3 tips so you don't get scammed if you're looking for a used motorcycle

The initiative to look for a second-hand motorcycle can be motivated by different factors, with the price being the essential one.

But there are also others that come into play, such as learning on a bike where you don't care about its condition once you reach your goal.

All of this leads to the same thing: you want a cheap bike that lets you achieve your goals without spending your entire month's salary.

A long-term purchase

However, when your intention is to get that model that has captivated you, to enjoy it with "zero" problems, the situation changes.

This is because you seek maximum reliability for as long as possible... which could end up being your whole life because the situation doesn't allow for a change, not even in the long term.

As is logical, you don't have enough money to go to the dealership and take it home brand new, so you have to search and cross your fingers...

1. Don't believe everything they say

There's an essential rule when you want to buy a used bike, and it's that any story they tell you about it is probably not true.

The reason is very simple: they're usually praises about how its current owner has treated the bike, with a care that not even its own mother has shown it.

As is logical, they'll never say they've changed the oil only when they remembered and that they don't wash it because their hands get dirty.

If the bike is in a condition close to deplorable, there's little to add to this: no matter what the owner says, you're no longer interested.

2. Examine the wear on key parts

There are certain parts that show you the life the bike in question may have had, either by their optimal condition or the opposite.

In the first case, it's a sign of good use, but not always, because it may have been in an accident and had to be repaired.

The contrast between what's "very new" and the rest of the parts that are simply in good condition, will give you a good guideline to follow.

In the second case, for example, some footpegs that are scraped underneath will show you that the owner is a "carbonilla"; also if the brake pads need to be changed after just a few kilometers (km).

3. Watch out for the documentation

There was a time when "chorizos" used to make money with stolen bikes and fake documents. I wouldn't bet a euro that this is only a thing of the past...

To make sure, take a look at the documentation and reject papers where, due to their condition, "the chassis number can't be seen well" or something similar.

In fact, the check you shouldn't overlook is that the VIN number must match the one on the documentation.

Listen to the engine running, especially when cold, and be wary of suspicious sounds coming from a "touched" timing system —a sign of neglect or, worse, abuse. Good luck and go for it.