Buying a used motorcycle takes a little more prep work than just walking into a dealership, pointing at the closest shiny object and saying “I want that one.” If you are a smart savvy shopper you can find unique rides and great deals in the used motorcycle market just by following a simple buying guide that will help you find exactly what you want, hopefully at a price you can afford.
The Type Of Bike
It is easiest to go into the search with an idea of what kind of bike you want. Do you want an aggressive, balls to the wall, sportbike, an easy as you go touring bike, a get around town scooter, a flying through the air or trudging through the mud off-road bike, or maybe a laid back cruiser. At lot of it will depend on what you want the motorcycle for, how long your rides tend to last, and how long you plan on keeping that particular ride.
Keep in mind that different types of previously owned bikes will show different types of wear. Off-road dirt bikes, enduros and dual sport bikes for instance will show wear in the suspension if they have been ridden hard. A sportbike may have taken a corner a bit fast and slid out. Decide what you want, and shop accordingly.
Private Party vs. Dealerships
Private sellers of used motorcycles will be full of stories, mostly nostalgic ones, about their adventures with the bike they are selling. It is easy to get caught up in this discourse, and pretty entertaining with the right seller. Some of the accounts I have come across are priceless, but don’t get too caught up in it. He may be a nice, funny dude, but ultimately you are there to shop, and hopefully buy. Not everyone is particularly organized (I am the perfect example) so it can be a challenge with private sellers but try to get the seller to show you the maintenance records and a list of any new parts or custom (non-stock) parts. Keep in mind that many private sellers will overvalue extras like saddlebags and windshields so if those aren’t accessories you want or need, try and negotiate based on that. Private owners are generally much more flexible about how much they will take for their bike and in most cases can be negotiated down in price, especially if the bike is an older model. Often times if they need it gone, for whatever reason, they need it gone quickly. Cash is king.
Shopping for bikes is pretty easy these days on the Internet with Craigslist, local Buy and Sell sites, and even eBay. This is probably the easiest place to start to make a list of the bikes you are interested in so you can contact the seller.
Dealerships will usually charge a premium price for used motorcycles because they can. There is a certain piece of mind that comes with buying from a dealer. Some will offer short warranties but even if they don’t, at least you have a place to go and bitch if something goes wrong. They also have significantly more overhead than a dude selling a bike out of his garage and they will have to make their commissions too. Once nice thing about buying used motorcycles from a dealer is that they often have first hand information on the bike you are looking at. People tend to stay loyal to their dealerships and will take their bikes there for maintenance, as well as trading in for the newest model. There may be a paper trail available so you may be able to see what work was done and new parts were bought. They often have first hand information on the bike so make sure to ask as many detailed questions as possible.
Ride And Inspect What You Want To Buy
You will want to give the bike a good going over before buying, or even have your mechanic come with you if you are closing to laying down the cash. Depending on what type of bike you are looking to buy you will need to check things like: the sprocket and chain for wear, the tires for maintenance and uneven wear, any lose parts or damaged parts that might need replacing, worn cables or lines, and signs of a spill. Some tell tale signs of a motorcycle having been laid down can include a dented tank (the handlebars can swing in and dent the tank if the bike has been down), scrapes on the foot pegs, or end of the handlebars/grips, partial repainting, and, in the case of sport bikes, scuffed fairings, or new fairings. As with any used vehicle, check the miles on the motorcycle. A bike with higher miles is more likely to have parts that are worn and will soon need replacing.
If the seller will allow, take the bike for a short test ride being quick to notice if the brakes work properly, throttle turns smoothly and general smoothness of the ride. Ask yourself: is the bike maneuverable enough on the road? Does it accelerate well enough to get around in traffic? Will it turn in short spaces? Most importantly, does it feel safe? Don’t be too surprised if a seller won’t let you take it for a test ride. It’s not uncommon. At the very least have the seller start the bike. Listen for strange noises, check for smooth throttle movement, and watch for smoke.
Things you will want to give a once over include:
- Brakes – pads, hoses, rotors, fluids
- Chain and sprocket – chain tight or stretched, oiled properly, any bent or broken teeth on the rear sprocket?
- Electrical – lights working, headlight hi and low working, turn signals work, horn works.
- Engine – any leaks? Is the oil dark? Listen for valve clutter or strange noises when running.
- Exhaust – blowing smoke may be a blown gasket. Are the pipes blue/purple? May be jetted wrong and probably running hot. Any holes?
- Gas tank – any dents? May be sign of a downed bike. Any rust? Rust in the tank can mean rust in your carbs, not a good thing. Look inside, and run a rag around the mouth of the tank opening.
- Forks – pitted? Tight? Creaking? Does it spring back?
- Wheels – how are the tires worn? Are they cracking?
That should give you a pretty good idea of what you are looking at. Bring a flashlight, a rag, a tire pressure gauge, a helmet and a notebook with you to look at any used motorcycle.
Ask For The Service Record
If a used motorcycle is well maintained, it has the service records to prove it, and will save you bucks in the future. So find out if things like the chain and sprocket have been well maintained, oil changed properly and on time, tires inflated properly, and if routine maintenance has been performed. Check the service records to see when the last maintenance was performed. If the owner balks at this request consider moving on to the next bike. He may just be unorganized, but he also may be hiding something.
Negotiation
Like anyone you are probably going into this search for a “new to you” motorcycle with a budget. And you probably have that budget for a reason, so try to stick to it. If this is your must have bike, or a bucket of bolts, do not show the seller your feelings one way or the other. Be quick to point out if parts need replacing, what wear has occurred, how old the bike is, and also mention the mileage (both really low and high can be bad signs on a used motorcycle). When purchasing used sometimes bikes with extremely low mileage says that bike has been sitting around for a while and that will not be good for the engine or the carbs. Check to see if it smokes while warmed up and if it occasionally misses a beat. If it does, the carbs are probably gummed up, or varnished, from sitting idle too long. Rebuilding the carbs is probably not the first thing you want to be doing to your new bike.
Do not commit to purchasing used unless you are comfortable with the price, the bike and the seller. If you are serious about the bike have a look at the title to make sure it is clear. Check to see if the mileage matches up to paperwork. If everything matches up the way you want, seal the deal, zip up your leathers, put some foam on your dome, and enjoy your new ride!
For more information and motorcycle related reading, visit 2Wheels2Freedom
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