Motorcycle Buying Guide: New or Used, Everything You Need to Know
There are many draws to owning a motorcycle, starting with twice the fuel-efficiency of cars. Buying a new or used motorcycle is a win, regardless. But, which option is the best for your situation.
There are certainly pros and cons to each, and things you must keep in mind when buying any bike. Should you deal strictly with dealerships or consider private dealers? Should you narrow your search to newer bikes or save with a fixer-upper?
These questions (and more) are answered in this brief motorcycle buying guide for new owners.
New and Used Motorcycle Buying Guide
This guide will take an unbiased look at why you should buy new or used. There are similarities to buying a new or used car, but with bikes, you have to take extra care. Motorcyclists are 30x more likely to die in a car wreck.
You absolutely want to take every precaution possible when buying a bike.
Buying Used
Used vehicles are generally the best option for the budget-minded. Vehicle depreciation is a real concern, although less so for motorcycles. Still, nothing is worse than throwing thousands of dollars into a new purchase and immediately losing hundreds (or thousands) the minute you drive it off the lot.
Used motorcycles involve higher scrutiny than cars. Don't buy a used cycle with salvage title, high mileage, or mechanical issues you're not comfortable fixing. Motorcycle DIY maintenance is definitely a cost-saver if you are mechanically-inclined.
With that said, don't assume that your prior knowledge fixing cars will immediately translate to bikes. This is especially true with newer bikes, their layouts are extremely compact and complex.
Considerations When Buying Private
If you're buying a used motorcycle, you need to protect yourself from being sold a raw deal. If you're responding to ads on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace, you need to do your homework.
First off, check the Kelly Blue Book value. It takes ten seconds to pull up the bike's make, model, and year to see how much it goes for in good condition. Also, before you show up to look at the bike, ask the seller what the VIN number is.
Run the VIN with a vehicle history service to find out the owner history. This will let you know if the title is clean and if it has been involved in any accidents or crimes. It doesn't cost a lot and it will save you from getting sucked in deals that you can't back out of.
When you show up to look at the bike, bring somebody with experience if you don't know what to look for. You have to check for potential mechanical red flags, such as:
Advanced wear on chain, brakes, axle, wheels, and electrical wiring. Check for rusted spots or rot. These can clue you in on the level of abuse or if it sat for too long. Look inside the gas tank, too, if you can.
Crank up the bike and see if there are any hiccups to worry about. It should purr, not choke on fumes. Take it out for a short ride and pay attention to how to hugs corners. Do the same if you have a partner with you helping inspect.
Line of Questioning
Even if the bike appears to be fine, it's good practice to interrogate the owner a little. It sounds really cynical, but it's not uncommon for owners to hide potential problems and pass it off as "like-new" and use other similar tactics.
Try to find out what their motivation for selling is. Yeah, they need the money, but why the bike? Are they the original owner of the bike?
Ask them if there are any problems or areas you should watch for on the bike. When was the last time they had a professional look at the bike/had a tune-up? Are they the owner of the title?
Finally, ask them where they've driven the bike if it has been in other climates. Wear and tear on a motorcycle in Michigan is a lot different than Florida, for example.
Visiting a Dealership
If you want to skip all the responsibility and obstacles that come with buying a used motorcycle, you can go straight into a dealership. If you buy one new or certified pre-owned, you're covered. The extended warranty coverage is ideal for new motorcycle owners.
It's still in your best interest to take a knowledgeable biker friend with you, but you're less likely to encounter lemons on the dealership lot. There's also the perk of having access to financing options and knowledgeable staff. The best way to secure a good deal on a bike is to do research on the one you want before arriving.
You don't have to deal with high-pressure sales if you come in prepared and knowing what you can afford. Then, it's only a matter of hopping on and test-driving the bikes until you've made your decision.
New motorcycles can start around $3,000, depending on the model you want. Buying used, you can save a lot of money, but compared to a car purchase, it's not life-changing. The biggest costs will come outside the bike's value, i.e. dealership fees, insurance, and gear.
Motorcycle Insurance
In Florida and Washington state, you could drive without purchasing bike insurance. It's obviously not in your best interest to do that. Motorcycle insurance costs around $500 per year on average, nationally. After you get that coverage, you should invest just as much, if not more, on your physical coverage.
Good motorcycle gear is not cheap. The premium leather jackets and pants are designed to absorb impact and reduce friction. You'll want to have that when you're sliding across the pavement at 40+ miles an hour.
We also recommend getting a full-face motorcycle helmet. They're the safest and provide good insulation from noise, turbulence, and cold temperatures.
Buy From a Trusted Dealer
Purchasing a motorcycle grants you a new level of freedom and enjoyment. That is if you buy a bike that passes the tests highlighted in our motorcycle buying guide. Make your purchasing decision with fellow motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. Stop by our Nashville, Illinois dealership for a free test ride on your favorite bikes.
We have all the major motorcycle brands with the latest models for you to try out. We make motorcycle buying a breeze.
Visit Holzhauer Pro Motorsports or Green Mount Road Harley Davidson Today!
