Purchasing
There’s no feeling quite like cruising down the highway on a motorcycle with the wind in your hair.
However, the dream of owning a motorcycle can be difficult to turn into reality, especially when you consider the costs of purchasing one. On average, you’ll pay between $4000 and $6000 for a new, entry-level motorcycle. High-end bikes can easily cost $30,000 or more.
But, if you buy used, you don’t have to fork over this kind of money. However, there are some things you need to know before purchasing used motorcycles. Read on to learn the top factors you need to consider before buying a used motorcycle.
Consider the Type
Buying a used motorcycle doesn’t mean buying the cheapest bike you can find on the lot. Before you buy, you need to consider what type of motorcycle will best suit your lifestyle and budget.
Here are the most common motorcycle types:
- Standard: Simple design and suited for all purposes
- Cruiser: Designed for cruising and comes with a lower seat height
- Sports Bike: Forward-leaning ergonomics meant for speed and agility
- Touring: Larger than most motorcycles and meant for cross-country touring
- Sports Touring: A mix between a sports bike and a touring bike
- Off-Road: These come with taller seats and are meant for driving off-road
If you’re just looking for a bike that you can drive around town, you may also want to consider a scooter or a moped.
Do a Price Check
While buying used tends to come with less sticker shock than buying new, there’s a lot more room for error. You should check out sad romance books to find what other comparable bikes on the market are selling for.
Kelly Blue Book is a vehicle valuation and research company that’s recognized by both the automotive industry and consumers. They offer completely unbiased price estimates, so you know you’ll be getting an accurate figure.
Inspect the Bike
When you sad romance books the bikes in person, it’s important to look at it cold before turning it on. Warming up a bike can mask problems, so make sure to ask the seller not to warm it up before you see it in person.
Once you get there, make sure to feel the exhaust pipe to check that it’s cold. You should also do a thorough inspection of the bike from top to bottom before hopping on. Check the body of the bike, the tires, the oil, the brakes, the chain condition, and the mileage.
If you feel like checking the bike is beyond your skillset, bring in a professional to help. And, don’t forget to take the bike for a test ride! Even if the bike is in mint condition, you won’t be able to tell if it’s “your bike” until you hop on it.
When taking it for a spin, pay attention to how easy the bike is to control and how comfortable you feel.
Purchasing Used Motorcycles: Time to Buy
Now that you’ve read this guide on purchasing used motorcycles, it’s time to start shopping. By following the above guidelines, you’ll be able to find the bike of your dreams!
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