Boston Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Blog

Buying a new motorcycle, whether it is a new or a used bike, is very exciting. But there is much more involved with buying a used bike than people think. In this last post of our two-part used motorcycle purchase blog series, we offer the remaining used bike buying guidelines from the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) to help you make the best decision for your used motorcycle purchase:

1. Check steering head lock. Make sure it works, but also check for damage, excessive wear, or recent replacement. If it was repaired or replaced it may have been stolen at some point.
2. Test for excessive bearing play. Ask the seller to place the bike on a centerstand and tug front to back on the fork tubes while feeling for play in the steering head and well as movement in the wheels and in the swingarm. Any play is a safety hazard.
3. Check fluid levels. Dirty oil, discolored brake fluid, and low coolant levels are bad signs.
4. Examine air filter. Make sure it is clean and installed properly.
5. Operate controls. Test the clutch, brakes, gear shifts, turn signals, horn, etc.
6. Start the bike. You may not get a test run, but at least start the bike and keep your eyes, ears, and nose out for any oddities.
7. Negotiate. Always try to get a better deal. Anything you found wrong can be used as a negotiation point. Also, if the bike has extras you don’t want, you can try to get them removed and the price dropped.
8. No going back. Make sure it is the bike you want. Perhaps after inspecting it, you feel let down or you are no longer sure you want that model. Regardless, don’t pay unless you’re sure.

The dedicated Boston motorcycle lawyers and devoted motorcycle enthusiasts at the Kiley Law Group understand the excitement of buying a motorcycle and taking it out on the road, whether it is new or used or whether it is your first bike or your third. Unfortunately, many motorists do not share this sentiment and often don’t even pay attention to motorcycles when they are present.

When to Contact a Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a Massachusetts motorcycle accident as the result of another driver’s negligent or reckless actions, you may be entitled to pursue compensation in civil court. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact the Kiley Law Group today at (888) 208-1695 for a free legal evaluation.

Of course everyone would love to buy a shiny new motorcycle, but that isn’t always financially possible, so many opt for purchasing a used bike. This is easier said than done, however; if you want to buy a used bike the right way that is. There are many potential problems with a used bike that can cause major issues for you in the future, even causing an injury accident. In this two-part blog series, we will be providing helpful information.

In order to help consumers avoid overlooking something potentially dangerous or hazardous when shopping around for a used motorcycle, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) provides the following Used-Bike Buying Checklist:

1. Do the research. Don’t just find a bike that looks good and purchase it. Read reviews, visit discussion forums, and read articles to find the right bike and avoid the wrong one.
2. Check on the VIN. Call your insurance company, the bike manufacturer, and even state authorities to make sure there are no recalls or fishy business going on with the bike.
3. Match the VINs. The VIN on the bike’s engine, frame, and title should all match. If they don’t and there isn’t a good reason why not, don’t buy the bike.
4. Examine the tires. Check the tire pressure and make sure there is at least 1/16 of an inch of tread. Poorly maintained tires may mean a poorly maintained bike.
5. Get a maintenance history. Though maintenance records can be faked, it is still important to try and get some idea of the level of maintenance on the bike.
6. Give the bike a visual once over. First, look for obvious mechanical problems, like broken or missing parts. Then look over it cosmetically, making note of any evidence of a crash. Cracks, inconsistent paint, or recently replaced parts require looking into.

The experienced Boston motorcycle attorneys and motorcycle enthusiasts at the Kiley Law Group know how important it is to find the right used bike, as well as how dangerous it can be to end up with the wrong one. Please check back again next week for more tips on how to buy the right used motorcycle!