Buying a used motorcycle can be a cost-effective way of acquiring a bike, but you need to know exactly what you're spending your money on. It's crucial to carry out comprehensive checks before committing to a purchase, but many inexperienced buyers will worry about overlooking something important or making unreasonable requests. Besides, checking a used bike for the first time can be daunting, especially if the seller is watching over you.

In much the same way that someone may need to learn how to sell a motorcycle, you need to learn how to buy a motorcycle, and this is especially necessary when dealing with used bikes. Here, we break down how to check a used motorcycle before buying, including the steps to go through, the red flags to look out for and when to walk away.

What to Bring When Inspecting a Used Motorcycle

You can reduce a lot of the stress associated with checking a used motorcycle by making sure you take the right equipment with you. Don't allow a seller to deter you from using your tools to carry out a close inspection. Any reputable and reasonable seller will understand why you want to check a bike properly before buying it.

When you go to check the used bike you're interested in, you'll need to take the following:

• Camera

• Torch

• Notepad and pen

• A copy of the advertisement, if applicable

• Disposable gloves

• Voltmeter or multimeter

The torch will enable you to see all parts of the bike clearly, while a notepad will allow you to make notes on what you find. Having the advertisement available can help you compare what you see to what was advertised. Disposable gloves are essential because you're potentially going to get oil and dirt on your hands, while having either a voltmeter or a multimeter will allow you to fully check the condition of the motorcycle's battery.

You may be able to simplify this list by taking a smartphone with a camera, torch and notes app built in. With this approach, you can also take a screenshot of the advertisement, rather than relying on a paper printout.

If you're going to take the bike on a test ride, you'll need some other items too, which we'll cover later.

It's also never a bad idea to take a second person with you, especially if you know someone who understands motorcycles or has previous experience buying a used vehicle. A second pair of eyes could help you to spot red flags that you might otherwise miss, and they can also give you a better sense of whether the seller seems trustworthy.

Start With the Paperwork

The paperwork is the best place to start when checking a used motorcycle, because if there are issues in this area, you can immediately walk away before checking anything else. Starting with the paperwork will help you to avoid purchasing a stolen bike, a bike that has a suspicious history, or a bike with disputed ownership.

Carefully go over all of the paperwork, including the V5 or V5C logbook (known in the EU as the vehicle registration certificate). You can use this to confirm that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the number on the engine match what's written on the logbook. It should be noted that certain types of motorcycles, like off-road bikes, may not necessarily have registration documents, but all road bikes should.

Additionally, you should check the service records for the bike. A full service history is ideal, as are receipts for any work done. You can also ask to see MOT certificates (or the local roadworthiness inspection in EU countries), and you should check that the registration plate matches the registration number provided via the paperwork. A reliable seller will be willing to show you all the paperwork you need.

Exterior Inspection: Frame and Bodywork

Once you move on to the physical inspection of the bike, you can begin by looking at the exterior. First, check that the bike matches the description you were given. It should be the same make, model and colour that was advertised, and you should back out if you get a clear sense that the advertisement was intentionally misleading.

Next, take a closer look at the frame and bodywork. Is the paintwork in good condition, or will the bike need a respray? Is there any evidence that the bike has been in an accident? Does the bike look well cared for in general? Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas to see if the bike has been quickly cleaned before you got there or genuinely cared for over time.

Finally, look for general wear and tear to see if this is within acceptable limits. You'd expect a used bike to have physical signs of use, but this needs to be reasonable. Check to see how worn the seat cover is and inspect any plastic elements to ensure there's no visible damage or problems with the connections to the frame.

Engine and Mechanical Checks

Engine and mechanical checks are one of the most crucial parts of buying a used motorcycle, so take particular care here. If you overlook issues in these areas, it can be especially costly in the long run.

First, before you arrive, ask the seller to ensure the engine will be cold by the time you get there. If they run the motorcycle before you arrive and warm up the engine, it'll turn over more easily, and this can give you a false idea of the engine's current condition. You want to be sure it turns over properly from a cold start.

Look out for dark or excessive smoke coming from the exhaust and listen for rattling sounds or other audible indicators of engine problems. Inspect the bike for oil, fuel or coolant leaks and make sure the engine responds smoothly when you test the throttle. In particular, listen for any engine spluttering or unusual sounds.

Suspension, Wheels and Tyres

You should check the bike's suspension, and the easiest way to do this is by sitting on the bike, pushing down firmly on the front forks and bouncing on the seat to check the rear shock. They should return to their natural position smoothly and without any significant noise. The speed and smoothness of the bounce back should also be consistent each time. Listen out for clunking sounds and perform a visual check for signs of oil or rust.

Spin the wheels to make sure they move freely and ensure the chain maintains consistent tension. Carry out a visual inspection of the wheel and look for dents, cracks, deep scratches or other signs of damage. Superficial scratches aren't a major cause of concern, but if wheels are bent or significantly damaged, a repair can be expensive.

