Did you know that the first motorbike was invented in 1894? After that first bike, an explosion of innovation happened. The notion of zipping along the roads provided an intriguing sense of freedom, adventure, and convenience.
Motorbikes are no less popular today than they were back then. They offer an eco-friendly, convenient, and fun ride that’s much more affordable than a car. And, if you want to save even more money, you can go for a used motorbike.
But buying a used motorbike is a daunting prospect. You want a machine that’s reliable and safe. You don’t want to risk a motorcycle accident or sinking tons of money into repairs!
To help you pick your next ride, we put together this guide to buying a used motorbike. Read on to learn how to do it!
Do Your Research
Don’t pick the first motorbike you see that’s within your budget! It might not be the best motorcycle to buy. Take the time to do all the necessary research before you even contact the seller.
First, check out seller reviews from previous customers if available. Make sure they’re reliable and transparent, and the bikes they sell are exactly as advertised.
Second, research the bike model and compare prices. Is the price you’re seeing in line with other sellers?
If the price you’re seeing is suspiciously low and from an unverified seller, this should give you pause. It could be that you’re lucky and are getting a great deal, but more likely this means it’s a damaged or even stolen machine.
Inspect The Motorbike
When buying a used motorbike, you should expect to do some maintenance on the machine and factor that into the cost. Meet up with the seller and check out the motorbike, and make a list of the repairs that you’ll need to do. If you have a mechanic do your repairs, try to bring them with you.
Then, make a list of the parts and supplies you’ll need and add them to the total cost of the bike. For instance, if you’re looking at a KLX140, check out the specific replacement parts for that bike and tally them up. If you need a lot of spare parts, the deal might not be as good as you originally thought.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions to the seller. If they aren’t giving you direct answers or seem to be cagey, they might have something to hide.
Ask if the bike was crashed and when it was last serviced. And, ask for any receipts or proof of service. If the bike doesn’t seem to have a paper trail and the seller can’t give you a good reason why this is a sign of something suspicious.
Buy A Used Motorbike Like A Pro
Now that you have our checklist for buying a motorbike, you’re ready to start looking for a used motorbike. Remember that your safety is on the line, so you can’t be too careful. Really take the time to vet all potential machines and make sure you’re not getting a damaged or unsafe machine!
If you enjoyed this motorbike buyers guide, we have tons of similar tips and tricks on our blog. Check it out for more!
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