Things to Look For in a Used Cruiser Motorcycle

Truly classic in in all ways, cruiser motorcycles follow a vintage style made popular in the 1950s. A cruiser has a relatively low seat and high handlebars compared to its counterpart sports motorcycles, thus forcing the rider to sit in a reclining position and feet forward. Cruisers offer an authentic style while cruising down the road in addition to the comfortable riding experience. However, if you’re considering purchasing a used cruiser motorcycle, there are some essential factors you need to consider. At Harley-Davidson of Fort Wayne, we’ve rounded up some shopping tips to ensure you get it right. To learn more, visit our location in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving Auburn and Kendallville.

Age

Age tops the list for obvious reasons: Older bikes are bound to have more potential problems. While they may be cheaper, you need to be keen and look for one well taken care of by an enthusiast. A bike that has been stored for an extended period will need a battery, fluids and replacement of various parts. Similarly, age takes a toll on the tires and other rubber parts, including the seals and gasket. The old fluid, such as motor oil, becomes acidic, thus affecting internal engine components.

Condition

Ideally, it would help if you tagged a bike mechanic to help you inspect the bike before making a purchase. Be sure to check the cruiser for physical damage, which indicates the motorcycle has been involved in a crash or tipped over. You can spot rashes, scrapes, dents, creases from physical impact. Also, check for broken plastic fairings, broken windshields or bent levers.

Extensive corrosion is an outright sign of neglect or possible hidden damage. Inspect the fuel tank for rust and the exhaust pipe for any holes, cracks or deep corrosion. If any signs of bubbles, or bulges underneath the paint, that is usually an indication of rust. Also, identify a worn-out chain, sprockets and slacking in the clutch and ensure all bolts, particularly the wheel nuts, are intact if you plan to ride the cruiser home. Keep an eye out for any leaks from the fork seals, bumps on the forks and shocks.

Engine

It’s preferable to ask the seller to leave the cruiser cold before you arrive to gain better results from the engine inspection. A cold engine allows you to get a first-hand feel of how hard it is to start it. Inquire from the seller on how to start the cruiser to know if it has a manual or electric choke. Listen keenly to the engine as you rev the cruiser with the transmission in neutral.

Inspect the coolant and ensure no oil is floating; if so, you need to make some repairs. Also, examine the oil from the dipstick, and if a burnt-out smell or metal shavings are evident, an engine overhaul is inevitable.

Test Drive

Lastly, after getting clearance from the seller, take the cruiser for a test drive to get a feel for how it responds to your inputs and listen to any noises as you ride. While at it, test the suspension and the brakes.

These are just a few key factors to be on the lookout for before making a purchase. To learn more, contact Harley-Davidson of Fort Wayne today! Also, we invite you to visit our location in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving Auburn and Kendallville.