Used motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs can be great value, but they are often ridden hard, stored outside and sold with thin paperwork. This guide covers how to choose the right type, check the vehicle, and complete the purchase safely.
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Key takeaways
- Pick the type first: road motorcycle, ATV (ride-on) or UTV (side-by-side). Licence and registration rules differ by type and by state.
- Check the VIN, the paperwork and open recalls before you travel to see the vehicle.
- Look for signs of a crash, water or heavy off-road use, and get an independent inspection for anything you are serious about.
- Never ride a test ride without proper gear, a valid licence where one is required, and insurance cover.
In this guide
- Which type of vehicle do I need?
- Where can I find one and how do I compare them?
- How do I check the VIN, the paperwork and recalls?
- What should I inspect on a motorcycle?
- What should I inspect on an ATV or UTV?
- How do I test ride safely?
- Do I need an independent inspection?
- How do I pay and complete the purchase?
- What are the red flags?
Which type of vehicle do I need?
Short answer A motorcycle is for the road and needs a motorcycle license or endorsement. An ATV is a ride-on all-terrain vehicle with handlebars. A UTV, or side-by-side, has a steering wheel and seats beside each other and carries people and loads off-road. Rules differ by type and state.
A motorcycle is for the road and needs a motorcycle licence or endorsement in every state. An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) is a ride-on vehicle with handlebars, built mainly for trails, farms and off-road work. A UTV (utility task vehicle or side-by-side) has a steering wheel and seats beside each other, and is built for carrying people and loads off-road.
Within motorcycles there are cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, dual-sport bikes, custom and classic bikes, and competition bikes. Match the type to how you will really use it, your experience, and your height and weight. Registration, safety gear and where you may ride all depend on your state, so check your state rules before you buy.
Where can I find one and how do I compare them?
Short answer Browse motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs from dealers and private sellers on Motor Mania Club, each in its own section, and use the filters for make, model, year and price to compare similar vehicles. Dealers help with paperwork; private sellers are often cheaper but you handle everything yourself.
On Motor Mania Club you can browse motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs for sale from dealers and private sellers, each in its own section. Listings from private sellers are reviewed by our team before they go live. Use the filters for make, model, year and price to line up similar vehicles, and contact the seller through the details on the listing; private sellers are reached through the message form.
Dealers usually give you paperwork help and sometimes a short warranty. Private sellers are often cheaper, but you handle the inspection, payment and transfer yourself.
How do I check the VIN, the paperwork and recalls?
Short answer Ask for the VIN and compare it with the number stamped on the vehicle, ask to see a title with the seller's name, and check open recalls: NHTSA for motorcycles and the CPSC for ATVs. Some states do not issue titles for ATVs and UTVs, so check your state's rules.
Ask the seller for the VIN and compare it with the number stamped on the vehicle (on a motorcycle this is usually on the frame near the steering head; on ATVs and UTVs it is on the frame). Then check:
- Title and ownership: ask to see the title, and make sure the seller's name is on it. Some states do not issue titles for ATVs and UTVs, so ask what paperwork exists and check your state rules before you pay.
- Recalls: motorcycle recalls are listed by the NHTSA recalls page. ATV recalls are handled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- History: for motorcycles, a vehicle history report can show title problems and reported damage. Ask about previous owners, service records and any crash.
What should I inspect on a motorcycle?
Short answer Check the motorcycle cold for crash signs such as bent bars, scraped pegs and mismatched bodywork, then the tires and chain, the brakes and fork seals, and whether it starts easily, idles smoothly and its lights, horn and battery work.
Check the motorcycle cold, on a stand if possible:
- Signs of a crash: bent handlebars or levers, scraped footpegs and engine covers, cracked fairings, mismatched or newly painted bodywork, a fork or frame that does not look straight.
- Tires and chain: even tread and no cracks; a chain and sprockets with hooked or worn teeth mean costly replacement.
