Buying a motorcycle is a difficult task for most bikers, and it gets worse when it comes to a used one. This is why we will give you some basic tips to guide you in the process. The first things that should cross your mind is what type of motorcycle are you interested in. However, if experienced riders already know what they are looking for, the things get complicated when you look to buy your first two-wheeled vehicle.
This is only the beginning. If this sounds hard, wait until you hear all the things you should take into considerations once the process of purchasing a used motorcycle starts. But let's not abandon the first step so fast and stick to it a bit. You should focus on a bike that matches your riding style, while keeping the limits of your abilities in mind.
Preliminary process
Sport bikes are known for performing better in curves and are faster, while touring bikes are recommended if you plan on doing long distance trips. Cruisers can also be a wise choice for daily commuting, while dirt bikes are recommended in riding over dirt tracks or trails. However, you are the only one to make the final decision upon the bike’s type and even brand, as long as you are honest with yourself.
The next step is to begin your search. You know the model and your budget. Don’t forget additional expenses that might come along, so you might want to put away approximately 25% of your budget for unexpected situations. Of course, remember that you are free to negotiate. It is better to document on various websites by reading customer reviews and see pricing range for the model you are looking for.
Avoid machines that have not been ridden for a long time, as improper storing of a motorcycle can be harmful. The bike should be tested both in straight line as well as in curves to see how it handles in corners. Pay attention on how it shifts into gears and odd noises. Also, a good bike should make it easy for you to stop, speed up, and slow down.
Furthermore, you should also pay close attention to the condition of tires, brakes, headlights, and turn signals. That is to avoid the extra expenses we were talking about earlier. If possible, check the visible frame. You should also remove the seat to see underneath it. There should be no dents or visible damage to the frame. If there is, then it’s time to eliminate it from your list.
After you've bought a motorcycle, you'll need to complete the registration process. It is illegal to operate a motorcycle that hasn't been properly titled and registered. The seller should provide you with a copy of the title and registration. If the seller can't provide these documents, the motorcycle may be stolen.
Ride safely!
The next step is to begin your search. You know the model and your budget. Don’t forget additional expenses that might come along, so you might want to put away approximately 25% of your budget for unexpected situations. Of course, remember that you are free to negotiate. It is better to document on various websites by reading customer reviews and see pricing range for the model you are looking for.
What to look out for
So you spotted a few particular bikes that match your criteria. Contact the owners and establish a date and time of a meeting, so you can take a personal look at the machine. We recommend this to happen during daytime, so you can check it for aesthetic flaws. They can indicate whether the bike has been crashed or the owner has not performed a proper maintenance. Don’t forget to bring your riding gear with you for a test ride, a mechanic or an experienced rider to help you determine the bike’s technical condition.Avoid machines that have not been ridden for a long time, as improper storing of a motorcycle can be harmful. The bike should be tested both in straight line as well as in curves to see how it handles in corners. Pay attention on how it shifts into gears and odd noises. Also, a good bike should make it easy for you to stop, speed up, and slow down.
Furthermore, you should also pay close attention to the condition of tires, brakes, headlights, and turn signals. That is to avoid the extra expenses we were talking about earlier. If possible, check the visible frame. You should also remove the seat to see underneath it. There should be no dents or visible damage to the frame. If there is, then it’s time to eliminate it from your list.
After you've bought a motorcycle, you'll need to complete the registration process. It is illegal to operate a motorcycle that hasn't been properly titled and registered. The seller should provide you with a copy of the title and registration. If the seller can't provide these documents, the motorcycle may be stolen.
Benefits
Some of the buyers overlook the benefits of buying a used motorcycle. But think that a new motorcycle loses about 20 percent of its value after one year only. A used one, however, does not depreciate as fast. And if that’s not enough for you, consider that in the event of a crash, parts and moral damages are less expensive.Ride safely!
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