I understand this is a Harley-Davidson forum, but I have a general motorcycle question. My 23 year old son has decided he wants a motorcycle. He is looking at entry level bikes and really likes some of the Honda Sport/Adventure bikes (CB300F model). He found a used bike in our area for $1500. Son couldn't make out the model of bike while driving past. When he called the number on the for sale sign, the husband wasn't available but the wife said she knew it has 25,000 miles on it and that her husband owned it for at least 5-6 years. Wife said her husband rode it daily but got a job promotion in April that came with a company vehicle and much more out of town travel. She was not sure of the year or make of the motorcycle. The inspection sticker expired 5/14. She said she didn't know of any reason it wouldn't pass inspection, but since husband's promotion, it has been sitting in garage. Son is going to check it out in person in a couple of days. Here's what I'd like to know:

1. How many miles is too many on a used bike?

2. What type of questions do/would you normally ask when buying a used bike?

 

Well, there is no exact number as "too many" miles. I rather worry about bike's condition and how safe it is to ride. If neither of you have much experience riding bikes I suggest you have it inspected by someone who does.
Ask what work he has done on the engine if any,, accidents, did he buy it new, does he know the whole history of the bike...
Sport bikes are not good entry level bikes, again, at this point worry more about the safety of your son than the miles on the bike. How much experience does he have?

 

Thanks for the reply. Son recently passed the Motorcycle Safety Course offered thru DMV. I got a good laugh when he said the instructor told them they are now qualified to operate motorcycles in an empty parking lot. He's ridden dirt/off road bikes most of his life. The Adventure/Sport bikes he's looked at seem to be more Cruiser than Sport bike to me. I think it's the look more than the performance he's attracted to at this point.

 

What year is the bike? 25k is not high miles and not low miles, specially for Hondas. I regularly see my coworkers with commuter bikes and most have over 40k miles. Find more info about the bike and let us know how it goes.

You yourself have license? something telling me you gonna spend some time on the bike yourself :^)

 

I have had my motorcyle license since 2007. I own a 1999 Sportster (1st and only bike) that I purchased used from a co-worker. My bike has just under 15,000 miles. My son calls me a fair weather rider and I must admit I try my best not to get caught in the rain or any temps below 45. I have changed the oil when needed but that would be the extent of my "wrenching" on a bike. Any other maintenance/repairs are done at the shop.