Buying a used motorcycle feels smart, and most of the time, it is. Typically, the process goes something like this. 

The ad looks great. The seller seems trustworthy. The price is tempting. But underneath all that? You start to think about what could be wrong with the bike. 

You might be staring at a bike with worn bearings, hidden crash damage, or an engine that’s two rides away from needing major work. Or maybe it’s something you haven’t even thought about, lurking in the shadows, just waiting to reveal itself a few days after you’ve handed the cash over. 

This is why a pre‑purchase motorcycle inspection matters. And why you should get one before spending a single dollar.

At Imperial, we’ve checked hundreds of used bikes for riders across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Some pass. Many don’t. A few are so far gone that we tell buyers to walk away immediately. 

A proper inspection protects you from surprises, repairs, and questionable pasts. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a pre-purchase inspection for a used motorcycle in Vancouver and beyond. 

What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Actually Covers

A real inspection goes deeper than a test ride. It looks at the mechanical health of the engine, the electrical system, the chain and sprockets, the steering, the suspension, the wheels, the VIN, the frame, and the safety components. It checks for leaks, signs of neglect, and anything that might affect the ride or cost you money after the sale.

You’re not guessing. You’re getting a full, hands-on review from a certified and trustworthy Vancouver-based motorcycle mechanic who’s not emotionally attached to the bike. 

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Plenty of riders think, “It starts fine, so it must be good.”

It’s not that simple.

A bike can start and still have worn valves, failing bearings, a dying charging system, old fluid, bent forks, or a chain that’s ready to snap. We’ve seen bikes with fresh paint that hid crash damage. We’ve checked motorcycles with “new brakes” that were metal-on-metal. We’ve inspected “low kilometres” bikes with enough wear to suggest someone wasn’t totally honest. Liars, as we call them here at the shop. 

A pre-purchase inspection in Vancouver at Imperial Motorcycles saves you from all of that. It gives you proof. It gives you leverage with the seller. And in many cases, it saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

How much does it cost, you ask? Nothing. Nada. Zip. 

We offer a free pre-purchase inspection for riders here in Burnaby, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland in general. We’re happy to walk you through a complete multi‑point check and steer you in the right direction.

Why? It’s simple: we don’t want you to get screwed. We want you to buy a bike you love that’s going to love you right back, so that your experience riding around Greater Vancouver is great from day one. And then maybe, when you need maintenance down the road, you’ll think of the guys at Imperial who steered you in the right direction when it came time to make a purchase. 

Real Problems We Catch Every Week

We see the same issues come up again and again when inspecting used bikes:

• Burnt oil
• Leaking forks
• Loose steering head bearings
• Worn chains
• Flat‑spotted tires
• Damage hiding under new plastics
• Bad wiring
• Missing hardware
• Mismatched VINs
• Poor cold starts
• Weak charging systems
• Carburetors that need full rebuilds
  
  

These aren’t all together rare. They’re common. And most riders won’t catch them in a driveway or parking lot. That’s why getting a pre-purchase inspection on a used motorcycle matters.

Red Flags to Watch For When Buying a Used Bike

Even the cleanest-looking bikes can hide big problems. Sellers don’t always know what’s wrong—or they do, and hope you won’t notice. That’s why it helps to know what to look for before you commit. The red flags to watch for when buying a used bike are crucial to know about ahead of time. 

We shot a quick video with Stefano, Kent, and Dylan on this exact topic. They’ve seen it all in the shop, and they don’t hold back.

Some of the biggest red flags they mention include:

• After-market bodywork, if they say it’s never been down but it has after-market bodywork, it’s likely been crashed pretty severely 
• What does the motor oil look like? If it’s black, it hasn’t been taken care of. 
• Signs of damage on the peripherals of the bike; bar ends, foot pegs, engine cover, etc. Seeing any damage there could be an indicator of a crash. 
• Backyard builds with messy wiring, weird part combos, and no service history.
• Cold start issues, hidden damage, and parts that don’t match the model year.
  
  

If anything feels off during your first look, there’s probably a reason.

An experienced mechanic will spot these signs immediately. That’s the whole point of bringing a bike in before you buy it. A short inspection now can save you from a long list of headaches later.

Why Imperial Is the Right Place to Check a Used Bike

We don’t upsell. We don’t guess. And we don’t skip steps.

If something’s worn, we show you. If something can wait, we tell you. And if a bike is a terrible buy, we won’t let you walk into it blindly.

We’ve been trusted in Greater Vancouver for decades because we do the work properly. Riders know we’ll walk them through the bike, explain every concern, and give honest advice about whether it’s worth buying.

Final Word: Protect Yourself Before You Commit

A used motorcycle can be a great deal. It can also be the most expensive mistake you ever make. The difference is a quick inspection from a trusted Vancouver motorcycle mechanic. It’s the easiest way to ride home on something solid instead of something that needs repairs on day one.

Thinking about buying a used motorcycle in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland?

Bring it to us first.

Book your pre‑purchase inspection with Imperial right here.

We’ll make sure you know exactly what you’re buying, before you buy it.

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