Whether you've been riding for years or you're just looking to start, opting for a used bike can be a smart move. Picking out a new-to-you motorcycle can be both exciting and challenging. Luckily, Fred is here to help chart the course to ensure you're on the right road! It's all about getting the most bang for your buck, right? But let’s be real, there can be hurdles along the way. In this blog post, we're diving into some savvy tips and tricks to help you shop smart and land that perfect bike without any hassle. Ready to find your next great ride?
When Should You Upgrade Your Motorcycle?
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding the right time to upgrade your bike. You may be looking for motorcycles with a larger engine for more speed for road trips, or you could be going from a sport bike to something more comfortable. Whether it is an engine upgrade, or a comfort upgrade, the right time to shop bikes is when your needs exceed your current ride and you have a budget that can allow you to move up.
Finding the Best Deal on a Used Motorcycle
Whether you're buying your first bike, looking to replace an old beater, or upgrading for more power from your starting bike - the options for shopping are nearly unlimited. The primary choice that you'll have to decide between is buying from a dealer versus buying privately from a classified site such as KIJIJI or Facebook Marketplace. Let's break down the pros and cons:
Shopping at Motorcycle Dealers
When shopping at your local motorcycle dealer, the advantages are fairly straightforward. Most reputable dealers will have a reputation to uphold, and as such they should provide a maintenance inspection to ensure that the motorcycle is ready to ride. You should expect wear and tear items such as the brakes, fluids and seals to be serviced and major components such as the engine, transmission, and suspension to be gone over to ensure they measure up to the brands standards.
The downside to buying your used motorcycle at a dealership is mainly in the price. Dealerships are in the business to making profit on their motorcycles, and as such, you're likely to see a bit more markup than if you were to shop privately. If you're looking for a cheap bike, you may be better off exploring a private purchase.
Shopping for a Private Sale
As you would expect, the main advantage of buying from a private source such as a site like KIJIJI, Autotrader or Facebook is the price point. Most sellers who take the time to list their rides are motivated to sell and, as such, might be ready to accept an offer. Another primary advantage is selection. While a dealer might only have limited inventory, the options to buy privately are nearly limitless. Even if you are looking for a specific make or model, eventually you'll likely come across the perfect fit. The downside of purchasing your used bike privately lies in maintenance risk. If you aren't mechanically inclined, it may be hard to ensure that the owner has kept up with consistent maintenance. Simple things such as diagnosing that the engine is smoothly running without issue may be difficult during a short viewing. Private sellers aren't tied to a business and, as such, have no requirement to maintain their reputation. It is important to have an inspection to ensure that the motorcycle you're buying is at peak performance.
Regardless of which route you choose to move forward with, there are a number of basic items that you can examine to feel secure in your purchase. We'll go over them step-by-step as we move forward to locking in the perfect ride.
Pro Tip: Check out our motorcycle maintenance checklist for a rundown of the basics.
First Look: Viewing the Motorcycle
So you've found a used motorcycle that fits what you're after; where do you go from there? First things first - set up a viewing. Whether you have mechanic knowledge or are completely green, common sense and gut feel are valuable tools when shopping for anything.
Gut Feel & First Impressions
First impressions should definitely not be ignored. That feeling you get when you see that used motorcycle for the first time is reflective of the current owner's care for it. If the bike is covered in dirt, forks are leaking, the pipe is burnt out, and it looks like it hasn't moved in ages - you can take that as a hint that the seller hasn't taken pride in caring for the bike.
On the other hand, if the motorcycle is properly stored, clean, and shows signs of properly care - you may be in luck. Obviously, your first instinct isn't the only factor to consider, but it can definitely be a red flag if you're not excited the moment that you lay eyes on it. Take note of this gut feeling and consider it when you're diving deeper into your motorcycle viewing.
Closely Inspect: The Devil is in the Details
Now that you've noted your first impression, it is time to dig deeper. If you're not mechanically inclined, it may be a good idea to bring along someone knowledgeable who may be able to give it a once-over.
Here are a few important notes to consider:
Sit on the motorcycle and be sure that the ride height and position are suitable for your build.
Check the frame for dents, cracks, or scrapes. Feel along the weld points as much as possible to ensure there aren't any loose spots or signs the bike has been in an accident.
Inspect the exhaust for signs of corrosion. Start it and have a listen for any rattling or leaks. Note the decibel level - many cities are starting to hit riders with noise citations. If it seems louder than normal, ask if the current owner has had any issues.
Have a good look at the plastics for damage. Check that they are not loose and are securely fastened. These are usually the first to sustain damage in a collision and are a good indicator of poor repair attempts.
