Buyers Guide

Checklist for Buying a Moped

We have prepared a small, non-binding checklist for purchasing a moped. Before acquiring a new vehicle, it's important to check and clarify certain points in advance. This can impact both the price and the purchasing decision itself.

Use the list as support and in advance: Safe travels at all times!

TIP:
Print out the page and take it with you to the purchase negotiation. Before acquiring the offered used moped, it's especially important to thoroughly check the individual components and details of the vehicle. Especially in private purchases, later complaints are often no longer possible.

Paint

• Original paint - Many scratches may indicate rough, improper handling of the moped.
• Dents in the tank, exhaust, handlebar ends, or side covers? They could be from a fall.
• Is the vehicle repainted? A repainted vehicle may have already been in an accident, so asking questions can save money!
• If a vehicle is not painted, it might be due to a recently repaired accident: Ask about it!
• Superb paint on an older device often means a professional repaint.

Rust

• Unscrew the tank cap and wipe the inside of the tank with your finger to see if there’s rust inside (do not check with a lighter).
• Check screws for rust. Surface rust is not that bad.
• If rust is present, you can certainly negotiate on the price.

Tires & Rims

• Check for roundness, as otherwise, it could pose a danger for accidents and cause severe mechanical stress.
• Are all spokes intact and undamaged?
• Minimum tread depth: 1.6mm
• Check tire pressure - too low pressure can increase fuel consumption. Pay attention to the age & condition of the tires.
• Look for damage, foreign objects, cracks, or bulges - none of these should be present.

Chassis

• Look at the weld seams. Newly welded, cracked, or broken seams can indicate frame damage.
• Frame modified? For modifications, be sure to check the paperwork (does the vehicle match the current documents), otherwise, you can only ride on Grandma's yard.
• Pay attention to the entries in the type certificate or possibly have an individual approval carried out - but that can be expensive.
• Can the handlebar be turned easily and evenly? Does the steering head bearing have play? The telescopic fork should also compress and decompress smoothly without noise.

Shock Absorbers, Suspension

• Watch for oil leaks, noises, or quick, jerky compressions - for testing, just sit on it.

Chain

• Chain tension: see the instructions in the owner's manual.
• No owner's manual? The chain should not be too tight, but also not sagging.
• Is the chain guard worn through or damaged? Caution! The chain is at the wear limit!

Brakes

• Do the front and rear brakes work? Pay attention to ease of operation here.
• Does the brake return to its original position after use? If not, worn brake pads might be the issue.

Shock Absorbers

• Visual inspection for oil leaks, listen for noises, and watch for jerky compressions.
• The shock absorbers keep ground contact. Therefore, it's important to check them thoroughly - we want to ride, not fly.

Engine

• Look under the moped; dark spots could indicate oil leaks and possibly a more severe repair is needed.
• Check the engine from underneath as well.
• Ask about the carburetor setting - modified carburetors often increase fuel consumption.
• The moped should start cold after a few attempts.
• If the moped stalls again immediately, or if the throttle revs wildly, the engine stutters or "spits," this may indicate possible engine damage, ignition system issues, or a misadjusted carburetor.
• The engine should not rattle or clatter, nor be too loud; this will cost points.
• Check excessively loud exhaust noises; otherwise, the next police check is certainly yours - that will cost points.
• Check if the fuel tap is tight or if fuel is leaking somewhere - do not take this lightly.
• Cables must move easily and should not have any mechanical damage.

Electrical System

• Function test of all lights.
• Test the brake light by stepping on the brake pedal.
• The moped should start cold after a few attempts.
• Check the indicators, test the parking light, and press the horn - everything should work.
• Also, look at the covers, handlebar controls, and housings - check for scratches, paint, and fading.
• Check the battery status - is it charged? And: If necessary, get the deposit receipt for the battery, it's worth 7.50 EUR.

Frame Numbers & Papers

• Does the frame number on the type plate match the stamped frame number? Both numbers must be identical!
• The numbers must be exactly aligned - crooked or bent numbers were self-stamped.
• You can find the type plate on models with a telescopic fork at the front on the steering head (a number should be stamped directly next to it on the frame).
• On KR models, the type plate is under the motor tunnel cover and the frame number is on the frame under the seat; on SR4 models, the plate and frame number are on the right side of the frame under the seat.

Note:
There are also export models from Simson, which are now often reimported. These were not approved in the former GDR. Thus, they are exempt from the 60 Km/h rule and may only be operated when restricted. In general, there are often problems with re-registration for reimports! Identifiers for reimports include, for example, additional markings („CM50“ or „H40“) on the type plate or frame number.

What else to consider when buying a moped

• Locks (ignition lock, steering lock, side cover lock, tank lock - depending on the vehicle) should have keys and a spare key...and they should fit.
• Do they fit, or is the lock worn out? Test the locks' functionality.
• Rearview mirrors: intact, fogged, or broken?
• Watch for damage to footrests and handlebars - if something is bent, it may indicate a fall.
• Check the condition of the rubber on footrests, gear, and brake pedals.
• Test the functionality of the main stand or side stand.

The Test Ride

• The moped should start after a few attempts.
• Brake test - you should come to a stop well, and nothing should flutter or scratch.
• You should be convinced by the riding experience since you want to ride it later, not just stand beside it.
• Gears and neutral should engage smoothly.
• During the ride, nothing should rattle, clatter, or make strange noises.
• Idle speed should stabilize by itself.
• How does the engine accelerate?
• The speedometer needle should not wobble.

Download Moped Purchase Agreement Now

Are you looking to sell your moped or planning to buy a new Simson or MZ?

Here you will find an interactive purchase agreement for buying or selling mopeds and motorcycles.
The sample purchase agreement is available for download in .pdf format. It can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader, for example.
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

You can avoid legal disputes when buying or selling used mopeds or motorcycles by clearly agreeing with the buyer or seller. A written purchase agreement greatly facilitates the burden of proof should it come to a legal dispute in the worst case.