Not everyone will consider a used motorbike when looking to own a motorcycle for the first time; that’s why it’s essential to know how to get it right with your first buy. Buying a used motorcycle can be a great move as long as you bear in mind the condition of the bike, the year it was made, the brand, and whether prior ownership documents are available. As much as many people will love to own a brand new bike, the used-bike market can also be challenging to resist, especially when you have a limited budget. So, how do you get it right the first time? How can you be entirely sure that your choice to purchase a used motorbike isn’t going to get you burned? The following tips should help get you started.
- What do you need your bike for?
Don’t allow the excitement of getting your first bike to lead you into making rushed choices. Take the time to search through your available options until you’re sure you have landed on the right bike for you. How do you know which one is right for you? There are different types of motorcycles for various purposes. Therefore, you should consider what you would use the bike for. Are you looking for a bike for your daily commute to work? Are you looking for a motorcycle to leisurely ride through the city? Or are you planning on joining a local bike club? Your reason for needing a motorcycle will determine which one is right for you. Also, consider the terrain you will be riding on when choosing your used bike, as this may determine how long your bike will last.
- Do some research
If you’re new to the biking game, you should do a lot of research before going off to purchase a bike- especially a used one. Luckily, there’s a lot of information available on different biker blogs and websites. Once you have decided on which motorcycle suits your needs, do a lot of research on it. Your research should focus on the brands, safety, theft rate, price, riding ease, fuel efficiency, capacity, etc. For example, you should check the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) if you’re looking at motorcycles with high theft rates.
In terms of safety, find out if the brand has high accident rates and if there’s a likelihood that you may need to work with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney if things go wrong on the road.
- Time for some inspection
Don’t fall for the ease of buying a used motorcycle online. But if that’s the only option available to you, then be sure to inspect the bike when it arrives before paying for it. However, physically visiting your bike dealership or seller to check the offer is a better option.
During your inspection, check the tires by sticking your fingers into the tire tread. If it covers the tip of your finger, that is a green light for good tires. If it does not or comes with worn-out sides, there would be a problem with the alignment. Also, ensure that the fender isn’t making contact with the tires. Next, check the engine. Have it turned on and listen to the sound it makes. If you can hear a rattling or knocking sound, something could be loose – which is a red light. If the engine sounds a bit rough, it could mean that the bike hasn’t been used in a while or has gas problems.
- Go for a test ride
Most bike experts will advise first-time buyers to always go for a test ride before making a purchase. But before you even take the bike for a spin, you would want to assess the oil and check the bike’s mileage. Make sure there are no leakages and that the odometer has good mileage. Motorbikes with more than 40,000 miles on them are considered to be high-mileage bikes, but they can still be very great purchases if they have been well maintained. Next, ask for the paperwork to know about repair works and replacement jobs done on the bike.
Once you’re satisfied with everything, get ready to go for the test ride. Sit on the bike to be sure it has the right feel and size. If your feet do not touch the floor when standing, the bike is not the right size for you. Make sure that it is not too heavy to control and offers a very comfy ride. All these are to ensure that you can handle that bad boy with ease. Finally, have a certified mechanic inspect the bike and determine where the price is fair.
