With motorcycles gaining popularity, so are scams on the second-hand market – here’s how you can avoid them

As supply chains went into crisis mode during the Covid pandemic, new cars became less available, and more people started looking at the motorcycle market. Yet used motorcycles can be a risky investment – they are much more likely to end up in accidents and as a result, buyers risk ending up with a damaged vehicle more than with cars.

The stakes are also a lot higher when riding damaged motorcycles than driving damaged cars. A bad repair job after a big crash can greatly reduce driving safety, and with motorcycles, that can lead to serious and even fatal injuries. For example, in the UK, motorcycle owners are 62 times more likely to end up in a fatal accident than drivers of any other vehicle type.

Yet hidden damages are not the only risk on the second-hand market – there are also mileage rollbacks, unresolved safety recalls, and more. So how prevalent are used motorcycle scams, and how do motorcycle buyers avoid them?

Even professional riders can make a wrong decision

According to an experienced motorcycle stunt rider Sarunas Kezys, 100,000 or 200,000 km mileage is not a lot for a used car. However, these are big numbers for a motorcycle.

“Odometer rollback in motorcycles is as common as in cars. If you check used motorcycle ads online, you’ll discover that most of them have a mileage of 10,000 to 20,000 km. In reality, the actual mileage may be 10 times higher,” says Kezys.

Even professional riders can make a wrong decision and buy a damaged motorcycle.

“I bought a motorcycle once from a person I knew, so I didn’t inspect it thoroughly. Later on, I noticed that the frame was welded from two separate pieces, suggesting that the motorcycle had suffered a severe accident. When I took a closer look, I realized that some parts were not original and even missing. The wheels were also not adjusted properly. If I’ve known all of this before, I wouldn’t have bought that motorcycle or at least negotiated the price,” recalls Kezys.

Knowing the actual mileage of a bike can also help planning a service check. If the mileage is altered, drivers can’t be sure when they should change the chain and other moving parts.

From car history reports to motorcycles

Car history reporting platform carVertical has recently expanded its portfolio and started offering motorcycle reports. Drivers can check mileage rollback, theft records, safety recalls, damages, ownership changes, and recorded images.

“Since service has started operations a few years ago, our clients were constantly asking for an opportunity to check the history of motor vehicles. However, we introduce our products to the market only when we have sufficient data. In 2022, we’ve finally reached that mark. We now have enough data to provide customers with motorcycle history reports, while also working to improve their experience,” says Rokas Medonis, the CEO of the company.

Checking the motorcycle’s history allows buyers to learn a lot about a bike without seeing it. If a motor vehicle has been in a severe accident, sometimes it’s not even worth meeting the seller.

Why is it important to check the motorcycle’s history?

While car drivers are slowly becoming aware of hidden damages, odometer fraud, and other scams, many moto enthusiasts still live in the dark. A motorcycle history report allows drivers to check the bike’s past damages, mileage data, theft records, service history, and even see some photos. How may this information help choosing a used motorcycle?

Getting a better price. Learning the motorcycle’s history provides drivers with a bargaining chip and helps them to negotiate a better price.

Avoiding scammers. A 10 or 20 years old motorcycle may have had multiple owners, several damages, and various hidden problems. A motorcycle history report mitigates the risk of getting scammed and paying for junk.

Identifying motorcycles in bad condition. If a motorcycle has been in a severe accident, it may not be safe to ride anymore. However, a skilled mechanic can turn a wrecked motor vehicle into a shiny piece of art. It’s common for a motorcycle to suffer damage in one country and then end up for sale in another one. A history report can tell drivers in which country the bike was registered and prevent them from making a dangerous purchase.

90,000 to 100,000 motorcycle crashes happen every year in the US alone. A part of these motorcycles are sold, and new owners often don’t have a clue about their past damages.

With all that said, it should be noted that a motorcycle history check is not a substitute for your mechanic. Some damages or wear and tear won’t show up in the report, so it’s always best to seek professional advice.