I have owned my fair share of motorcycles. Even when I am not in the market for a motorcycle you might find me looking over Craigslist to see what is available. I have lost on a few deals but I have often purchased a motorcycle and ridden it for a year or two to turn and sell it a year later for the same or more than I paid for it.
In order to do this, you have to buy a used motorcycle from an individual. Dealerships are in business because they make money, nothing wrong with that, but if you want a “deal” the dealership is not the place to start.
If it is a motorcycle that you KNOW that you want and plan on keeping, then a new purchase is not out of the question. Just know that you rarely make money or break even on a new purchase. What you are paying the extra for is a warranty and some assurance that the motorcycle will perform as advertised.
The one exception to this is older dealer stock. If you buy a new motorcycle that the dealer has had for 1-3 years, yes they exist, you can often save a lot of money. You get the best of both worlds, a warranty, and the knowledge of knowing the motorcycle is in good condition. You won't find these deals on popular motorcycles though, the latest and greatest thing on the cover of Cycleworld is rarely in the back corner of the dealership.
There are a few main considerations when finding the right motorcycle for you.
- What do you want to use the motorcycle for? The answer to this will help you narrow your search.
- Locating the right motorcycle for you.
- Getting the best deal on the motorcycle.
- Paying or financing the motorcycle.
The answers to these questions and some of the tips found in this article can help you find the right motorcycle at the right price.
What type of riding do you want to do on your motorcycle?
There are many different types of riding that can be done on a motorcycle. Some people prefer to stick to the basics and just ride on the open road, while others enjoy taking their bike off-road or racing around tracks. If you're not sure what type of riding you want to do, it's a good idea to do some research and try out a few different things to see what you like best.
If you're new to motorcycling, it might be a good idea to start out with some basic rides on quiet country roads or even on a parking lot if you are really new. This will give you a chance to get comfortable with your bike and learn the basics of riding before trying anything more challenging. Once you've got a bit of experience under your belt, you can start exploring more exciting terrain.
Places or Sites to Find the Best Selection of Motorcycles
There are a few different places or sites to find the best selection of motorcycles. The most obvious place to start is at a dealership. Dealerships typically have a variety of different brands and models of motorcycles to choose from. They also have staff who can help you find the perfect motorcycle for your needs and preferences.
My advice is to have some knowledge before going to the dealership. Let's face it, their primary objective is to make money. Your objective is to get the right motorcycle at the right price. Those two objectives do not always match up.
Another place to find motorcycles is at an auction. Auctions typically have a wide variety of motorcycles, from sport bikes to cruisers to touring bikes. You can also find some great deals at auctions. In most states, you need a dealer license to attend and bid at auctions so this may not be the right place for you to shop.
The third place to look for motorcycles is online. There are many websites that sell motorcycles, and you can usually find a great selection of bikes on these websites. You can also compare prices and reviews from other buyers. CycleTrader and Craigslist are two great sites to do research, compare prices, and see which motorcycle fits best for your needs and budget.
Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle
Problem Areas to Look for on a Used Motorcycle
When buying a used motorcycle, it is important to be aware of the problem areas that can occur on these vehicles. By knowing what to look for, you can avoid buying a bike that has expensive and time-consuming repairs in the future. Some of the most common problem areas include the engine, brakes, and tires. The engine is the most important part of a motorcycle. If you are buying an older bike that has been taken care of, you should look for signs that the engine has had regular maintenance and repairs.
Some things to look for when selecting a used motorcycle.
When buying a motorcycle from a private party, buy with your head, not your heart: The motorcycle you buy should be in good mechanical condition. If it's not, then chances are that it will need work at some point in its life and then, the cost to fix it might be much higher than if you'd just bought a new bike.
The motorcycle is not leaking any fluids. It has been serviced and the engine is in good working order. The motorcycle does not have any unusual smells or sounds from the engine, exhaust system, clutch, or transmission. In general, the engine should be in good working order unless you have the skills and or budget to fix any defects.
The motorcycle looks like it was well cared for. An owner who takes pride in their motorcycle will keep up with the motorcycle. Bald tires, black engine oil, or other unrepaired issues are warning signs to look for.
