Scooters are a really great way to get from one place to another. But sometimes the price of a new scooter might be a little too much for somebody who is not entirely sure if they want one. So what can you do? Well, you look for a used scooter. My first scooter lasted me 4 years, and it was a used one. But not every used scooter will last that much. If you want your used scooter to last just as much, or even more you have to know what to look for. So here is a list of the things you should look at.
What should you look for when you buy a used scooter/moped? When you buy a used scooter or moped you should look at the following things:
- Title
- Engine
- Electric parts
- Wires
- Alignment
- Exhaust
- Tires
- Sound
- How long has it been sitting
- Parts available
So there are quite a few things that you should look at. But, don’t let this thing scare you. At most things you just have to take a simple look and you will know everything that you have to know. Overall everything should take between 10 and 15 minutes. And since those things can make the difference between a scooter that will last 3 months, and one that will last 4 years, I think they are worth it. Now, let’s not waste any more time and take a closer look at each part.
Table of Contents
Title
Does the scooter have a clean and clear title? If the answer is yes, then you can move to the next part.
If the answer is no, then you might want to think again about this scooter. Depending where you leave you might have a lot of trouble getting it plated, registered or insured.
If the scooter has no title at all there is also a chance that it might be stolen. And even if it isn’t, you might have a hard time proving that it’s not.
So I would advise you not to get a scooter that doesn’t have a title.
Engine
One of the most important parts of a scooter is the engine. So it’s essential that you take a good look at it before you buy any scooter or moped.
Does the engine turn over? If it does, but it doesn’t start, there might be a problem with the spark, or something wrong with the fuel. Take the gas cap off and look down inside the tank. If it’s rusty the carburetor is probably clogged and needs to be cleaned, as will the gas tank and fuel lines.
Are the cases cracked, held with epoxy, or covered in oil and sludge? If the answer is yes, then this is definitely a bad sign. Check the engine nuts and bolts for wear from frequent disassembling; a clue that maybe someone did a hack job inside the engine.
Electric Parts
When you look at the electric parts you should start by looking at the battery, this is where most electric problems come from.
If the battery has any of the following physical signs, than it’s broken and needs to be replaced:
- Broken terminal
- Bumps in the case
- Cracks in the plastic
- Discoloration
After you are done with the battery, check for spark by removing the plug wire and putting a screwdriver in the end of the plug wire and hold it near the spark plug, kick it over and look for a spark to jump from the screwdriver to the plug.
If there is no spark, then there is a problem with the coil, or even with the entire ignition system.
Two other electrical things that you should check ate the lights and the horn.
Wires
Any broken, or exposed wire is a problem. And if you see nay electrical tape covering some wires, it might mean that there was a problem with them.
Check if the speedometer wire is connected. If they are not it means that the owner removed them so that the scooter registered fewer miles than it actually has. This doesn’t necessarily affect the scooter. But it’s a clear sign that the owner is not to be trusted.
Check the cable adjusters near the levers and brake drums. If they are adjusted out to the max, the cables are stretched and need replaced. Also, the brakes may need to be replaced if your cables are adjusted all the way out.
Alignment
Alignment is something that a lot of people forget to check when buying a new scooter. But it’s understandable since it’s not that obvious. But it’s something very important. Maybe the most important thing. If the engine doesn’t work then you won’t be in any danger but if the alignment is off you risk falling from your scooter. So let’s see how you check it.
Start by placing the scooter straight. Then stand in front of it at about 10 feet away, squat down and eyeball the front forks, they should be straight and even. If they are not there is a good chance that the scooter is not correctly aligned, or that some other part is bent, which is just as bad.
Exhaust
Exhaust pipes are usually the first thing that have to be replaced, since they are exposed to very high temperatures, and to the harsh conditions of the environment.
Exhausts are not that expensive, but you should know if you have to change them as soon as you get the new scooter. Pointing this out to the seller might get you a small discount.
Tires
The same thing as with the exhaust, tires are very exposed to the environment. Leaving the scooter in the rain, in the sun, or in snow will make them go bad, cracks will appear on them, etc.
So if they need to be changed, point this out to the seller and he might give you a discount.
Sound
Another important thing to take into consideration is how the scooter sounds.
If it sounds bad, then it will run bad.
Four stroke engines have a nice and smooth hum, while two Stroke engines sound like a gentle chainsaw.
If the scooter already has a performance pipe on it, the sound will be a little different- a four stroke will typically have a throatier grumble, a two stroke with an expansion chamber exhaust will have a “brap” sound.
Ask the seller to rev the engine. It should respond quickly and drop back down to idle speed quickly. If it doesn’t, it could need carb work, the throttle cable may be sticking, the throttle tube could be sticking, the throttle slide could be sticking, basically, something is sticking somewhere, it should return to idle quickly.
If the engine dies right away then the carburetor is dead. The fact that the seller is trying to sell a scooter with a dead carburetor is not a good thing. But if the rest of the scooter looks ok, then you should try to tell him to give you a discount of at least $100. With those $100 you should get your carburetor fixed.
How Long Has It Been Sitting
Another important thing to take into consideration is how long has the scooter been sitting.
Normally a scooter that has been sitting for a long time is not great news, but it’s not that terrible. It becomes terrible news if the scooter has been sitting outside.
If a scooter stays for a very long time outside without any cover or protection, there are a lot of problems that can appear. Some of them are easy to spot, like rust. But others might not be that easy to be spotted.
So when you see the scooter, look if there is any dust on it. And ask the seller how it’s been stored.
Parts Available
One last thing that you should do, before you even go to see the scooter in person is to look online if you are able to find replacement parts.
If you are having a hard time finding any replacement parts, you should probably not even bother with this scooter. It’s inevitable that at some point your scooter will need a part replaced. And if you can’t find any spare parts, what will you do? Buy another scooter?
So this is something essential that can be done even before you go and look at the scooter.
Conclusion
So those are the things that you should look at when you buy a used scooter or moped.
At first sight it might seem a little overwhelming, but in reality is quite simple. And it’s completely worth it.
I hope this article answered all of your questions. But in case you still have some questions you can always leave them in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as possible.
Or if you want an extra opinion about a scooter that you want to buy you can feel free to ask, and as soon as I see your comment I will answer you.