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Buying a used bike is easily the smartest way to get on two wheels. New bikes take a big depreciation hit the second they leave the lot, and a clean, well-kept used bike gives you most of the fun for a lot less money.

The catch is that you have to know what you’re looking at. A fresh coat of wax can hide plenty. We look at a lot of used motorcycles every week, and this is the same checklist we’d hand a friend before they went to look at a bike.

Before you even go look at it

1. Ask for the VIN up front. If a seller won’t give it to you, walk away. Run it through a history report so you can check for salvage titles, theft records, and odometer problems.

2. Ask why they’re selling. You’re listening for a real answer, like “I’m moving,” “I had a kid,” or “I’m upgrading.” When the answer is vague, it’s usually because something about the bike is too.

3. Ask to see it cold. Tell them not to start it before you get there. A cold start shows you how the bike really runs, while a warm engine can cover up starting problems and some noises.

The walk-around

4. Look for crash damage. Check the bar ends, levers, footpegs, mirrors, and the edges of the fairings. Scrapes on one side usually mean the bike went down. Mismatched or brand-new plastics on an older bike are worth asking about too.

5. Check the frame and forks. Look closely at the frame near the steering head and the swingarm for cracks, welds, or bent sections. Stand in front of the bike and make sure the forks look straight and line up with the bars.

6. Inspect the fork seals. If you see oil on the fork tubes or a greasy ring of dirt, the seals are leaking. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’ll cost you, so knock it off the price.

7. Check the tires. Look at the tread depth, and look for cracking in the sidewalls. Every tire has a four-digit date code on it (for example, 2219 means the 22nd week of 2019). Tires older than about five years should be replaced even if they look fine.

8. Look at the chain and sprockets. Hooked or pointy sprocket teeth and a chain with tight spots both mean you’ll be buying a new set soon. Grab the chain at the back of the rear sprocket and pull it. If it lifts far off the teeth, it’s worn.

9. Check the brakes. Look at the pad thickness and run a finger over the rotors to feel for deep grooves or a lip around the edge. The brake fluid in the reservoir should look clear or light amber. Dark fluid means it hasn’t been serviced in a while.

Fire it up

10. Do the cold start. It should start without a lot of drama. Listen for knocking, ticking, or rattling that doesn’t settle down once the engine warms up.

11. Look at the exhaust. Blue smoke means it’s burning oil. White smoke that sticks around after warm-up can point to coolant problems. A little vapor on a cold morning is normal.

12. Check for leaks. After it runs for a few minutes, look under the engine and around the gaskets. Fresh oil anywhere it shouldn’t be is a red flag.

13. Test every switch. That means the headlight, high beam, turn signals, horn, brake light (from both the lever and the pedal), and the gauges. Electrical gremlins are annoying to chase down.

Paperwork

14. Match the title to the bike. The VIN on the title has to match the VIN on the frame. The seller’s name should be on the title, and you shouldn’t see any liens unless there’s a plan to clear them. In California, a missing or “lost” title is a big headache with the DMV, so don’t skip this step.

15. Ask for service records. Receipts for oil changes, valve adjustments, and tires tell you the owner actually cared about the bike. A thick folder of paperwork is a great sign.

Private seller or dealer?

You can absolutely find good deals on Craigslist or Marketplace. You just carry all the risk yourself. There’s no inspection, no financing, and no one to call if something goes wrong a week later.

Buying from a dealer like AK Motors takes a lot of that guesswork off your plate:

• Every bike gets a full safety inspection before it’s sold.
• We offer financing for all credit types, so you aren’t stuck paying cash.
• We handle the DMV paperwork, so there’s no title drama.
• You have choices. There are over 300 bikes in our showroom, from beginner favorites like the Ninja 300, CBR500R, and Yamaha R3 to liter bikes like the R1, ZX-10R, and BMW S1000RR.

If you’re trading in, we can buy your current bike on the spot too.

Shopping for a used motorcycle in San Diego?

Bring this checklist with you and put us to the test. Browse our current inventory online, then come see the bikes in person at our El Cajon showroom. We’re a short drive from Chula Vista, La Mesa, Santee, Escondido, and the rest of San Diego County. We also deliver nationwide if you’re out of town.

AK Motors
1244 Greenfield Dr, El Cajon, CA 92021
619-550-4419 | info@akmotorcycles.com
Open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM