What to Know When Shopping for Used Motorcycles

Motorcycle · Originally published May 29, 2015 · Updated November 2026

Used motorcycles change hands constantly in southwest Missouri, through dealers, online listings and neighbors with a bike in the garage. A careful inspection and clean paperwork are what separate a good deal from an expensive problem. Use this as a checklist when you go to look at a bike.

Start with a cold engine

Ask the seller not to start the bike before you arrive. A cold start can reveal hard starting, smoke or noises that disappear once the engine is warm. If the engine is already hot when you show up, ask why.

Inspect the bike itself

Take your time and bring a flashlight.

• Tires: Check tread depth, cracking on the sidewalls and the date code. Old tires can look fine and still need replacing.
• Chain, sprockets or belt: Look for hooked sprocket teeth, a rusty or kinked chain, or a frayed belt.
• Brakes: Check pad thickness, rotor condition and whether the brake fluid looks dark or dirty.
• Leaks: Look under the engine, at the fork seals and around the shocks for oil.
• Crash signs: Scraped bar ends, levers, footpegs or mirrors, mismatched paint, or a bent handlebar can point to a past drop or crash.
• Frame and forks: Look for cracks, welds or rust, and make sure the forks compress smoothly.
• Electrical: Test every light, the horn, turn signals and gauges.

If you can, take a test ride (with your own gear and proper license) or bring along a mechanic or experienced rider.

Check the paperwork before money changes hands

The paperwork is where many used-bike problems hide.

• Match the VIN. The VIN on the frame should match the title exactly. Be cautious if it's damaged, altered or missing.
• Look at the title. Make sure the seller's name is on it and check for words like salvage or rebuilt, which can affect value and insurance.
• Ask about liens. If a bank still has a lien, the seller needs to pay it off and provide a lien release before the title can transfer cleanly.
• Get a bill of sale. Include the date, price, VIN, and both parties' names and signatures.
• Ask for service records. Receipts for tires, valve adjustments and other maintenance tell you how the bike was treated.
• Check for recalls. You can look up open safety recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Titling and registration in Missouri go through the Department of Revenue's license offices. Check their current requirements so you know what documents to bring.

Get insurance lined up before you ride home

Call for a quote before you buy. The make, model, engine size and style of bike can change your rate, and a sport bike may price very differently from a cruiser. Missouri's insurance requirement applies to motorcycles, so plan to have coverage in place before you ride away.

If you're financing, the lender will likely require collision and comprehensive coverage. Also consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help with your injuries if the at-fault driver can't pay. And if the bike already has aftermarket parts, tell your agent so you can talk about coverage for custom parts and gear.

Talk to a local agent

Send us the year, make, model and VIN and we'll quote motorcycle insurance before you commit. Call 417.865.4800 or request a quote below.

Common questions

Can I insure a used motorcycle with a salvage or rebuilt title?

Some companies will, but coverage options and how the bike is valued can be different. Tell your agent about the title status up front.

What do I need to get a quote on a used motorcycle?

The year, make, model and VIN, plus your driver's license information and how you plan to use and store the bike.

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