Inspecting a Used Motorcycle

Choosing to purchase a used motorcycle can be a very wise decision for many reasons. Our team at J&L Harley-Davidson® has a great selection of pre-owned options and we’d love to help you find the perfect motorcycle! However, we always recommend completing an inspection before finalizing your purchase.

1. Right Timing

The first piece of advice we can give you is to complete your inspection at the right time. This may mean a certain time of year, but more specifically it means completing an inspection before it’s been started, while it’s running, and after it’s been turned off. 

Completing an inspection at each of these points will give you the best overall picture of the motorcycle’s condition and give you an opportunity to catch any concerns. 

2. Seek Advice

If you’re comfortable completing the inspection on your own, that’s great, but it never hurts to ask a trusted and knowledgeable friend to help you. A second set of eyes can identify more concerns and can give a different perspective than your own. 

3. Check Details

As you complete an inspection on a used motorcycle, you’ll want to be thorough and pay special attention to the small details. Take a look at the tires, components, electrical systems, and frame. It is also useful to gather as much information as possible about the history of the motorcycle. Try to find out how it was used, how often it was used, how it was stored, and where it was located. 

Shopping for a used motorcycle can be a great experience, especially if you take the time to complete a thorough inspection. Visit us in Sioux Falls, SD, to view our current inventory. We serve the Watertown and Brookings areas.