New motorcycles decrease in value significantly the moment they leave the lot. Rather than taking on a bike that is rapidly decreasing in value, some bikers choose to purchase a used motorcycle. Not only will you save money, you may also be able to find a motorcycle that has been broken in, with the kinks worked out for you. In addition, you will be able to afford a nicer motorcycle if you buy used than if you purchase new.
Follow these tips to make your used motorcycle buying experience a good one.
1. Don’t fool around. Selling a motorcycle takes time, and can be very frustrating. Placing an ad on Craigslist or on a motorcycle website often results in many phone calls and texts that amount to nothing. Don’t make an appointment to see a motorcycle unless you are going to keep that appointment. And don’t flake out on a seller by acting interested and asking them to hold the motorcycle for you unless you are very serious about making a purchase.
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2. Research the motorcycle before you see it. This is a great time to get a good feel for the price as well any potential issues the motorcycle might have. If it’s known to have faulty parts or issues, it’s good to know these in advance so you can pay extra attention when you ride it.
3. Start the bike cold. Many potential problems can be masked by showing a motorcycle when it’s already warm. Ask the seller not to run the motorcycle before you show up so that you can get a sense for how it will start and run straight away.
4. Be wary of people who deal in motorcycles. If someone is selling their used motorcycle because they are purchasing a new one or because they aren’t riding anymore, that’s fine. But if someone has multiple motorcycles for sale, you might want to exercise caution. They may be reputable and honest, or they may buy damaged bikes and try to flip them for profit. In and of itself, it’s not a bad thing. But some people perform shoddy repairs or use worn parts to do just enough to get a motorcycle running. Be aware!
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5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t feel like you need to be pressured into any sale. If you have questions about the motorcycle, you should ask them. Most people are prepared and happy to discuss their motorcycle in depth. It’s good to ask about maintenance and any repairs that have been performed. Also, learn more about how the motorcycle has been ridden and any issues it has had.
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6. Make sure the name on the title matches the seller. Ask to see their driver’s license and compare it to the name on the title. If they do not match, do not buy. It’s simply that easy. There are far too many people out there who market in stolen bikes, and it’s easy to get ripped off.
7. Be serious, but don’t be afraid to haggle. If someone is asking for $10,000 for a good, solid bike that has been well-maintained, don’t offer them $5K. But don’t be afraid to haggle a bit, either. Never expect to pay asking price unless the seller states upfront that their price is firm. And even then, I would expect to haggle a little bit. Be sure that you are prepared to pay any price that you offer, and don’t play games.
8. Shop with a buddy. It’s always great to take a friend along when you are motorcycle shopping, especially if they have experience with bikes. When you are looking for a new motorcycle, emotions can take over and lead to you overlooking potential issues. Also, a great bike can make you forget about haggling and offer more than you probably should. A good friend by your side can be very sobering.
When you purchase a motorcycle, be sure you have it insured before you ride it away. Motorcycle insurance is critical. Injuries from motorcycle crashes are often severe, and you may find yourself unable to work for a period of time. If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, rest assured that the experienced team of motorcycle attorneys at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE have got your back. Call on Kass & Moses to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
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