Purchasing a new motorcycle is a substantial investment that is not in every budget. People who use motorcycles as recreational vehicles during the summer or on weekends will often seek out pre-owned ones to save money. This is smart when maintaining a family car or two in addition to the bike.
5 Things to Remember When Buying a Motorcycle
Where to Buy?
Keeping key elements in mind when searching for the perfect used motorcycle will help potential owners find high-quality motorcycles at fair pricing. A used motorcycle dealership, such as American Motorcycle Trading Company, will provide benefits not available from a private seller. Complete inspections are done on all motorcycles offered on the lot of a dealership.
Finance options, warranty plans, and service departments are more benefits. Experienced dealerships will only offer motorcycles with clean and clear titles which means the bike will have no salvage, loss, or theft history. A selection of different makes and models will save buyers time and frustration.
Dealing with a Private Seller
The advantage of dealing with a private seller is the potential to get a lower price than one quoted by a dealer. This means paying attention to details and knowing what to look before buying. Do a visual inspection of the motorcycle to determine if there has been major bodywork done or if the vehicle is in poor condition.
Misaligned body parts or mismatched colors indicate previous bodywork due to an accident. Corrosion or rust inside the gas tank will alert the buyer that a replacement will be necessary soon. Check out the underside of frame rails to see if there are any deep scratches. Those are typically another indicator of an accident or the result of careless handling and storage.
Checking for Leaks
Looking for a puddle or drip under the motorcycle may be useless when checking for leaks. If the motorcycle has been moved from its resting spot for viewing, a puddle will not be present. Run a finger along the underside of the engine and the radiator to detect any leaks. This is much more accurate than relying on the ground to spot leakage.
Insist on Taking a Test Drive
A test drive is the best way to know how the motorcycle operates and responds to road conditions. Listen for any noises when starting the bike or during the drive. Notice throttle responses, power delivery, vibrations of the wheels or tires, and the ease of shifting. Check for stopping the ability to judge the condition of the brakes.
If the seller is hesitant to allow a test drive, insist on a ride before considering the bike for purchase. A seller who refuses you a ride is not being completely honest about the history or quality of the vehicle and should be dismissed from consideration.
Do Research
Research fair market value of the makes and models of motorcycles of interest. Current pricing is available on many websites like Kelley Blue Book.com and will prevent you from paying too much for the bike. Do take into account any after-market upgrades that will result in a slightly higher asking price.
Buyers will get years of enjoyment out of a used bike if they remember to thoroughly check out the vehicle and the pricing. Take someone who is mechanically inclined if you are not. This can be a friend, cousin, or even a mechanic.