When everything works out like it should, buying a used motorcycle can lead to many riding seasons of pure pleasure.
Unfortunately, every used bike purchase comes with potential pitfalls that can suck the fun out of owning it, and it’ll feel like you’re just flushing money down the drain.
We’ve listed ten tips for buying a used motorcycle to help you avoid ending up with someone else’s problem.
Research The Model
Before you start contacting owners, research the model you’re interested in and find out whether this is the right bike for you.
Check out as many reviews as possible to learn about ownership costs, potential problems, riding position, etc. Sometimes, our dream bikes won’t live up to our expectations, and it’s better to find out before you even travel to view and test ride one.
Contact The Owner And Ask Questions
So, you’ve decided on some bikes and found some ads. Great! Now, it’s time to contact the owners. My first questions would be how long they’ve owned it and why they’re selling.
It’s common to see bikes for sale that are nearing a major (and expensive) service. That’s not a deal-breaker if the bike is priced right or the owner accepts reasonable offers.
Has The Bike Ever Been Damaged?
Other important questions to ask before you even go to see the bike is if it suffers from any issues, whether it’s been involved in an accident or even just dropped while parked. There’s no guarantee that the owner is telling you the truth, though.
When inspecting the motorcycle, check the bar ends, levers, and footpegs. If they have any rash or a slight bend, chances are the bike has been down at some point. Again, this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but I’d certainly look at other bikes before pulling the trigger.
Does The Bike Have A Complete Service History?
Some motorcycles can be horrendously expensive to maintain — especially European sports machines, and if not properly maintained, it can result in an even more outrageous repair bill.
Find out if the motorcycle has a complete service history and ask for receipts. If the owner tells you it was serviced by “a friend who knows everything about bikes,” treat it as if it’s never been properly serviced — even if he actually does know what he’s doing. Ask when the last valve check/adjustment and fork service was. Chances are the next major service is right around the corner, and it will cost a small fortune, and that’s why they’re selling the bike.
When Did The Bike Last Run, And Does It Run At All?
Sometimes, when scouring the internet for our next dream machine, we come across 10-20-year-old motorcycles with barely any mileage. While these can be a potential bargain, it can also be a money pit.
Sometimes, the owner just didn’t have time to ride it, so it’s been parked in the garage with the wheels off the ground, fired up every now and then, and always connected to a trickle charger. Other times, “it ran when it was parked” — 15 years ago — and has been neglected ever since.
Examine The Bike
So far, we’ve covered the things to ask the owner before you even leave your house to look at the bike. Once it’s in front of you, it’s time to examine it for signs of abuse.
Mileage isn’t all that important if the motorcycle has been properly cared for. On the other hand, a low-mileage example with barely any oil showing on the dipstick, low brake fluid levels, dry cables, worn tires, worn sprockets, rusty chain, squeaky brakes, pitted fork tubes, leaky fork seals, and other signs of neglect is best left alone. Even if the tires and battery look new, ask how old they are, as these things expire.
Test-Ride The Motorcycle
Don’t test-ride the bike until you’ve inspected it. You definitely don’t want to find out that the brakes aren’t working when a kid chases a ball across the road in front of you!
Understandably, some owners aren’t too keen on handing over the keys to their pride and joy, but you also shouldn’t buy a motorcycle you haven’t ridden. The solution to this is to hand over the full amount, and maybe even your driver’s license, and let them hold it until you return. At least then, they have nothing to lose.
Consider the Season
Depending on where you live, used motorcycle prices may fluctuate with the season. If that’s the case, then spring and summer, also known as peak riding season, will be the most expensive time to purchase a bike.
During fall, towards the end of the season, prices tend to drop a little, but the biggest bargains are usually found in winter, during the off-season. However, It’ll be difficult to test-ride it with four inches of snow on the ground.
Buy From Reputable Sellers
Most of us have read some horror stories about shady dealers or private sellers. Spending thousands of dollars on a used motorcycle can be an unnerving experience, so why make it worse than it has to be?!
While it’s still no guarantee, buying your next bike from a reputable seller, whether it’s a private owner or a dealership, adds a layer of safety to the transaction. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Be Prepared To Walk Away
If something feels off, just walk away. There are plenty of motorcycles available, so there’s no need to buy a lemon that’ll make you miserable.
Maybe the seller is giving off weird vibes, the bike didn’t match the description, or maybe it wasn’t as nice to ride as you hoped for. As long as you haven’t signed any paperwork and the money is still in your pocket, it’s never too late to walk away from the deal.
