I've been thinking about a second bike for a little while now...and now I'm thinking I should get a used one.

If you're going to get a used motorcycle, you should get the best one you can.

Yeah. But, I'm not sure what I should look out for when picking my bike.

Then let's talk about what you should know when choosing a used motorcycle!

1.Basic Knowledge for Choosing a Used Motorcycle

The first thing you need to do is make sure the bike has a proper maintenance record.
Check with shop staff to see if maintenance notes or other important information will be provided.

I guess this is proof that the previous owner properly maintained the motorcycle in accordance with maintenance intervals.

Maintenance Record

That’s right. If you are going to buy a used bike, you want to buy one that has been well maintained and cared for by the previous owner.

2.Engine

The shorter the mileage, the better, but are there any other points to look at?

The main points to look at regarding the engine are below.
These are just a few examples, so if you have any other questions, please ask shop staff. If possible, ask them to run the engine again to check for any abnormalities.

Are there any oil leaks/seepage?
(Check both with and without the engine running)

Does the engine start on the first try?

Are there any strange engine sounds?

  • Clattering
  • Rattling
  • Clanging
  • Knocking and other sounds

Is the engine stable (steady RPMs) when idling?
Does it have the right idling RPMs?
(Refer to the owner's manual for model-specific idling RPMs.)

Motopub

Owner’s Manual, Parts Catalogue, and others are here

Even a low-mileage engine could have something wrong with it, so make sure you check it thoroughly.

3.Chassis Parts

Next up are the undercarriage parts, like the tires and front fork.

Are the tires worn down past their limit?

Is there oil seeping onto the front fork when the front fork is pushed in?

Are the tires' manufacture dates too old?
(Tires deteriorate over time, so we do not recommend tires that are more than five years old, even if the grooves are in good condition)

4.Body Parts

The main points to look at for body parts are as follows.

Is there rust in the fuel tank?
(Fuel left in the fuel tank for a long period of time may corrode and cause rust in the tank. Rust can cause engine problems.)

Is there any damage or denting on the fuel tank?
(This may indicate a history of the bike losing balance and falling)

When the handlebars are swung left and right, is the motion balanced?

Grip end damage

Is there any bending/damage in the brake or clutch levers, or any damage on the handlebar grip ends?
(This may indicate a history of the bike losing balance and falling)

Is there any damage to the step?
(This may indicate a history of the bike losing balance and falling)

Is there any exterior damage?
(This may indicate a history of the bike losing balance and falling)

It looks like checking body parts for issues can sometimes identify if a bike has a history of falls.

This is something you should also keep in mind, even if you find a cheap bike with low mileage.

5.Summary

As you saw in this article, there are various points to keep in mind when selecting a used motorcycle (these will form just one factor in making your decision). Generally speaking, a used motorcycle sold by an authorized Honda dealer will be satisfactory in these areas, but it would be a good idea to remember what you learned in this article anyway. 

It seems like I wouldn't have to worry even about an older motorcycle if it was well maintained and didn't have any issues related to these points.

If possible, test ride the bike yourself to make sure there are no abnormalities, but above all, choose a bike that has been properly maintained!

Enjoy your life with safe riding!

Motopub

Owner’s Manual, Parts Catalogue, and others are here

Plus ONE

What is Motopub?
How to Use it and Contents Guide

Maintenance

Does your motorcycle get periodic maintenance?

Official YouTube Channel

Playlist of “Learn Maintenance”.
Please click on the link below to watch it!