Having a used bike checked out by a shop
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Tourer
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From: CONUS
Having a used bike checked out by a shop
A current thread is about buying a bike unseen. If I bought one unseen or seen for that matter, I'd want a shop/mechanic take a good look at it. Do a good number of shops out there do that as a service? The ones that do, how accurately can they judge the condition including things like inside the engine (I guess by compression check), transmission, electrical components, structural integrity, etc?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Ohio
A current thread is about buying a bike unseen. If I bought one unseen or seen for that matter, I'd want a shop/mechanic take a good look at it. Do a good number of shops out there do that as a service? The ones that do, how accurately can they judge the condition including things like inside the engine (I guess by compression check), transmission, electrical components, structural integrity, etc?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
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From: SoCal
There's a couple of problems with this. One, even the best shops can't accurately spot all the problems a used bike may have. Next, there's the issue of how much time/money is involved. To do a thorough job will require test rides, measurements, etc. At least an hour or more. And then there's the issue of liability in case the bike doesn't work out or worse somebody gets hurt due to a missed safety issue. For this reason not many shops are anxious to get into the inspection business.
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From: Honah Lee
If you are not mechanical, a good riding mechanic can listen and ride it and pretty much get an idea of the condition.
One thing about Harleys is they are full of roller bearings. They can sound pretty bad after a lot of miles and be OK. Also can be broken and only going to get worst.
They sure are not going to guarantee it.
My guess is most people are selling a bike for a reason and it is because it has problems.
I personally wouldn't buy a used Harley unless you can work on one.
One thing about Harleys is they are full of roller bearings. They can sound pretty bad after a lot of miles and be OK. Also can be broken and only going to get worst.
They sure are not going to guarantee it.
My guess is most people are selling a bike for a reason and it is because it has problems.
I personally wouldn't buy a used Harley unless you can work on one.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Dec 15, 2018 at 03:45 PM.
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Tourer
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From: CONUS
Interesting thing to ponder. I wonder if it is true. Any opinions anyone?
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Tourer
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From: CONUS
I wouldn't have a problem with a used one if its in good shape, even if I had to have an independent shop work on it.
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From: anacoco, la
there are a lot more reasons for people to sell other than the bike has problems. look at all those garage queens out there with low mileage. very few of them are problem bikes, just not ridden for whatever reason. the owner bought it and decided riding wasn't for him, got in on the 'fad' and has since moved on to the next fad, has to have the 'latest and greatest' even though he only rides twice per year, or a myriad of other reasons. even if it isn't a garage queen and gets ridden, maybe the owner just decided he wants a new one.
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Club Member
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From: Syracuse NY
There are tons of indies with good reps. Get some recommendations & make a new friend.
Hell, I got a good recommendation from a neighbor. Unless you got gobs of cash, or feel confident you can ascertain the status of a potential bike purchase, ya gotta do it sometime. Just find one.
Hell, I got a good recommendation from a neighbor. Unless you got gobs of cash, or feel confident you can ascertain the status of a potential bike purchase, ya gotta do it sometime. Just find one.
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From: Central Texas
Good question, would a INDY or a dealership see how much money they can make in a couple of months, when the engine starts tapping, pinging, rattling, or knocking, by telling you, "Hey this is the bike for you, you will love it."