What to Know When Buying a Used Motorcycle

Buying used can be one of the best ways to get a killer deal on your first or next bike – or it can turn into a money pit if you don’t know what to look for. Whether you’re shopping online, trading with a friend, or eyeing something that’s been sitting in a garage for years, here’s what you should know before you hand over the cash (and what Fastback Moto can do to help). 

When is the Best Time to Buy a Used Bike?

• Late fall through winter is prime time. Sellers don’t want to store their bikes over winter, so prices drop.
• Spring brings the highest demand which usually leads to higher prices.
• If you’re after a rare model or specific setup, watch listings year-round, but bring cash when the cold weather hits. That’s when deals show up.

Best Types of Bikes to Buy Used

Some bikes handle aging better than others: 

Japanese standards and cruisers (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki).

• Reliable, easy to find parts for, and often well-maintained. 

Dual sports and ADV bikes.

• Built tough; even high-mileage examples can have life left if they were properly serviced.

Vintage Bikes:

• These bikes are a lucky find as long as you understand you are buying a project, not just a basic transportation. 

Over eager sellers

• If they won’t let you closely inspect the bike there is a chance there is something wrong that they don’t want you to see.

Bottom Line: 

Take your time and do your own research. Or you can call your local motorcycle shop (Fastback Moto) and they can help you make an informed decision! 

What to Check Before You Buy

Here’s your quick pre-purchase checklist:

Visual Inspection

☐ VIN number matches the title
☐ No frame cracks or welds
☐ Tires in good shape and date codes within 5 years
☐ Chain and sprockets not rusty or hooked
☐ Levers, pegs, and bar ends not freshly replaced (could hide crash damage)
☐ Brake pads and rotors not excessively worn

Mechanical Basics

☐ Oil level and condition
☐ Coolant not milky or low
☐ No smoke from the exhaust (blue = oil, white = coolant, black = fuel)
☐ Starts easily, idles smooth
☐ No knocking or rattling sounds
☐ Clutch engages smoothly

Electrical

☐ All lights, horn, turn signals, and dash indicators work
☐ Battery voltage above 12.5V before starting
☐ Charging system holds around 13.5–14.5V at idle

When to Call a Mechanic

There’s only so much you can check without a lift or experience. Here’s where Fastback Moto steps in:

• Compression and leak-down tests (engine health check)
• Charging system diagnostics
• Valve clearance inspection
• Frame alignment and steering head bearing inspection
• Brake fluid, fork seals, and suspension checks

We offer pre-purchase inspections that take the guesswork out of it. Bring the bike to us (or have the seller meet you here), and we’ll tell you exactly what it’s worth, what it needs, and whether it’s worth investing in. Sometimes a bike looks like a deal — until you find out it needs $2,000 -$ $4,000 in maintenance and repairs.

If You Already Bought It

Don’t panic, we’ve all been there. Bring it by for a baseline service and inspection. We’ll go through it front to back, get it safe, and give you a prioritized list of what’s urgent versus what can wait.

Buying used can save you a ton of money, but there’s just as much risk that it could cost you even more if you skip the due diligence. Whether this is your first bike or your tenth, we are here to help make sure you’re getting the real deal, not a money pit.