If you’re buying a used motorcycle, asking the seller for maintenance records is always a good idea. This gives you a glimpse into the bike’s past and shows that the previous owner(s) cared about its well-being. Walking away is a good idea if the seller still needs maintenance records. You can still find a great deal on a used bike, but you must be more cautious.
It’s Cheaper
When you buy a used motorcycle for sale by owner, you’ll get it for a much lower price than you would at a dealership. If you’re a smart enough buyer, you can save thousands of dollars on your dream ride. Depending on the situation, private sellers may also be willing to negotiate the price of the motorcycle. However, it’s important to remember that they have different resources than a dealer when servicing and repairing the bike after purchasing it. When buying a motorcycle from a private seller, being polite and professional throughout the process is essential. If you show too much excitement, the seller may suspect that you’re a pushover and might take advantage of you. It’s also a good idea to bring someone with you when looking at the bike you’re considering. Having an extra set of eyes on the motorcycle can also help find potential problems or issues.
You Can See It
If you buy a used motorcycle from an individual seller, they will likely let you take the bike for a spin before making any final decision. This allows you to see the bike in person and ensure everything looks as advertised. You can get more information about the motorcycle from the seller, such as maintenance records. You should also be able to ask questions and get the seller’s honest opinion of how the bike performs. While looking at the bike, check out the condition of the engine and bodywork. Look for rust, scratches, or gouges that would indicate an accident. Inspecting the handlebars, levers, and footpegs for any damage would be best. These items are usually the first to fall over when a motorcycle is parked, so they will often be the first to show any signs of wear. When asking the seller about the bike, ask if they have the original factory toolkit. Many bikes come with a pouch of tools for performing minor roadside repairs. If the bike doesn’t have one, consider including it in the purchase price or ask about getting one from the manufacturer. Also, ask the seller to wait to start or warm up the motorcycle before you arrive. This will prevent them from hiding any starting issues or mechanical problems they might not want you to know about.
You Can Ask Questions
A used motorcycle can have issues, but it’s a good sign if the seller is honest. It’s also important to ask about the bike’s history. If it’s been in an accident or used on the track, that’s a reason to be extra cautious. It’s also helpful to ask the owner why they’re selling it. Older owners only sometimes sell their bikes because they’re too old or infirm to ride anymore. They might also be moving or getting a new baby and need space in their garage. Ask the owner about dealer backup and spare availability if looking at a less common model. These questions can save you a lot of time and money. If you’re a DIYer, it’s worth asking the seller if they have any service or maintenance records for the bike. These can help you understand how well it has been handled and what work may be needed. If the seller is unwilling to provide this information, that’s a red flag. In addition, if anything feels off or you’re uncomfortable with the seller, it’s best to walk away. Your intuition is more often right than wrong.
You Can Take It for a Ride
Taking a motorcycle for a ride is one of the best ways to assess how well it rides. During your test drive, please pay attention to how easy or difficult it is to start the engine and whether it idles smoothly or makes a lot of noise (backfiring or sputtering could indicate significant problems). If the seller refuses to let you take it for a spin, try gently easing them into it. If they still refuse, this may be a sign that they have a reason to hide the bike’s actual condition from you (maybe they are afraid of getting caught with it on their license plate or something else). Ask the seller how long they have owned the motorcycle and how often they rode it. Compare this to the odometer mileage, and you’ll get a good idea of how the motorcycle was used. Private sellers may also have service records from the dealership or a manufacturer booklet showing maintenance needs at specific miles. If the seller needs a clear title to their motorcycle, walking away is a good idea. You’ll likely run into a lot of red tape and paperwork issues at the DMV if you buy an untitled motorcycle. If the seller doesn’t have the title, ask if they can transfer it to your name before you buy it so you can handle any future hassles.
