it's seriously tuned for torque

Text

Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1988 ? present
Class: Custom
Engine: 583 cm³
Power: 39 hp (29 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 49 N·m (5.0 m·kgf, 36 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm
Length: 2,355 mm mm (92.7 in)
Width: 840 mm (33.1 in)
Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Overall height: ? mm (? in)
Curb weight: 199 kg (439 lb)
Similar models: Yamaha Virago 535
Yamaha DragStar 650

Please, let's not do anything to goad budding motorcyclists into buying more powerful bikes. I don't want to see posts about new riders getting killed here. I've seen that enough on some other forums.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

40hp? my 82 GS650 gets 73hp. i guess it's seriously tuned for torque

Text

Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1988 ? present
Class: Custom
Engine: 583 cm³
Power: 39 hp (29 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 49 N·m (5.0 m·kgf, 36 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm
Length: 2,355 mm mm (92.7 in)
Width: 840 mm (33.1 in)
Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Overall height: ? mm (? in)
Curb weight: 199 kg (439 lb)
Similar models: Yamaha Virago 535
Yamaha DragStar 650

Please, let's not do anything to goad budding motorcyclists into buying more powerful bikes. I don't want to see posts about new riders getting killed here. I've seen that enough on some other forums.

absolutely. i certainly don't advocate getting a high powered bike as a first bike. i was just rather surprised at the differences despite my bike being 25+ years old and a standard style.

 

[Greenman]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

40hp? my 82 GS650 gets 73hp. i guess it's seriously tuned for torque

Text

Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1988 ? present
Class: Custom
Engine: 583 cm³
Power: 39 hp (29 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 49 N·m (5.0 m·kgf, 36 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm
Length: 2,355 mm mm (92.7 in)
Width: 840 mm (33.1 in)
Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Overall height: ? mm (? in)
Curb weight: 199 kg (439 lb)
Similar models: Yamaha Virago 535
Yamaha DragStar 650

Please, let's not do anything to goad budding motorcyclists into buying more powerful bikes. I don't want to see posts about new riders getting killed here. I've seen that enough on some other forums.

It all depends on the bike Jules. I still contend that my 670lb V-Rod is far easier to ride than most 385lb sport bikes. You simply can't compare cruisers and rice rockets, the only thing they have in common is two wheels.
What a beginner needs is a predictable bike, there are plenty of bikes that fit that bill, small and large.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Greenman

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

40hp? my 82 GS650 gets 73hp. i guess it's seriously tuned for torque

Text

Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1988 ? present
Class: Custom
Engine: 583 cm³
Power: 39 hp (29 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 49 N·m (5.0 m·kgf, 36 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm
Length: 2,355 mm mm (92.7 in)
Width: 840 mm (33.1 in)
Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Overall height: ? mm (? in)
Curb weight: 199 kg (439 lb)
Similar models: Yamaha Virago 535
Yamaha DragStar 650

Please, let's not do anything to goad budding motorcyclists into buying more powerful bikes. I don't want to see posts about new riders getting killed here. I've seen that enough on some other forums.

It all depends on the bike Jules. I still contend that my 670lb V-Rod is far easier to ride than most 385lb sport bikes. You simply can't compare cruisers and rice rockets, the only thing they have in common is two wheels.
What a beginner needs is a predictable bike, there are plenty of bikes that fit that bill, small and large.

Duh. But as a general rule of thumb a heavy bike or a high powered sport bike are not ideal choices for a new rider. And, I wasn't comparing cruisers to sport bikes, I was stating that the bikes the OP is looking at would make decent first bikes.

You can contend all you want. I haven't ridden a v-rod so I'm not going to comment on whether or not is is a suitable bike for a novice rider.

Oh, and I hate the term rice rocket. It's a derogatory term that idiots use to refer to a Japanese supersport motorcycle or sport bikes in general. I bet half the people who use it couldn't tell the difference between a Ducati 1098 R and a Yamaha R1 if you took the badging off...hell, you might not even have to do that.

 

[KentState]

I agree, crotch rocket is the more acceptable name.

 

[Greenman]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Greenman

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

40hp? my 82 GS650 gets 73hp. i guess it's seriously tuned for torque

Text

Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1988 ? present
Class: Custom
Engine: 583 cm³
Power: 39 hp (29 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 49 N·m (5.0 m·kgf, 36 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm
Length: 2,355 mm mm (92.7 in)
Width: 840 mm (33.1 in)
Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Overall height: ? mm (? in)
Curb weight: 199 kg (439 lb)
Similar models: Yamaha Virago 535
Yamaha DragStar 650

Please, let's not do anything to goad budding motorcyclists into buying more powerful bikes. I don't want to see posts about new riders getting killed here. I've seen that enough on some other forums.