You'll also need to check the tyres. These aren't necessarily a deal breaker, as tyres can be replaced, but it's an expense you could do without, and it's important to understand whether replacements are needed. Smooth, even wear on the tyres is fine, but look out for uneven wear and try to drive down the price if a tyre change is required.

Brakes and Chain Condition

One of the most important things to know about motorcycles is that your brakes are your most crucial safety system. Therefore, when buying a used motorcycle, you need to take the time to check that it's working properly.

Check that the brake pads are sufficiently thick, usually at least 2mm, and the brake discs are in good condition, without cracks or other signs of damage. You need to test both the front and rear brakes, ensuring they feel sufficiently firm and smooth to engage. Releasing the brakes should also be smooth, and there should be little or no noise as you do so. You can test this by gently rolling the bike forward, applying the brakes, then releasing again.

You'll also want to check the condition and tension of the drive chain. You can do this by gently pulling it away from the rear sprocket (the toothed wheel) on the right-hand side. It should come to around halfway off the tooth. If the chain comes away further than that, it's too loose and will need to be replaced quickly.

Visually inspect the chain while you're doing this and make sure the links are in good condition and the chain isn't overly worn. Look out for rust and make sure the sprocket teeth aren't bent out of shape.

Electrical System Checks

With the engine running, it's a good idea to run through a checklist of the major electrical systems on the used motorcycle. For instance, make sure all the dashboard indicators are working properly. Test out the indicator lights and hazard lights, then apply the brakes to ensure the brake lights are working properly.

You'll want to pay particular attention to the headlights. Test them on both the low beam and high beam settings and leave the headlights on for a while. If the headlights start to dim, it could be indicative of a battery issue.

Speaking of the battery, you should perform a visual inspection, looking for bulging or physical damage.

Use your voltmeter to test the battery, too. When idle, with the engine off, the battery should ideally read at around 12.6 to 12.8V. If it reads below 12V, it's a sign the battery is weak and needs to be replaced.

After revving the engine, the battery should sit at around 14V. Below 13V suggests a charging issue, and over 15V indicates overcharging. Battery issues don't necessarily mean you need to look elsewhere, but you will need to factor in the cost of replacing it. Again, it's a good idea to try to negotiate a discounted price if you can.

Test Ride Checklist

In an ideal world, you should arrange a test ride, as this will allow you to get a clear sense of how the bike actually feels on the road. This isn't always possible to arrange, but it can make your decision much easier if you do manage to. Speak to the seller about the possibility and try to come to a deal.

If you're able to arrange a test ride, you'll need to take the following items with you:

• Motorcycle driving licence

• Proof of insurance

• Motorcycle helmet

• Bike gloves

• Riding jacket

On the ride itself, make sure you sufficiently test the lights, brakes, gears and suspension. You don't necessarily need to focus on revs too much, so prioritise riding carefully and enjoying a smooth journey.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

When buying a used motorcycle, it's relatively easy to understand some of the red flags to look out for, but when do these red flags become a serious concern, and when do they cross the threshold where you should walk away?

If the seller tries to prevent you from carrying out checks or if the bike doesn't match the description given in the advertisement, back out of the purchase. Similarly, if the paperwork isn't in order, look elsewhere. This includes if the seller doesn't have the logbook in their name or if the details in the logbook don't match the bike.

Some of the obvious physical things to look out for include damaged frames, issues with the electronic systems, or engine issues. If the seller can't or won't provide a service history of the bike, it may not be worth the risk.

Generally, if the bike has been heavily customised and there's no documentation to support this, it's a serious red flag. After all, you may find you have difficulties in the future with local roadworthiness inspections. You should also be wary if the service history is missing details because the seller is claiming to have performed all of the work themselves. Unless they can produce receipts or other forms of proof, it's simply too much of a leap of faith.

Minor red flags may be more acceptable, like worn tyres or a battery that needs to be replaced soon, as long as the price reflects the bike's condition and you're willing to invest the necessary time and money. However, you should walk away if the bike's condition is not reflected in the price or if the total cost is going to become too high.

Final Tips Before Buying a Used Motorcycle

Many people become overly fixated on mileage when buying a used motorcycle. Although it's important to know how much the bike has been used, high mileage isn't necessarily an issue in and of itself. The overall condition of the bike is much more important, and having a full service history matters more than having low mileage on the clock.

Make sure you check everything you want to check, and if the seller refuses permission for something you think is important, proceed with caution. Don't be afraid to walk away if the bike doesn't meet your expectations or if the deal doesn't feel right. Trust your gut instincts and remember there will always be other bikes to check out in future.

Take your time with the checks and don't allow yourself to be rushed into making a decision. You should also ask any questions you have and make sure you receive satisfactory answers before committing to the purchase.

Finally, once you make a decision to buy a used bike, you should take it to be checked by a professional motorcycle mechanic as soon as possible. This helps to address any issues quickly and will give you peace of mind.