5 Tips On Buying A Used Motorcycle

New motorcycles often get all the
attention when it comes to purchasing a ride, but sometimes owners
want to save some money on a used bike and use the rest they saved
on motorcycle gear. It all depends on the rider, but there are
plenty of you out there who might be looking for some tips on
purchasing a used
bike, and here are five things to consider before you buy:
1) Know Your Style Of Bike

If you're considering buying a used
motorcycle, know what type of bike you want before doing heavy
investigation on the best priced ride. Often, riders go in blindly
looking to purchase a used bike and commit to something they
actually didn't want because they had no sense of direction.
You have to know what style you want - whether it's a sportsbike,
dual sport, scooter, cruiser motorcycle or a dirt bike. Once you
choose a type, you won't be veered off course by a snappy salesman.
Additionally, know the size or at least the cc range for your bike.
If you're
just starting out riding a motorcycle, you may want to keep the
cc level under 650. However, if you're an advanced rider, you need
to know how you'll be using it. You'll want to base your decision
on whether you'll use it for the highway or city more often.
2) Fully Inspect The Motorcycle

On websites like Craigslist, people prey
on buyers who see a shiny bike in the perfect price range only to
realize a few months down the road that the bike is a piece of
junk. Make sure to check the chrome for scratches, dents and rust.
If you see scratches on one side, especially if there are several
parallel scratches - a clear sign that the bike has gone down, look
directly down the bike to see if it frame and forks are straight.
Usually, if the bike has been dropped, other dents and dings will
give it away.
Also, you should test the fork by sitting on the bike yourself and
straightening out the handlebars to make sure the wheel is
straight. Check for tape or zip ties holding pieces together, and
if so, you're going to want to look elsewhere. Inspect the wheels
and make sure that if the tires are severely
worn you deduct the cost of new tires from the purchase price.
3) Be Practical In Your Decision

Another problem you might come across when
purchasing a used bike is becoming too attached to the ride before
the deal is done. Inspect the mileage and compare it to the title
so you know what you're getting. Also, you can do some homework
after you see the bike. You run the risk of letting a good deal go,
but you'd rather keep looking than purchasing for far too much
money, or have to deal with a headache afterwards. Being practical
is necessary when purchasing a used motorcycle. If the deal sounds
too good to be true, it's probably a bad idea
4) Take A Test Ride

A used motorcycle dealer should allow you
to take a test drive with a motorcycle drivers license and maybe a
credit card for insurance. You should always have the seller start
the motorcycle and do it while the bike is cold. When bikes haven't
been started in a while - whether it's a day or a few months - they
tend to be hard to start. You want to see how difficult it will be
to start.
5) Listen To It Run

Try to listen for unusual sounds while riding - anything that clunks or bangs. You'll get a full idea of how it feels when you test drive as well. If you can't take it for a test drive, have the owner start it cold, listen for noises and never accept the phrase "they all make that noise." If it seems odd, it probably is.