Frame Inspection
Check the condition of the frame. A small crack on the frame can pose a huge safety hazard. Also, look for dents, weld tears, and kinks. If possible, remove the seat and other easy-to-detach parts of the bike that might be hiding the frame before the inspection begins.
Checking the Chain
A well-maintained chain lasts a long time. When not taken care of, it can cripple a bike and pose a threat to the rider's safety. Do a visual inspection of the chain to see signs of corrosion. Also, push and pull a section of the chain to check its flexibility. Move the bike forward and backward until you inspect the entire chain. Also, the shape of the teeth of the sprocket should be even and not excessively worn off.
Battery Check
When you find clean battery leads, you can assume that the bike was in regular use. If there are no signs of corrosion on the battery it is a good thing. It is always recommended to check the state of the battery to ensure the condition of the motorcycle.
Tire Condition
The wear on the tires should be evenly distributed and not focused on just one side. To check the wet traction, measure the tread depth by putting a coin inside the tread. If it goes deep, it is a good sign.
What Else to Check?
After looking at the individual components, sit on the motorcycle, grab the front brake, and compress the forks. The response should be firm resistance, and they should rebound to the starting point. Don't forget to inspect the forks for surface irregularities and blown fork seals. When the inspection of mechanical components is over, you need to look for the missing parts from the bike. See if all the nuts and bolts, side covers, or pieces of trim are there on the bike. Although these parts don't necessarily affect the performance or mechanical functioning of the bike, they can be expensive to replace. So, calculate the cost of the missing parts and negotiate the price of the bike with the seller.
Wrap Up
Buying a used bike will definitely save you a few thousand dollars. Just make sure to inspect the bike thoroughly before finalizing the sale. The above mentioned tips can help you better understand the condition of a salvage title motorcycle. Research and find a reputable auction site that offers salvage title motorcycles through an online motorcycle auction for the best deal.