How To Buy A Used Motorcycle
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Pro Tip: Cupping is a natural wear pattern on motorcycle tires. It is not a sign of bad tires or suspension parts. It simply shows that the tire is gripping the road (thank you Mr. Tire!). This cupping develops on the sides of a tire. The forces that come into play when the motorcycle is leaning while turning are what produce the effect. When the tire becomes quite worn, the rider will experience vibration and noise when leaning into a turn. The softer compound tires tend to cup sooner.
I recognize not everyone wants to be a used-bike mogul, so knowing how to avoid a bike that's a turd can be a bit more difficult for people who actually spend rational amounts of income on motorcycles. That's where this guide comes in. It's not comprehensive, but some of the items in here might save you from ending up with a junker. (And if a junker is what you are buying, I'd like to plug my recent haggling article, so at very least you won't spend much money on crap.)
Some people are baffled by how to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to used bikes. If you are really green, remember that there's no shame in picking up a bike from a dealer. They have a vested interest in making sure the bike is in good shape! If you're hellbent on buying private party (read my checklist, if you're new to the game), generally newer is better. Maybe you're running out to look at a bike in 20 minutes, so let's start with the CliffsNotes. If the following three conditions are met, you're probably looking at a bike that's at least halfway decent. All these points are covered more thoroughly later, but here are your takeaways:
Brake fluid should be clear and light in color, like a nice pale yellow, depending on brand. If you didn't notice this in your inspection of the bike, be sure you look at it before you pull away on a motorcycle that may have been maintained poorly! RevZilla photo.
The best choice for a buying used motorcycle is a street bike that is in the $1000 to $3000 range and runs well enough to take a small road trip to see what needs attention. Track bikes may command a higher sum but they will be required to perform better. Dirt bikes are their own animal so if you want to simply ride trails, a $500 bike will do. Planning to do jumps and acrobatics Prepare to spend more on a well-sorted motorcycle. Pricing can be tricky but if you focus on the size, style, and intended use, some decent research will show the price point that makes sense. Any motorcycle that has a price that seems too good to be true and is out of line with the others for sale in that class is a major red flag.
The fun of buying a used motorcycle as a project bike is to make additions as you enjoy riding it. Take a Saturday to update the headlight and taillight to LEDs. Ride and enjoy! New tires can change a ride overnight. New rear sets or bar end mirrors can add value and curb appeal with little work and instant gratification. Put them on, ride out to a bike night, and show the folks what you did with your morning. You will certainly get a thumbs up! But if you toil in the garage all day just to get the engine to turn over, there is no fist bump on earth that will bring a smile to your face. You will wonder when you will get to ride that motorcycle anywhere but your driveway.
Buying a used motorcycle can be a major headache or an adventure depending on how you handle it. As always, the lawyers at MotoJustice are here to help. If you have legal questions, we have damn fine lawyers on staff that can answer them. We ride, so talking about motorcycles brings a smile. And remember, if trouble finds you out on the road, be sure to give us a call!
It can be a little bit scary though, especially if you plan on buying a motorcycle from a private seller. Some people out there want to scam you. I have bought and sold almost twenty motorcycles in the last few years and have a pretty good idea about how the process works and what to look for. This guide can help you through your buying process and help prevent any frustrations you could potentially run into when buying a used motorcycle from a private seller.
You may find that one type of platform may not have any listings of the type of motorcycle you want while another has plenty to choose from. Nowadays online platforms are becoming more and more popular as society is revolving more around the internet.
You should also look for signs of the motorcycle being tipped over. Such signs include scratched or dented side panels, a dented or scratched tank, bent foot pegs, crankcase damage, bent or broken engine fins, bent handle bars or accompanying accessories, and/or any other scratches anywhere that are of notable size.
Checking all of these things when buying a used motorcycle from a private seller can be a little bit overwhelming. You can download and print my free PDF checklist here that makes this process much easier to remember.
I also like to ask them about the last time it was registered. This can indicate some possible paperwork issues the owner may have run into as well as show how much the motorcycle has actually been used in the last little while.
Notice the attitude of the seller in general. Do they have minimal expertise on the motorcycle Do they seem anxious or jittery during your interaction with them Trust your gut in situations like this. For more information about how to know whether or not the seller has a stolen motorcycle, see my other article by clicking here.
A bill of sale should include the name, address, and contact information of both you and the seller as well as the selling price, make, model, year, and odometer reading of the motorcycle. Click here to download and print a motorcycle bill of sale for free.
You need to immediately call your auto insurance and get your motorcycle insured before you pull the motorcycle out of the driveway. Because the bill of sale is evidence that the motorcycle now belongs to you, you are now held liable for any accidents or damages that happen to the motorcycle from that point on.
Each state in the United States is a little different with their requirements on how to register a motorcycle, but most of them have the same basic requirements. Registering a motorcycle is similar to registering a car.
Kyle currently works as a mechanical engineer and graduated with a minor in automotive engineering. He loves restoring motorcycles, has a vast knowledge of how they work, and has sold his restoration projects to customers from all over the United States.
The suspension system on a motorcycle has some important components to ensure a comfortable ride. These components, including the shocks, get worn out over time and may need to be replaced. Some of...
Whether it's a starter motorcycle or the bike you've been dreaming of, buying a used motorcycle can be a great way to get a good bike at a reasonable price. You'll need to do your research, though, and make sure you're truly getting a good deal. From choosing to buy from a dealer or a private seller to making an offer, consider these tips for buying a used motorcycle.
After scouring online motorcycle sites or wandering the dealership lots, a few bikes may have caught your eye. You'll want to research the motorcycles to get an idea of fair market prices, which you can typically find in the NADA Guides and Kelley Blue Book. This helps you determine if the bikes you're interested in are listed at reasonable prices based on their condition and any after-market upgrades they may have.
You may also want to have a mechanic check over the bike to look for any potential issues. RideApart.com also suggests that you ask for the service records, as they may show whether the bike has been maintained properly. Also, if you have the option to take a test ride, you should, says RideApart.com. This will give you a feel for how the motorcycle runs and whether you like it.
When buying a used motorcycle, you need to do your homework and ensure you're truly getting a good deal and the right bike. But with a little research and preparation, you may just find your next ride.
Our pages are filled with helpful tips and information about the topics that most of us face in our everyday lives. We focus on safety and maintenance issues with regard to your home, auto, apartment, motorcycle, boat, small business, finances and more. Please recognize that a particular tip may not be effective in every circumstance and that taking preventive measures cannot guarantee any outcome. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what's appropriate for you and your property and always consider safety.
Buying a motorcycle from a dealer requires that you do your research. Before entering the dealership, you'll want to know your budget and what type of bike you want. Most dealers will let you test drive bikes to help you decide. Some dealers will also have financing options and incentives to help close the deal.
On the other hand, if you know the value of a motorcycle is lower than what the dealer is asking, use that to your advantage. It would help if you also had some idea of the value of modifications. A motorcycle with several replacement parts might lose value for not being authentic, but it may also be more valuable because of the modifications.
Don't wait until you've purchased a motorcycle to research what it will cost to insure. Calculate the cost of motorcycle insurance along with your monthly payments to determine whether you can afford a bike. You should also consider what type of insurance and the motorcycle insurance coverages and limits you will need to carry. If you finance the motorcycle, the cost of insurance will play a role in what you can afford.
After you've decided on cost, think about features. Ask yourself what you need in a motorcycle. Consult a motorcycle buying guide to help you sort through the wide variety of bikes available. If you're on the shorter side, find out whether the handlebars are comfortable to hold and i