It all depends on the bike Jules. I still contend that my 670lb V-Rod is far easier to ride than most 385lb sport bikes. You simply can't compare cruisers and rice rockets, the only thing they have in common is two wheels.
What a beginner needs is a predictable bike, there are plenty of bikes that fit that bill, small and large.

Duh. But as a general rule of thumb a heavy bike or a high powered sport bike are not ideal choices for a new rider. And, I wasn't comparing cruisers to sport bikes, I was stating that the bikes the OP is looking at would make decent first bikes.

You can contend all you want. I haven't ridden a v-rod so I'm not going to comment on whether or not is is a suitable bike for a novice rider.

Oh, and I hate the term rice rocket. It's a derogatory term that idiots use to refer to a Japanese supersport motorcycle or sport bikes in general. I bet half the people who use it couldn't tell the difference between a Ducati 1098 R and a Yamaha R1 if you took the badging off...hell, you might not even have to do that.

Idiot is a derogatory term used by self important asswipes to belittle those who disagree with them.
Rather than attempting to put me in my place (you can't), a more urbane approach would be to simply point out that you feel the term is derogatory. For the official record, rice rocket is no more derogatory than saying a car is "riced out". It in fact dates back to the first superbikes that were marketed in the US, they were all of Japanese manufacture and "rice rocket" was used because "crotch rocket" had a sexual connotation that was frowned on in polite conversation.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Greenman

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Greenman

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If it's your first bike then you should start out small but that's just me. You don't get a Ferrari or Evo as your first car so I would get something that is not too powerful and heavy until you get used to riding.

A 600cc Honda Shadow definitely fits that bill. 40hp and a bit over 430lbs is definitely first bike material...especially if he has his heart set on a cruiser.

40hp? my 82 GS650 gets 73hp. i guess it's seriously tuned for torque

Text

Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1988 ? present
Class: Custom
Engine: 583 cm³
Power: 39 hp (29 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 49 N·m (5.0 m·kgf, 36 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm
Length: 2,355 mm mm (92.7 in)
Width: 840 mm (33.1 in)
Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Overall height: ? mm (? in)
Curb weight: 199 kg (439 lb)
Similar models: Yamaha Virago 535
Yamaha DragStar 650

Please, let's not do anything to goad budding motorcyclists into buying more powerful bikes. I don't want to see posts about new riders getting killed here. I've seen that enough on some other forums.

It all depends on the bike Jules. I still contend that my 670lb V-Rod is far easier to ride than most 385lb sport bikes. You simply can't compare cruisers and rice rockets, the only thing they have in common is two wheels.
What a beginner needs is a predictable bike, there are plenty of bikes that fit that bill, small and large.

Duh. But as a general rule of thumb a heavy bike or a high powered sport bike are not ideal choices for a new rider. And, I wasn't comparing cruisers to sport bikes, I was stating that the bikes the OP is looking at would make decent first bikes.

You can contend all you want. I haven't ridden a v-rod so I'm not going to comment on whether or not is is a suitable bike for a novice rider.

Oh, and I hate the term rice rocket. It's a derogatory term that idiots use to refer to a Japanese supersport motorcycle or sport bikes in general. I bet half the people who use it couldn't tell the difference between a Ducati 1098 R and a Yamaha R1 if you took the badging off...hell, you might not even have to do that.

Idiot is a derogatory term used by self important asswipes to belittle those who disagree with them.
Rather than attempting to put me in my place (you can't), a more urbane approach would be to simply point out that you feel the term is derogatory. For the official record, rice rocket is no more derogatory than saying a car is "riced out". It in fact dates back to the first superbikes that were marketed in the US, they were all of Japanese manufacture and "rice rocket" was used because "crotch rocket" had a sexual connotation that was frowned on in polite conversation.

Look, I have no problem with you personally, perhaps you just had a bit of a lapse of reason...hell, I've had a few myself. We're human after all. I do think people who use that term are idiots though so feel free to use it at your own peril, just don't try to rationalize it with some lame bullshit excuse mkay?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Jules, Greenman, let's keep the thread on-topic. If you want to bicker, do it elsewhere.

Zenmervolt - AnandTech Garage Moderator