Motorcycle Buying Checklist

If you are considering buying a motorcycle out of state and having it shipped there are many questions to ask the seller prior to the actual purchase. In addition to motorcycle shipping expertise, our staff has a great deal of experience buying and selling motorcycles out of state. We have compiled a motorcycle buying checklist to ask the seller regarding the condition of the vehicle prior to purchase and prior to lining up a motorcycle shipper to handle the shipment of the motorcycle.

Prior to purchasing a motorcycle, one of the most important tips for buying a motorcycle is to ask the seller for detailed photos of the motorcycle. That will give you a visual assessment of the vehicle. After you have the photo’s contact the seller and discuss the list of questions noted below on this motorcycle buying checklist.

1. Does the vehicle have any cosmetic damage?
2. Has any cosmetic repairs been done to the vehicle?
3. Are there any mechanical problems with the vehicle?
4. Has there been any mechanical repairs done to the vehicle?
5. Is there any periodic maintenance needed on the vehicle?
6. Are there any missing or damaged parts on the vehicle?
7. Is there any rust or corrosion on the vehicle?
8. Do all the mechanical and electrical systems working properly?
9. What is the condition of the tires, brakes and battery?
10. Are there any aftermarket parts on the vehicle?
11. If there are aftermarket parts on the vehicle, are the original parts included in the sale?
12. Are the gauges in proper working order?
13. Is the title clean and clear?
14. Ask for a copy of the front and back of the title.
15. Is the vehicle in running/rolling/riding condition?
16. How many keys come with the vehicle?
17. Are there any spare items that come with the vehicle?
18. Is there a helmet and/or riding gear that comes with the vehicle?
19. How long has the seller owned the vehicle?
20. Does the vehicle leak any fluids?

Document the seller’s response to each question. If possible, try to have the seller take the vehicle to a local motorcycle shop for independent assessment of the vehicle. Contact the service department at the shop and go over all these used motorcycle checklist questions with the shop personnel also. If there are any problem areas with the vehicle you can attempt to renegotiate the deal with the seller prior to purchasing the vehicle and lining up a motorcycle moving company. See if the seller will allow the motorcycle transport company you select to pick up the vehicle at the motorcycle shop.

To reiterate, when contacting a local motorcycle shop,we recommend talking to the service department staff about inspecting the bike and or storing the bike for you. If the motorcycle shop wants to charge you a fee to inspect the bike and or store the bike until the shipping company can pick it up, we have some advice for you as follows. We recommend that you have the shop do some minor maintenance on the bike such as an oil change and many times if you do that shops will not charge an extra fee to inspect the bike and or store the bike until the shipper can pick it up.