See the motorcycle before it is warmed up
Ask the seller not to start the motorcycle before you arrive. Cold starting behaviour can reveal battery, fueling, compression and valve-clearance concerns that may disappear once the engine is warm. Also look for smoke, unusual mechanical noise and unstable idle during the first few minutes.
Compare wear with the odometer
Mileage should make sense when compared with brake rotor wear, chain condition, controls, foot pegs and seat condition. Heavy wear on a low-mileage motorcycle deserves closer investigation. Service records and dated parts invoices can help verify how the motorcycle has been maintained.
Look for signs of impact or poor repair
Inspect bar ends, levers, engine covers, exhaust, frame stops and body-panel alignment. Fresh paint or new controls are not automatically a problem, but they should lead to a closer look. Check for bent brackets, damaged fasteners, leaks and repairs that do not match factory workmanship.
Budget for immediate maintenance
Tires, chain and sprockets, brakes, fluids and battery replacement can quickly change the real purchase price. A lower asking price is not necessarily a better deal when several wear items are already due. Use the inspection findings to plan repairs and negotiate with realistic numbers.
Get an independent written report
An on-site pre-purchase inspection provides a neutral mechanical assessment at the seller's location. EZ Performance's $160 inspection includes a professional written report so you can review the motorcycle's condition, likely maintenance needs and major warning signs before deciding.