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Checklist for Inspecting a Used Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle

Jan. 21 2020 Miscellaneous By ___

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Harley-Davidson motorcycles are built to last, which is why so many people seek out used H-D models. These motorcycles are offered at a much lower price than their new counterparts, but still have plenty of years left in them. But not all used models are a steal of a deal. You'll need to do some research to ensure you find a quality Harley-Davidson motorcycle. That's why we created the following checklist to assist you when you inspect a potential purchase. It'll help you catch red flag issues that could cost a fortune in repairs down the road. Visit St. Charles Harley-Davidson when you are ready to explore motorcycles for sale near St. Charles, Missouri. We are a Harley-Davidson dealer that also proudly serves those in St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri.

The Body of the Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are built to stand out on the road. Dents and scratches do more than hurt the bike’s looks. They can indicate a previous accident or other issues, which could mean there is also internal damage.

Do the following checks:

  • Fuel tank: you want an untouched paint coat free of flakes.
  • Fenders and side covers: you want them to be free of dents.
  • Seat: you want it free from tears or collapsed foam.
  • Chrome: you want it free of rust.

The Engine

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their iconic engine growl, announcing to the world your presence. You’ll want to start up the bike and take it for a test drive to ensure the engine is in good shape.

Pay attention to the following engine aspects:

  • Engine smoke: be concerned if you see heavy or odd-colored smoke (such as blue or deep black).
  • Engine sound: be concerned if you hear odd rattles or rumbles.
  • Exhaust: there shouldn’t be any leaks or damage.
  • Transmission: it shouldn’t jump out of gear at all during your test drive.
  • Clutch: it shouldn’t slip or drag on your test drive.

The Electronics

Next, check that all the electrical systems on the Harley-Davidson motorcycle work fine. 

You will want to test the following areas:

  • Lights: check the signal and brake lights as well as the high and low beams.
  • Battery: make sure it starts up without issues.
  • Any added accessories: Harley-Davidson motorcycles are well-known for their ease of customization, but make sure the past owner installed any upgrades correctly.

The Tires

Tires are an often overlooked part of an inspection, but they are an important part of your riding experience.

You’ll want to check the following areas:

  • Tires: make sure they are free of dry rot and have plenty of tread left.
  • Wheels: look for any dents. Then spin the wheel and see if you notice any wobbling.
  • Spokes: hit each one with a screwdriver handle. It should create a “ping” sound, which indicates a tight spoke. A flat sound indicates a loose one.
  • Chain: it should be well-lubricated and be adjusted well.
  • Belt: it should be free of issues, such as cuts or abrasion.

We hope you found our checklist helpful. Head over to St. Charles Harley-Davidson when you are ready to shop Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale. Our friendly staff can help you find the right model for your needs, so stop by and visit us today. We are a Harley-Davidson dealer located in St. Charles, Missouri, and we also proudly serve those in St. Louis and St. Peters.