If you're not quite ready to buy a new motorcycle, getting a used one is a great option. Before you decide on a used ride, be sure you know what to look for when giving it an inspection.

What to Look for in a Used Motorcycle

If you've been wanting to buy a motorcycle for a while but don't have the funds for a brand new one, getting a used one is a great option. Just like when buying a used car, you'll just have to make sure you're getting a good deal. To ensure the motorcycle you're considering is a good option, use these tips when checking it out.

Will You Buy from a Dealer or Private Seller?

As you start your search for the perfect used motorcycle, you'll likely come across quite a few options. Some of these may come from a dealership while others will be from private sellers. Both can be good options, but it's important that you understand the pros and cons of each. A dealership can often prove to be a safer option because you can be sure you won't be purchasing a stolen bike and the motorcycle won't be a lemon. On the other hand, this is also a pricier option. A cheaper alternative is buying from a private seller. This, however, can also be riskier. There won't be any guarantees when it comes to the bike's condition, so your purchase can be a real gamble. If you decide to go this route, be sure to ask for the motorcycle's service records and look at the VIN number, license plate number, and the title to ensure the motorcycle isn't stolen.

Inspect a Cold Bike

If you've found a motorcycle you're interested in and are making plans to go see it in person, ask the seller to ensure it's completely cold before you head over. This may sound like an odd request, but inspecting a cold motorcycle will be more telling. If the engine has been warmed up, it will be much easier to start the bike without any issues, but this may not be the case when the engine hasn't been warmed up. To get a much more realistic view of the condition of it, the engine must be cold.

Check the Engine

Building on the last point, one of the first things you should check on is the bike's engine. If the engine isn't in good condition, it can give you tons of trouble in the future. A bad engine isn't worth the work and money it will cost you down the line. To get a better idea of what state it's in, turn on the motorcycle and listen for any strange sounds. If the engine has trouble turning on during a cold start or if it makes loud noises during its first minute of operation, you may have some issues. If possible, take the bike for a test ride and listen to the engine and pay attention to how smooth it rides. Click here to buy AMSOIL's 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil! Using a synthetic oil like this one can help keep your motorcycle running stronger for longer. To find even more great products like this, contact the oil pros at AMSOIL Dealer-Carol Bell. You can give them a call at (512) 658-0357 to get the personalized service you need. You can also check out the online store for more products your motorcycle will love.

Inspect the Frame

Another thing to take a closer look at is the motorcycle's frame. Of course, you want to be sure everything is sitting straight and looks well-taken care of. Keep an eye out for scratches, dents, scrapes, cracks, and other signs of stress on the body. It also helps to look at how clean the bike is. Most sellers will give it a quick wash before showing it, but this doesn't mean it was well taken care of through the years. Look for signs that it wasn't maintained, such as crusty spots or dirt in harder to reach areas. This will indicate that the seller only gave it a quick wash and didn't clean it that often or that well.

Give Your Motorcycle a Synthetic Oil Change in Austin, TX

Once you have a mmotorcycle you love, be sure to keep its engine running well with the help of a synthetic oil change in Austin. Using synthetic oil can help the engine stay cleaner and perform with minimal strain for longer. To learn more about why using synthetic oil is so important, contact the experts at AMSOIL Dealer-Carol Bell by calling (512) 658-0357.