- Brakes and suspension: pad and rotor thickness, oil on the fork seals, a firm lever, and no leaks.
- Engine and electrics: it should start easily, idle smoothly and not smoke; lights, indicators, horn and battery should all work.
What should I inspect on an ATV or UTV?
Short answer Look for cracks or fresh welds on the frame and roll cage, worn suspension parts and torn CV boots, working 2WD, 4WD and differential lock, signs of water or mud such as a wet air filter or milky oil, and wear that does not match the hours.
ATVs and UTVs are often used hard, so look closely:
- Frame and welds: cracks, bends or fresh welds near the suspension mounts or roll cage.
- Suspension and steering: torn CV boots, worn or bent A-arms, play in the wheels, and uneven tire wear.
- Drivetrain: check that 2WD, 4WD and the differential lock engage, and listen for whining or grinding.
- Signs of water or mud: a dirty or wet air filter, rust inside the airbox, milky oil, or a musty smell can mean water got into the engine.
- Hours and use: compare the hour meter or mileage with the wear on pedals, seats and tires.
How do I test ride safely?
Short answer Ride only with the license your state requires, and wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots and protective clothing. Make sure the vehicle is insured for the test ride, ride in a safe area, and check that it tracks straight, brakes evenly and shifts smoothly.
Ride only if you hold the licence or endorsement your state requires, and wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, sturdy boots and protective clothing. Ask the seller to confirm the vehicle is insured for a test ride, and ride in a safe, quiet area. Check that it tracks straight, brakes evenly, shifts smoothly and does not overheat. If you are new to riding, a rider-training course such as those offered through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is worth taking before you buy.
Do I need an independent inspection?
Short answer Yes, for anything you are serious about. A mechanic who knows that type of vehicle can check the frame, suspension, brakes, engine compression and stored fault codes. Choose the shop yourself, not the seller's suggestion.
For anything you are serious about, yes. A mechanic who knows the type of vehicle can check the frame, suspension, brakes, engine compression and stored fault codes. Choose the shop yourself, not the seller's suggestion. You can find garages in the Service Garage category, and our guide on finding a reliable mechanic lists what to ask.
How do I pay and complete the purchase?
Short answer Never pay a stranger by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. Meet in person, pay with a verified cashier's check or a bank transfer completed at the bank, and get a signed bill of sale, the title if one exists, the keys and service records.
Follow the same rules as for a car: never pay a stranger by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency, meet in person, and pay with a verified cashier's check or a bank transfer completed at the bank. Get a signed bill of sale, the title if one exists, the keys and service records. Then arrange insurance and registration according to your state rules. Our guide on buying a used car safely covers the same payment and paperwork steps in more detail.
What are the red flags?
Short answer Be careful if the price is far below similar vehicles, the VIN is missing or does not match the paperwork, there is no title, the vehicle has been repainted or has new parts on one side with no explanation, or the seller will not let you inspect it.
Be careful if:
- the price is far below similar vehicles, or the seller pushes you to decide quickly
- the VIN is missing, damaged or does not match the paperwork
- there is no title and the seller cannot explain why
- the vehicle has been repainted or has new parts on one side only, with no explanation
- the seller will not let you inspect it or have it checked by a mechanic
Sources and further reading
- NHTSA: Check your vehicle for recalls
- CPSC: Recalls (including all-terrain vehicles)
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation: rider training
How this guide was prepared
This guide is written from official and industry sources, which are listed above, and checked against how Motor Mania Club works. We aim to review our guides every few months and change the date when something is updated.
This guide gives general information and is not legal, financial or mechanical advice. Rules differ by state, so check your state agency for the exact requirements.
About the author
Elie Haddad, Founder, Smart Net 360 and Motor Mania Club. Elie Haddad is the founder of Smart Net 360 and of Motor Mania Club, the US automotive marketplace and directory that connects dealers, parts suppliers, garages and car enthusiasts. 15 years in business management and a car enthusiast.
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