Used Motorcycle Test Riding Guide

Test riding a used motorcycle is almost as important as inspecting it! A test ride can tell you a lot about the state and condition of a used motorcycle, and help you uncover hidden issues you may have missed during your initial inception. To learn how to identify red flags and maintenance issues during a test ride, check out our handy guide below. 

Cold Start

Starting up your engine can tell you a lot about the condition of your used motorcycle. Trouble with the ignition, loud sounds, or dark-colored exhaust smoke are all signs that more serious issues may be going on with your model. When setting up your test ride, be sure to ask your seller for a cold start. 

Shift Gear

While everyone remembers to check their brakes during a motorcycle test ride, many riders forget that they also need to shift gear regularly in order to check the transmission. During your ride, keep an eye out for delayed acceleration after shifting or difficulty moving the gear shift, as it could indicate a serious transmission problem. 

Braking 

Everyone knows that a squealing hissing brake is in bad shape. However, if your model shakes while braking or you hear a loud grinding sound coming from your used motorcycle, this is a sign the brakes are in serious disrepair, and you may want to consider walking away from the sale or renegotiating the price. 

To shop pre-owned motorcycles that are still in great condition, be sure to visit us here at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson®! Our location here in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin offers an enormous selection of top-quality used models for you to browse through, and we’re always happy to serve those nearby in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.