Buying used Motorcycles
A used motorcycle can be just as enjoyable as a new one, often at a fraction of the cost. As with a used car, the total cost of ownership must be considered. Once you have settled on the type of bike you want, you must consider not only the condition of the bike, but your future service and parts options as well.
When deciding on your new preowned bike, take time to figure out how much you want to spend and what bikes will be good values in your price range. Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) is a good place to start. Looking at the completed listings on Ebay will also give you a good indicator of what particular motorcycles are selling for. Financing is more difficult to get for motorcycles than it is for cars, so be sure to add this to your list of considerations.
Pretty much any used car from a major manufacturer produced within the last two decades will have a readily available supply of parts and service options available. Not so with motorcycles. Some models, even those produced by major manufacturers, may have short production runs or other factors that can make parts and information hard to find. Once you've found the bike you want, search the web, auction sites and forums for information regarding that model. If results are limited, it may be a good indicator that you will have a hard time finding parts or service when the time comes.
Will you service the bike yourself, or have it done at the dealer? I have found that many dealers will not service a motorcycle older than 10 years. Lots of older bikes have low mileage and have been well maintained and so can be an excellent value, though, so they are still worth considering. It may be worth a call to local dealers to see if service will be available for the bike that you are considering.
Forums can also be a good place to get hints as to the problem areas of the bike you are looking at. Members will often be happy to give you ideas of what to look for and a quick look at topics will give an indication of the problems most often faced.
When it comes time to actually look at the motorcycle you are considering, be sure to take time to give it a thorough and honest evaluation. First, look for any obvious signs of damage. Are there scuffs on the ends of the handlebars, dents in the tank or broken turn signal stalks? Any of these will be signs that the bike has been laid down and warrant closer inspection and discussion with the seller.
Inspect the tires for good tread depth and uneven wear as well as cracking. Check the brake pads for good thickness and be sure that the rotors are not scored. Rings of dirt or oil on the forks or cracking seals will indicate that seals will need to be replaced soon. Check the chain, if it has one, for good lubrication and for slack. You should be able to move it up and down about an inch in the middle point. Sprockets should show no signs of uneven wear or broken teeth. Take a close look at the engine and any hoses for leaks.
Next, take a look at the overall cosmetic condition of the bike. Is there any excessive rust or damage that will need to be fixed? Carefully check the bottom of the fuel tank. Any rust there can be an omen of major problems in the future. Is the chrome in good condition? Minor blemishes or rust spots can often be overcome, but faded or chipped chrome will mean more costly repair or replacement. Check the seat and grips for cracks or cuts.
Finally, ask to start the bike. Does it turn over easily and stay running? Some older bikes will naturally be a little temperamental, but beware of a bike that won't stay running without a lot of throttle input. Shut it off and start it up a couple of times to make sure that the battery is in good condition. If you can take a ride, pay attention to how the bike shifts and stops, whether there are any unusual vibrations and if it tracks straight.
Used motorcycles can be a good value compared to buying new. With the right preparation and careful inspection you can do your best to minimize the risk of making a bad deal. Most of the items mentioned above should not ruin the deal, but can allow you to calculate what the bike is worth to you. Even a bike that needs a little work can be a great deal if you get it for the right price.
