So you’ve decided it’s time to buy a moped, that’s the first hurdle taken car of, so what’s next? Mopeds are relatively inexpensive to buy compared to other bikes and cars, so many people opt for new mopeds or scooters, it means you don’t have to worry about MOTs for 3 years, and it’s nice shiny and new with 0 miles on the clock. Great deals can be found on used mopeds if you aren’t looking to spend much money, but there are things to look out for to make sure you don’t encounter unexpected costs further down the line.
For a complete guide to cheap moped insurance please check out the following tips to buying cheap moped insurance.
Scratches
The first thing to check is the body work and what condition it’s in, if it’s covered in scratches then the chances are it’s been dropped a few times and thrown around, meaning the chances of all the other important bits on the bike being looked after are unlikely.
Engine
Firstly will it start? If it does, how easily does it start, if it turns over but wont start easily then the chances are there is something wrong with the spark plugs or a fuel problem. Spark plugs are cheap to replace but fuel problems can become expensive. Once you’re happy it starts, check the engine bolts, if these look worn then someone has been disassembled the engine a few times, which could be a concern and you should be asking why.
Brakes
Once the engine has warmed up you can check the performance and the brakes on a flat surface with no obstacles around. Try an emergency stop and if you hear squealing, the brake pads are likely to need changing, if discs need replacing too this then becomes more expensive. Be on the look out for warped discs at the same time.
Make sure it lines up
When going on a test ride make sure the bike doesn’t feel like it’s pulling to one side, if it is the chances are the rear wheel is out of alignment, but a worst case scenario means that the frame or forks have been bent by some form of collision or the moped being dropped, this can make it dangerous to ride.
Documents
Ideally you want to buy a used moped with Tax, MOT, V5 document and a service book, meaning you can ride it straight off if you choose to buy it. If there is no V5, walk away, no matter what story the seller will tell you it could be stolen and whilst having a V5 isn’t a proof of ownership, not having it is very suspect. You should make sure it has been serviced at regular intervals in the service book too.
Test Ride
When taking a moped for a test ride, it is your responsibility to make sure you have adequate insurance cover and the bike has MOT and tax, if you are pulled over by the police and can’t provide this, it will be you who suffers the consequences not the seller. You should also take your own helmet and not use anyone elses that may have been dropped at some point.
How to Pay
Most sellers particularly for smaller amounts will prefer cash, bear in mind that this leaves no paper trail and should the seller be dishonest, could claim that no transaction took place and you’d stolen the moped. Always make sure you obtain a receipt which is dated and signed by both you and the seller and it is also wise to take someone with you when making the transaction too. You should always do the transaction at the sellers house, the address of which matches the V5 document, this helps ensure the bike is theirs to sell.
Ultimately if something doesn’t feel right, walk away, there’s plenty more mopeds in the sea.
