The Guide to Inspecting a Salvage Motorcycle, Before Buying it

Buying a salvage motorcycle could be smart way of saving money, provided you know the rules of the purchase game. There are several reputable websites offering salvage motorcycle for sale
in Florida, San Diego, Los Angeles, etc., but choosing one of the thousands of models is not an easy task. Judging the condition of the motorcycle merely by looking at it isn’t easy, whether you are a first-timer or have experience of buying used vehicles. As they say, “looks can be deceptive”, so regardless of how sturdy and strong the salvage motorcycle looks, it could be a bad investment. Let’s look at a few things to consider when inspecting the motorcycle.

Inspect the Frame

Remember that even a small crack on the frame of the motorcycle could be a safety hazard. Apart from the frame, you should also inspect the motorcycle for weld tears, dents and kinks. You should also remove the seat and other detachable parts of the motorcycle for a thorough inspection.

Check the Chain

If the owner of the motorcycle takes care of the chain, it will last for a long time. A badly maintained chain, on the other hand could cripple a bike and become threat to the safety of the rider. You should look for signs of corrosion on the chain and push and pull its section to check for flexibility. The ideal way of inspecting the entire chain is by moving the bike forward and backward.

Pay Attention to Battery and Tyres

A clean battery lead means the bike was used regularly by the owner. Look for signs of corrosion in the battery, and if there ain’t any, you are probably getting a good deal. The wear on the tyre should not be focused on one side. Check the wet traction of the tyre by putting a coin inside the tread to measure its depth. If the coin doesn’t go deep, the tyre is in good condition.

Last Few Words

Once you are done with inspecting the individual components of the motorcycle, sit on it, clutch the front brake and compress the forks. If the response is firm and the components rebound to the starting point, this is an indication of the motorcycle being in good condition. You should also check the forks for oil leak and surface irregularity. The last thing to do is to make a list of possible damage and need for repair in the motorcycle to calculate the approximate amount you will be spending on improving the condition of the vehicle. Make sure to go
through all these steps and do a price estimation before finally bidding for the motorcycle.