Pre Purchase Motorcycle Inspection Checklist

How to Check a Motorcycle Before Purchase

Buying a used motorcycle can be exciting, but it is very important to inspect the bike properly before making a decision. Some issues can be expensive to repair and may not be obvious at first glance. Below are some important checks to perform before purchasing a motorcycle.

Oil Leaks, Fluid Leaks and Coolant Leaks

• Check carefully for any signs of engine oil leaks, coolant leaks, brake fluid leaks, or any other fluid leaks.
• Do not only inspect the motorcycle from the side. Stand back, get low to the ground and look underneath the motorcycle, as many leaks are hidden under the engine, gearbox, covers, or lower components.
• Fresh wet areas, oil stains, or excessive dirt build-up mixed with oil can indicate an active leak.
• Check the ground where the motorcycle has been parked for any signs of dripping fluids.

Chain and Sprocket Condition

• Inspect the motorcycle chain and sprockets carefully.
• The chain should not be excessively stretched, loose, rusty, or dry.
• A healthy chain should be properly adjusted and well lubricated.
• Check the sprocket teeth. They should not be excessively worn, sharp, hooked, or damaged.
• A worn chain and sprocket set normally needs to be replaced together.

Belt Drive Inspection

• If the motorcycle does not have a chain and uses a belt drive:
• Check the belt carefully for cracks, damage, missing sections, or excessive wear.
• A damaged belt can fail and leave the motorcycle unable to be ridden.

Tyre Condition and Age

• Check the tyre tread depth and overall condition.
• Motorcycle tyres should generally be less than five years old, even if they still have enough tread remaining.
• Old tyres can become hard, lose grip, and affect safety.
• Check for cracking, uneven wear, or damage on the tyre sidewalls.

Brake Pads, Brake Discs and Brake Fluid

• Inspect the brake pads and ensure they have enough material remaining.
• Check the brake discs for excessive wear, deep grooves, cracks, or damage.
• Check the brake fluid level and condition.
• Poorly maintained brake fluid can affect braking performance and safety.

Lights and Electrical Components

• Check all electrical functions, including:
• Headlight
• High beam
• Indicators
• Brake lights
• Horn
• Dashboard lights and warning lights
• Switches and controls

Engine Start and Idle Quality

• Always check the motorcycle during a cold start if possible.
• The engine should start smoothly without excessive cranking.
• Idle should be smooth and consistent.
• Rough idle, shaking, unusual noises, or stalling can indicate mechanical or tuning issues.
• Listen for abnormal engine noises such as knocking, rattling, or ticking sounds.

Clutch Condition

• The clutch should be inspected carefully as replacement can be expensive.
• During the test ride, check for clutch slipping, abnormal feeling, or difficulty engaging gears.
• One way to check clutch strength is selecting second gear and trying to take off while applying throttle.
• A healthy clutch with strong grip may cause the motorcycle to stall because it cannot move easily from second gear.
• A worn clutch may allow the bike to slowly start moving while the clutch slips.
• A burning clutch smell during testing can also indicate excessive clutch wear.

Transmission and Gearbox Performance

• Always test ride the motorcycle where possible.
• Check that all gears engage smoothly.
• There should be no:
• Gear slipping
• Jerking
• Shuddering
• Difficulty selecting gears
• Unusual gearbox noises

Suspension and Steering

• Check the front forks for oil leaks.
• Inspect the rear shock absorber for leaks or weakness.
• The motorcycle should feel stable during riding.
• Check for vibration, pulling to one side, or unstable handling.

Frame and Accident Damage

• Look carefully for signs of previous accidents.
• Check:
• Frame damage
• Bent components
• Different paint colours
• Scratches on engine covers
• Damaged handlebars or levers
• Uneven gaps or poorly repaired panels

Exhaust System

• Check for exhaust leaks, cracks, excessive corrosion, or modifications.
• Listen for abnormal noises.
• Make sure modifications are legal and do not affect roadworthiness.

Service History and Maintenance

• Check available service records.
• Make sure important maintenance has been completed.
• Poor maintenance can significantly reduce the life of the engine, transmission, and other components.

Final Recommendation

A motorcycle may look clean from the outside, but hidden mechanical issues can be expensive to repair. Always take your time, inspect the bike properly, complete a test ride where possible, and consider a professional motorcycle inspection before purchasing.