Buying a used superbike can be tricky, however, with the right knowledge, one can master the art in no time. Many stay away from the used space primarily because they don’t want to end up with a lemon — a troublesome bike that will become a money pit. However, there are a few ways that can bring you on top of the game when looking for a superbike and here they are.
Buying a used superbike — Look for the red flags
Look out for red flags. Ask to see the bike in person, and when there, ask to see the paperwork and check the number of previous owners. Then, inspect the bike — check the condition of the tyres, the body panels and plastics, and the edges of the brake and clutch levers and the handlebar. If anything unusual catches your eye, ask the seller. If any of the details are denied, these are red flags.
Also, check online if there are any pending charges on the motorcycle. If there are ignorable ones, no issues, but ask the seller to clear them before paying any money for the bike. Run a thorough check of the engine bay to spot blown gaskets. Observe the motorcycle because a well-maintained one is usually kept clean.
Buying a used superbike — Service records
Anyone can say the motorcycle was either serviced regularly or recently. However, ask for service records. Genuine sellers will have it even if the motorcycle is being maintained by outside and not in the company. This is totally fine, but there needs to be supporting documents. If they refuse, always call the official dealership to see if there are any service records of the motorcycle.
The final step is to inspect it mechanically — this can be done by yourself if you have the experience, or take a mechanic with you who you trust. If that’s not possible, ask your friend’s circle to see if anyone has the knowledge and take them along. If the seller is not offering a test ride, walk away. If all goes smoothly, take a test ride and finalise your buy. Just remember to transfer the ownership details as soon as possible.