Purchasing a second-hand motorcycle is never straightforward. However, when you take your time and do your research, there are some good deals out there to be had. Importantly, if you are personate about biking, there are plenty of second-hand options on the market that will allow you to indulge in your passion at a very affordable price.
There is something freeing about motorcycles. Whether it is the feeling of wind blowing on your face or it is the perceived speed you get whilst riding your bike, many motorcycle enthusiast will reckon that there is no match to riding a bike. It is intimidating while confidence inspiring. It is risky yet fun.
Going for a second-hand bike will give you the chance to experience the full spectrum of emotions associated with biking unreservedly without worrying about the piece of your machine. With this in mind, herein we will explore the best of golden tips that you should have in mind when purchasing your second-hand motorbike.
Tip #1. Choose The Right Bike And The Place To Buy
The first thing to do is to consider the right bike for your needs and applications. If you are purchasing a bike for weekend-long road trip, comfort is paramount. If you are purchasing your bike of daily commute, practicality is important. If you are purchasing your used bike for track days, speed and power is the key. Match your needs with the variety of bike that can meet these needs.
Where you buy your bike is largely dependent on the budget you are working with. Dealers will tend to charge a premium but nonetheless offer more information on the state of the bike, more consumer protection as it comes with warranties, and more financing options. However, private dealers tend to offer a more personal experience and a much higher price leeway as they do not have to factor in some cost considerations such as overhead costs.
Tip #2. Research Pricing
The fact that you are going for a used motorcycle means you are after a good motorcycle at a good price. As such, it is important that you do your homework on matters of pricing. When researching the types of motorcycles that will meet your needs, look at their prices. While their pricing will vary widely depending on the condition of individual bikes, researching the pricing will give you an idea of how much a bike in a certain condition should cost.
If you have identified certain bikes that bode well with your intended riding purpose, search for their listing, honing in on their model numbers, year of manufacture, mileage, and modifications in relation to their pricing.
Tip #3. Make Sure The VINs Match
Part of your legal responsibility when purchasing a used vehicle is to ensure that the vehicle you are purchasing is legally owned by the seller, whether it be an individual or an organization. While this may sound as pretty obvious consideration, it is incredibly important to keep in mind.
Motorcycles, much like cars have vehicle identification numbers (VINs). This number is used to identify the motorcycle, its various parts, and the owner of the bike. It is critical importance that the VIN provided matches all documents associated with the motorcycle. You do not want to purchase the wrong motorcycle or a stolen motorcycle.
Therefore, while prospecting for a used motorbike, ensure that the VIN provided is consistent on the title, the bill sale, and the registration. Moreover, you want to ensure that the VINs for the major part of the bike such as the engine match. You do not want to purchase a Yamaha with Kawasaki engine. Ensure everything matches up. It things do not match, just walk away, even when a deal is good.
Tip #4. Check The Service History
One of the many challenges you will have to deal with when purchasing a used motorcycle is its maintenance history. A well-maintained motorcycle will save you money down the road while a poorly maintained motorcycle will result in frequent and more expensive repair and maintenance bills.
As such, it is of critical importance that you get the maintenance record. Find out the last time the routine maintenance was performed. Find out whether the full range of maintenance tasks were done including change of oil, proper tire inflation, proper chain maintenance, and much more. The goal is to purchase a used motorcycle that will offer a true value for money experience in the long run.
Along with the maintenance history, you should find out whether the motorcycle has been modified. Modifications and personalization are usually done by motorcycle owners to make their bikes personal and an extension of themselves. However, these endeavor can either improve the performance and reliability of the bike or destroy it. As such, it is important to ensure that for starters, the modifications were done in the right manner. Secondly you want to make sure that any modifications done did not negatively impact the motorcycle’s performance and reliability.
Tip #5. Take A Test Ride
When purchasing a used bike, it is important that you have an intricate understanding of the condition it is in. in this regard, even after asking for its services history, you should also request to take it for a test drive.
Luckily, unlike purchasing new bikes, buying a used motorcycle from Next Ride makes it easy for you to get a test drive. Ride your bike on a variety of road, taking it through its paces to ensure that everything works as it should, it maneuvers well, and there are no rattle and weird sounds coming from the bike.
Tip #6. Get The Bike Inspected
Even when you test ride the bike, there may be some gremlins lurking in the background. With a used motorcycle, there is more than meets the eyes. As such, if you have identified a bike that suits you and meets your needs in terms of bike usage and matching VINs, you should have it inspected by a professional mechanic. Have a professional inspect the bike for wear and tear, leaks in the bike’s plumb lines, and for structural issues.
Tip #7. Negotiate
The good thing about purchasing a used motorcycle is the opportunity to negotiate the price. Do not blindly accept the first offer given just because you are in love with that particular bike. There is always room for negotiation. Importantly, there are plenty of choices in the used motorcycle market. However, when the price is fair and reasonable based on all factor at play, you can pay for the bike at the asking price.
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