Check the steering head bearings by holding the front brake and rocking the bike back and forth. If you feel movement or hear a clicking noise, it could indicate bad bearings that are ready to fail.
Examining the brakes is a must. Take a look at the brake pads to see if they are worn out. Check the discs for notable damage. Inspect the hoses to ensure they aren't cracking. Give the wheels a good spin to be sure they aren't binding.
Tires are replaceable but can be costly. Ensure that the tires aren't cracked, squared off, or bald. If they are, be sure to factor that into future costs.
The bar ends, levers, mirrors, crash bar, and foot pegs are all great indicators that the bike has been down. While this isn't necessarily the end of the world, if the seller didn't disclose that, it could be a red flag to take note of. Run your fingers along the edges for roughness. In some cases, if the motorcycle has been down, the seller may have touched up the damage with paint or nail polish as a quick fix. If the bike has been down, ask if they had it inspected afterwards to be sure there is no further damage.
Note the fluid levels and condition. Check the fuel tank for sediment or dark fuel that has sat for a while and may need to be drained. Examine the coolant levels and color, ensuring it doesn't appear rusty, which could indicate major issues. Look over each fork for leaking. And finally, have a look at the oil. Old oil can be replaced, but if you note metal flakes in the oil, avoid at all costs as this could indicate heavy wear to the engine.
Inspect the electronics to be sure your signals, headlamp, and dash are all functional. Also check out comfort features such as heated seats, grips, and audio to be sure they are all working as intended.
Start the bike up and note the smoothness as well as the exhaust color. If you notice blue smoke, you're likely burning some oil. If the bike chugs a bit, it may be simply due to lack of use and a cold start, or it could be a sign of other issues. Some models require a warming up period so ensure you give it the proper running time before making a final determination.
Ask questions. The onus is on the seller to ensure you are comfortable buying the bike. Don't be afraid to dig into the history or the owner's riding tendencies.
Ownership & History Checks
You've completed your inspection and everything checks out to your expectations. At this point, you may have already bought it in your mind - STOP! Don't get ahead of yourself as this section can be the most important of all.
If you are buying privately there are a few things you'll want to be confident on before riding off into the sunset. These are musts - if the seller won't work with you on these, turn around and find another bike.
Lien & Vehicle History Check - This is extremely important. If the bike has a lien on it you could be out for a ride one day to find it repossessed under the previous owner's name. That is no fun at all. Purchase a CARFAX or go to your local registry to run a VIN check. If the seller has a CARFAX, make sure the date is current. Also be sure to check if there are provincial checks that may not show up on CARFAX, such as SGI Vin Search. If the bike has a lien and the seller claims they will "pay it out after you pay them" - refuse. This is simply not worth the risk. You can either have them pay out the lien first and get you a lien release, OR you can meet at the financial institution and pay out the lien yourself, giving them the difference.
Confirm the Owner - Be sure that the person selling the motorcycle is the legitimate owner. Request that they provide proof of registration in their name. Match it to their drivers license. Make payment solely in that person's name. There are an increasing number of stolen bike scams, so be extra cautious during your search.
Never Leave a Deposit Sight Unseen - If a seller is pushing for you to send them a deposit prior to viewing, search for another option. There is an increasing number of deposit scams happening every day.
If you are buying from a motorcycle dealer you are covered as far as liens are concerned as the onus is on them to ensure the motorcycle that they are selling is free and clear, ready to hit the road. I would still request a CARFAX to check for accident and service history. I would also ask about and consider getting warranty coverage as you are still buying a used bike. This is a benefit of going through a dealership versus buying from a private seller and, in some cases, may be worth the extra markup.
Finalizing Your Used Motorcycle Purchase
So the bike is in great shape. You've confirmed its lien-free and that you're buying from the true owner. The final step is confirming the price. No matter if you're buying from a dealer or private seller - always ask if the price is the best possible. Some dealerships will throw in extras or incentives to help close the deal.
I hope this gives you a good basis to feel confident in your shopping. Keep in mind that these are only starting points to consider - we highly recommend having a knowledgeable mechanic or getting a motorcycle inspection done prior to payment when possible. The best advice you can get is to always stick to your plan and never deviate from it.
If you're looking to get a motorcycle loan, our partner at Revival Powersports is the best in the business at getting you approved to buy from anywhere. You can also get a good idea of what your payment should look like here: motorcycle payment calculator.
Happy shopping & thanks for reading along! Your friend,
Fred *Disclaimer - This article is for entertainment and informational purposes. It should not be considered a verbatim basis for any purchase. Buyer beware when shopping.
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