Things To Consider When Buy A Second Hand Motorbike

If you've recently made the decision to buy a used motorcycle, this guide will help you with some of best ways of choosing the right bike for you. If you are buying your first bike, we definitely recommend you buy used and get a courier ship it to you. It is a great way of getting a truly great bike without the extortionate price tag. A loud engine and a rocking body kit do not make a great bike (although they do certainly help) so it is important to enter the market with knowledge and preparation ahead of time.

Preparation, Preparation, Preparation

When you're doing your homework -and you really should do your homework-you'll quickly find that there are a huge variety of bikes available on the used motorbike market. It is important to ask what type of bike you both want and need? By narrowing your choices you will dramatically reduce the number of bikes that you have not interest in. Try to narrow it down to one or two bike types. For example cruisers, sportbikes, scooters, touring bikes, dirt bikes, choppers, enduro bikes, etc-based on your personal tastes and needs. After you decide on a type you can move on to more specific bikes: make, model, year, accessories, etc.

Dealer or Private Seller?

So you've done the research and finally decided on what you want to buy, now it's time to figure out from whom do you want to but it: a private party or a dealer! Whichever you decide (and there is no reason to limit yourself to one or the other as long as you understand the pros and cons of each) you should know enough about the bike to walk into any transaction armed with knowledge, especially of fair market value.

You should also have a definitive number you want to spend (and keep motorcycle insurance, safety gear, courses, etc, in mind). It is ill advised to risk your health and life for a good deal. Safety should always take precedence over price.

Time to Inspect

You do not want to buy any bike sight unseen. Ant not only do you want to SEE the bike, but you also want to INSPECT the bike – thoroughly. Checking the frame should be your first point of call. Even the smallest crack or hairline fracture in the bike's frame can become a real problem, resulting in thousands of dollars worth or repairs. Frame damage should nearly always be a deciding factor - if does have frame damage do not buy unless its is very cheap and with the intention of repair. Also remember to remove any parts that might cover potential damage.

You should then, check the sprockets and chain for any wear, the battery and battery leads, examine the tread of the tires and of course sit on the bike and test the brakes. It's also ideal and quite commonplace that you ask to see any maintenance and service records.

Time to Test Drive

After the used motorbike passes your inspection it's time to test-drive it. Naturally we should make it clear that when you ride any motorcycle you should always where the proper safety gear. This of course still applies to test drives. So make sure you come with your own safety equipment.

If you are buying a new motorbike, you probably won't get the chance to test-drive it first, so appreciate the opportunity. If you go through a dealership to buy a second hand bike you should expect to have to sign a lot of liability and insurance forms. Don't freak out...that's just how it is.

You should feel comfortable on the bike while riding and the longer the test-drive the better to get a good idea of what it will feel like for longer rides. Before you drive away from the seller you should already have a feel for the bike so that you have a safe ride back home. Feel how the pedals, throttle and handle bars respond under different conditions and of course, test the mirrors. Once you are ready, take her out!

Variety is the spice of life! Test it at different speeds and give the brakes and acceleration a good workout, mix up the road conditions if possible and road types (curves, straight-aways, flat ground, hills, and so on). Try to simulate, as best you can, how you will be driving the bike if you were to buy it. But take it slow! It's not your bike yet.

Let a Pro Take a Look

Finally, after the bike passes your inspection and after you enjoyed the test-drive, ask if you can take the bike to a mechanic for a proper inspection. The mechanic will need to be paid so at this stage you should be quite committed to the bike in question. In the short term this will of course cost you but the long term saving could be greater if a mechanical problem is spotted early on!

Once everything checks out, it's time to negotiate! Have a concrete price that you are unwilling to go beyond and be ready to leave if the seller cannot meet it. The "walk out" can offer be a great way of nabbing a great deal.

If the bike is not local to your home address you can organise the motorradtransporte service to bring it home.

By: Antonino Bruzzsa

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Antonino Bruzzsa is a freelance writer creating quality content for websites in various niches. His work includes articles about how to find good courier services for your motorcycles.