If you're an adrenaline junkie and enjoy going fast, purchasing a motorcycle is a must. These bikes are capable of incredible things on the road. They can get expensive, though, making it sometimes necessary to buy used. Here's how you can get a great motorcycle, even if it's not fresh off the lot.
Choose a Particular Model
There are many different types of motorcycles you can buy today. Each one is broken down into a broad category that includes: standard, sports, touring, cruiser, and off-road. If your only concern is speed, sports bikes are the way to go. They are made with aerodynamic bodies and lightweight parts that maximize performance.
However, if you plan on simply driving long distances, a touring model will suffice. These bikes are built with extremely comfortable seats and parts designed to last a long time. Their large-displacement engines also provide plenty of wind and weather protection.
Standard bikes are generally recommended for general-purpose riding. Featuring an upright position, these bikes are great for beginners.
Inspect the Parts
There are a lot of technical parts to keep an eye on while inspecting a used motorcycle. Ideally, you want them to be in good condition so that a costly repair isn't waiting just around the corner. You also need to research parts to make sure they're readily available and not expensive to repair.
Some parts to inspect in-depth include intake tubes, throttle cable, clutch cable, engine, transmission, handle grips, brake pads, and tires. If there are simply cosmetic issues with these parts and performance is not affected, you should continue negotiations with the seller.
Check the Oil Levels
If you're testing a used bike that hasn't been driven a lot in the past several years, you need to check the oil levels before taking it for a test drive. Otherwise, you risk overheating the engine and doing irreparable damage to other important parts.
Take out the oil dipstick, seeing where the oil levels fall. If they're below the full line, you'll need to add more oil that's the same grade as the previously used oil. Also check the oil's consistency when inspecting the levels. If it has a sludge-like consistency, you'll need to flush the oil completely to prevent costly damage.
Owning a motorcycle is an incredible honor and can lead to all sorts of adventures. Make sure you're ready to tackle them full steam ahead by carefully considering your used bike options. Companies like Rancho Chevy & Cycle can assist with the process.
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