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Used Sport Motorcycles: How to Inspect Your Model

Jan. 31 2023 Buying Guide By Horsepower Harley-Davidson®

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If you’re looking to chase thrills and hit top speeds on a budget, then a used sport motorcycle is the perfect option! However, to make sure you’re walking off the lot with a well-cared for model, you’ll first need to give your used sport bike a thorough inspection. For tips on how to inspect a used sport motorcycle, as well as red flags you may want to look out for, be sure to read our article below.

Inspect the Body 

Inspecting the body of your motorcycle will tell you a lot about its overall condition. Dings, scrapes, and chipped paint are all telltale signs of general neglect. Other imperfections, such as damaged seats or rusting chrome, are more obvious indications that a used motorcycle has been misused by a previous owner. 

Oil and Fuel 

Your motorcycle’s oil and fuel are two of its most important fluids. When inspecting your sport bike be sure to pay extra close attention to the oil dipstick and the inside of the fuel tank. If the dipstick comes back with thick dirty oil, or you see small metal filaments in the fluid, it’s a sign your used motorcycle is on its last leg. The same can be said for your fuel tank. If you look inside and notice the fuel is a dark color, contains floating debris, or has a sour or sweet smell, we advise canceling the sale. 

Take it For a Spin

A great way to gauge the condition of your used sport motorcycle is to take it for a test ride. This will not only give you the opportunity to test the brakes, agility, and speed of your model, but take note of any mechanical issues as well. When setting up your test drive be sure to request your model cold. This way you can see for yourself if the motorcycle has any trouble starting, idling, or if it releases any suspicious smoke from the exhaust. 

If you’re located nearby in the city of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, be sure to visit us here at Horsepower Harley-Davidson®! We have a convenient location close by in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and have an amazing inventory of used sport motorcycles for you to choose from.