Check the VIN of the motorcycle and do a background check if needed. The motorcycle should have a clear title, so there are no outstanding issues with the title. If there is no title then you are sailing on troubled waters to complete the purchase.
Ask the owner not to start the motorcycle before you arrive. A cold engine might reveal some issues that a warmed engine will not.
Check the bike's condition carefully. If there are any signs of major damage, have it checked by a mechanic before buying. A used motorcycle that has been in an accident is not worth the risk. Even if it is a minor accident, it can cause damage to the frame or engine.
The best place to look for damage to the motorcycle is on the bar ends, levers, and footpegs. If there are scratches here, the motorcycle has been dropped. Dropping a motorcycle is not a deal-breaker but checking those parts and asking the owner if the motorcycle has been dropped can give you insight into the honesty of the person you are dealing with.
If all of these parts are replaced with custom parts it may be a sign that the motorcycle has been dropped also.
An older motorcycle, over 5 years old, with really low miles may need some repairs. Things degrade over time and left sitting carbs and fuel injectors gum up. So, if the motorcycle is 7 years old with 75 miles, it might be a good deal, just know that it will likely need some service to get back into good running condition.
The sweet spot for me is buying a motorcycle with relatively low miles, under 10,000, that is less than 3 years old. These are general rules and can be bent if budget, or getting a particular motorcycle model interferes with these guidelines.
What is Considered High Mileage on a Motorcycle?
How to Negotiate a Good Deal on a Motorcycle
When you are in the market for a motorcycle, there are a lot of things to take into account. Price is obviously a major factor, but it's not the only one. You also need to think about the type of bike you want, the features you need, and your budget. And don't forget about negotiating!
If you're prepared to negotiate, you can sometimes get a good deal on a motorcycle.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Know what you want. This is key when negotiating. If you know what type of bike you want and what features it should have, you'll be in a better position to negotiate.
2. Do your research. Find out how much the bike is worth and what dealers are selling them for in other markets or other dealers in your area. This will give you an idea of how much room there is to negotiate.
3. Check the classifieds. Many dealers will advertise their bikes on Craigslist. This is a free resource that can be used to your advantage if you're willing to do some research and know what you're looking for.
4. Research the local dealerships online before arriving at the showroom. Know what they have in stock and if another dealer has the same or comparable motorcycle in stock. Having this knowledge will give you a great advantage when negotiating the price.
Don't be afraid to comparison shop if you can. Take the best offer from one dealer and ask another dealer to beat it. If they do, good for you. If they won't beat it you might have a good price at your earlier stop.
Financing your Motorcycle or Paying Cash
In my opinion, if you are financing the motorcycle it should be left to new purchases, not Craigslist deals.
So: Dealerships: cash or finance
Craigslist: Cash
If you decide to finance your motorcycle get your financing and pre-approval in order before going to the dealership. Then, if you decide to get the motorcycle, give the dealership the chance to beat your already approved financing offer. This could save you a lot of money in the course of paying for the motorcycle.
Popular Beginner Motorcycle Models
There are a number of great beginner motorcycle models on the market today. While each person’s needs and preferences may be different, there are a few models that tend to stand out among the rest. Here are three of the most popular beginner motorcycles available today.
The Honda Rebel is a great choice for those who want a stylish and comfortable motorcycle. It has a low seat height, which makes it easy for beginners to get on and off, and it also has a powerful engine that is perfect for cruising around town.
Another popular choice for beginners is the Harley-Davidson Sportster. This bike is known for its smooth ride and easy handling, making it perfect for novice riders. It also has plenty of power and torque, so you can take it on the open road with confidence.
Another popular starter motorcycle is the Kawasaki Vulcan. This bike has a small seat and a low center of gravity, which makes it very easy for riders to get on and off. It also has plenty of power and torque, so you can take it on the open road with confidence.
These motorcycles really just scratch the surface of what is available to new riders the biggest consideration will always be the price. There is so much to choose from you will have to really narrow down your choices before making a purchase.
