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The test drive is the most convincing part of the whole bike shopping process, and this is true regardless if you shop for new or used motorcycles. During the test you should be able to tell how comfortable you are with the bike design and with the performance of the motorcycle. Used motorcycles can give away their problem spots during the test drive, yet, you should not overlook the technical inspection either. The condition of the frame is absolutely essential to prevent the potential safety hazards. Any bike that has the tiniest hairlike crack in the frame is a big NO-NO.

Used motorcycles that have any type of frame damage such as kinks, fractures or dents are out of the question, and no matter how appealing the price may be, you should never buy such bikes. The seat and the accessories can hide some of the problems in the frame, and it is of paramount importance that you check those too. If some frame portions are too dark to see, you’d better get a flashlight to explore those really well.

Used motorcycles that have been well maintained will have good chains. A neglected chain can be a lot of trouble for a bike, not to mention the safety hazard that it poses for the ride. Look for corrosion stains and the flexibility of the chain by pulling at the chain. Test all the chain sections by moving the bike around.

The battery leads should also be checked when shopping for used motorcycles. If the battery leads are clean it means that the bike has been properly maintained. Yet, check for corrosion signs, if there are none, that’s a really good sign.

Tires and how they are worn off revealed a lot to a trained eye. The wear should be evenly distributed; it’s not a good sign if it is more obvious on one side alone. Check the tread patterns in the tires too, although that can be done only if the tires are well inflated. If you haven’t inspected used motorcycles before, maybe you should take a mechanic or a connoisseur with you for help.

The steering head and the suspension also need special attention when considering the purchase of used motorcycles. Sit on the bike, compress the fork and see how it resists and rebounds, press the brakes and see how they react. When inspecting the forks check for irregularities on the surface and for oil leakage.

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