Best Places to Buy Cheap Motorcycles
Riding on the open road with a nice breeze in your face, and the soft rumble of the motor between your legs can be an exhilarating method of transportation, but how do you join the club for the least amount of cost. Motorcycles can be a very economical alternative mode of transportation, due to the lower fuel cost, and insurance, so finding the right bike is the next step on your quest to freedom!
The best location to begin your search will start at the local motorcycle shop. This does not ultimately have to be your place of purchase, but it should be where you get an idea of the size and type of bike your most comfortable ridding on. Once you know whether you want a cruiser or sport bike, and how big you want to go, you will have a good idea of what the shops are asking; now you can really begin to bargain shop. The next step would to be to develop a budget to gage the range of how much you are willing to spend without going over your budget.
Classifieds: Now that you know the make and model of your bike, you can now start to search the local papers and start price comparing. If you're not concerned about the year or model than you may have more options, so once you have compiled a list you can start doing some calling. Avoid any extras like a free helmet included, since the helmet should be determined by your head not the previous owners. Usually condition may change the price being asked, but you won't truly know the real condition until you go out to view it first hand.
Swap Meets: Most cities will have an annual swap meet, or event that will include the sale of used motorcycles. Riders will frequently change bikes like a change of wardrobe; swap meets will have a plethora of such deals to be found. Not only will you find a huge assortment of bikes available, you will also be able to ask plenty of questions and see the bike up close and personal.
Used Bike Shops: Used bike shops are a good place to get a deal, however a private seller is much more likely to sell below the bottom line! This forum also has much room for negotiation, since most shops already purchased their inventory for a reasonable price, and the mark-up is usually much higher than one might think. Start low, point out flaws like high mileage, scratches, and even tire wear, these will show less interest causing more room in the haggling process. Never accept an offer until you have compared either on-line, or did at least some minimal research. Most shops are legitimate and will provide a good value, but there are some shady deals which will leave you with lemon instead of lemonade.
Auctions: Check out police auctions and other mediums where old or new bikes have to be sold. Auctions can either be the best deal, or you might even end up paying more than the bike is actually worth. Again, do your research, know what you are looking for, and don't get caught in a bidding war. It is common in some auctions that there are staged bidders injected into the crowd to cause mass bidding, which ends with the buyer paying more than he originally expected. Don't be afraid to walk away, and bring cash.
When you do go to check out a bike, most sellers will refuse test rides due to insurance reasons, so it is best to know what to look for. Start the bike up! How fast did it turn over? If the bike takes longer to start it might be an indication of either, a lack of recent activity, or other mechanical problems. Look at where the bike is sitting, is it indoors or outdoors? Bikes that are stored outdoors usually have more likelihood to have issues with tires, rust, and other problems. Bikes that are stored properly usually have more care taken in maintenance and ownership. Most sellers will have nothing against sitting on the bike or moving parts like wheels, chains, belts, steering, any restriction or excessive play can be another sign of a issue. If the bike is up on it's center kickstand, hold the back wheel firmly and try to see if it shakes back and forth, play in this area means bushings, bearings and other components are worn or need repair.
If your not familiar with a motorcycle, and you have issues beware of sellers that don't offer certification, or have a strict as is policy. Usually a bike is generally easy to certify so a bike that doesn't meet the criteria may have a hefty repair bill to ensure it is safe to ride again. A motorbike can definitely be a cheap and fun way to get around, but taking over someone else's headache might leave you with a sour taste in your mouth. Be careful, and do your research, and soon you will be cruising in no time!
