Checklist for Inspecting Used Indian® Motorcycles

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When you shop used Indian® motorcycles for sale, you’ll want to conduct thorough inspections of the models you consider. This will help you catch any red flags that could translate into expensive mechanic’s bills after purchase. We’ve created the following guide to help you keep track of everything you should inspect. If you have any questions or want to look at motorcycles for sale, visit North County Indian Motorcycle®. We are an Indian Motorcycle® dealer proudly serving those in San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad, California.

What to Bring

There are a few essential items to bring when you look at used Indian® motorcycles for sale.

Cash: You’ll need enough to cover the deposit up front. In some cases, you’ll need the entire cost up front. Either way, bring along enough cash to allow you to buy the Indian® motorcycle of your dreams!
A Flashlight: This will help you inspect the dark recesses of the bike.
A notebook: Odds are, you’ll be looking at more than one motorcycle for sale. A notebook helps you keep track of all the information for each option, such as each motorcycle’s crash history and ownership history. Whether you use a physical or digital notebook, make sure it’s a system that’ll help you stay organized so you can easily compare your options.

The Motorcycle’s Body

The state of the motorcycle’s frame is a good indicator of the bike’s overall condition. If you spot dings and scratches, you know the bike endured collisions or other issues. This exterior damage can often be a clue to interior damage.

You’ll want to scope out the following:
Fuel tank: is its paint coat free of flakes and undamaged?
Fenders and side covers: are these free of dents?
Seat: is it free of collapsed foam or tears?
Chrome: is it free of rust?

Be cautious if you can’t answer “yes” to each question.

Some motorcycles for sale will come with their own windshield upgrade. Give the custom windshield installation a thorough inspection. These aren’t always installed correctly, which could give you grief down the road.

The Motorcycle’s Engine

Some sneaky sellers will start up their bike long before you arrive. This gives the engine a chance to run through all its startup issues so that it works perfectly when you arrive later and turn it on. Because of this, you’ll want to tell the seller that you will only inspect the motorcycle if it’s cold.

When you are ready to conduct your engine inspection, keep in mind the following:

Engine smoke: does it have heavy or odd-colored smoke (such as deep black or blue)?
Engine sound: does it make odd rattles or rumbles?
The exhaust: do you see any damage or leaks?
Transmission: does it jump out of gear on your test drive?
Clutch: does it drag or slip on your test drive?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, proceed with caution. Engine repairs can be some of the most expensive ones. Consider how much you’d want to invest in fixing up a damaged engine. You might be better off finding a different Indian® motorcycle.

The Electronics

You’ll want to inspect the following aspects of the bike’s electronics system:

Lights: test the signal lights, brake lights, and low and high beams.
Horn: ensure it’s loud and responsive.
Battery: test that it starts without issue.
Any electrical upgrades: check that they are installed correctly.

The Tires

Your final step is to ensure the tires are in good condition. Check the following:

Tires: make sure they are free of dry rot and have enough tread.
Wheels: look for any dents and check for wobble when you spin the wheel.
Spokes: hit each with a screwdriver handle. A “ping” sound suggests a tight spoke while a flat sound suggests a loose one.
Chain: ensure it has lubrication and good adjustment.
Belt: make sure it’s free of issues, such as cuts or abrasions.

We hope you found this checklist helpful! When you are ready to visit an Indian Motorcycle® dealer, head over to North County Indian Motorcycle® in San Marcos. Our expert staff is happy to answer any questions and help you find the right model for your lifestyle. We offer a wide range of motorcycles for sale, making it easy to find one that suits your budget and riding level. We proudly serve those in San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad, California.