How To Buy A Used Motorcycle From A Private Seller

If y'all're toying with the idea of getting a motorbike but don't want to spend an arm and a leg, buying one used is the style to go. Nonetheless, there are a few considerations you'll want to brand in order to ensure that the cycle you've got your eye on is worth the asking price, such equally its general condition, mileage, and performance during a common cold exam ride. Knowing what to look for will assistance yous observe a motorbike in good working condition that will concur up to countless miles of fun and risk out on the open road.

1. one

   Look for bikes that are appropriate for the blazon of riding you lot plan on doing. Before you brainstorm comparing prices or drooling over various models, think nigh how y'all'll really be using your motorcycle. Most wheel enthusiasts tend to use their bikes for one of several purposes: recreational riding/commuting, touring, motorsports, or some combination thereof. Knowing which riding style best applies to you will help you find a bike that's suited for your specific needs and preferences.^[1]

   • Ask yourself what kind of you imagine when you picture yourself owning a motorbike. Are you but interested in cruising around your neighborhood? Do yous programme on loading it up for a road trip instead of your usual vehicle?
   • A 1000cc superbike tin can offer high-speed thrills on the track, for case, but it probably isn't the nigh applied mode to become to work.

2. two

   Buy from a reputable dealership if at all possible. Since auto dealerships only profit if they can inspire enough conviction in their customers to brand a sell, they have a vested involvement in stocking quality, well-maintained items. They also mostly offer some type of warranty, which will keep you from getting stuck with the price of repairs in the effect that something goes wrong in your beginning few months of ownership.^[ii]

   • Many dealerships tin can also perform buying history checks on whatsoever of their units. That way, y'all'll know that the cycle y'all've got your middle on hasn't been stolen or written off as non-resellable past an insurance company.
   • At a dealership, you'll be paying for peace of mind as much equally a product. The asking prices may not always exist every bit attractive as those in private listings, but at least yous'll know that your purchase comes guaranteed.

3. iii

   Scan online automobile marketplaces for specific makes and models. Used motorcycles are constantly being listed on e-commerce sites like eBay. You lot can as well seek out private sales online through resources like Wheel Trader or the motorcycle section on Autotrader, which allow you to fine-melody your search based on parameters like make, model, year, and mileage.^[3]

   • If you want to avoid the cost and potentially tricky logistics of long-distance shipping, use local trading sites like Craigslist or Facebook Market to look through listings for used bikes in your expanse.

   Tip: Exist smart about who you buy from—if a particular listing is missing crucial details, or if the bike shown is obviously in poor condition, take a laissez passer and motion onto the next one.

4. 4

   Inquiry the boilerplate price range of the cycle you're interested in. Run a search for a particular brand, model, and year and pull up results from multiple websites. Pricing your options head-to-head will aid pigment a picture of what the bike is worth given its age and history of use. From in that location, you tin can kickoff thinking about whether it fits in your budget and how much you lot may be able to talk down a seller who's asking for an amount that'south on the loftier side.^[4]

   • Continue in mind that listing prices may vary considerably based on mileage, condition, and availability, also every bit other wild-menu factors like custom parts.
   • Online toll guides like Cycle Trader and NADAguides (a J.D. Ability associate) can too exist useful for sizing up a purchase, provided you can observe the model you're looking for.^[5]

1. 1

   Note the number of miles on the odometer. At that place are no definitively "good" or "bad" readings in terms of mileage, as unlike bikes are congenital with different specs for different purposes. What's more of import is to compare the bike's outward appearance to its recorded mileage. If they don't seem to line upwards, you lot may be better off exploring other options.^[6]

   • Endeavour non to overanalyze. If it comes down to a toss-upwardly between two bikes of the exact same model and one has $fifteen,000-20,000 fewer miles on information technology, it'south clearly the better deal.^[7]
   • Unless information technology's obviously in bad shape, don't exist put off by a motorcycle with thirty,000-l,000 miles on the engine. When properly cared for, many bikes have maximum mileages every bit loftier as some cars, and then in that location's a adept chance that it still has plenty of route fourth dimension left in it.

2. 2

   Take stock of the bike's full general appearance. Look the bike over height to lesser and front end to back, paying detail attention to the main components like the frame, headstock, fenders, side covers, and windshield. A little scrap of article of clothing and tear isn't uncommon on older bikes, just for the about part, all of the chrome and paint should be make clean, shiny, and free of rust, and there should be no dents, dings, scratches, or other visible signs of damage.^[8]

   • Bring a flashlight along with you in example you're forced to perform your inspection in low light. A multimeter tin can also come up in handy for testing the voltage output of older bikes with batteries that oasis't been changed in a while.^[9]
   • Exist wary of bikes that look similar they oasis't been washed in a while. A piddling dust and dirt may not seem like a big deal, only it could point to fail elsewhere.

3. 3

   Climb on the motorcycle to endeavour out the suspension. Straddle the seat and bounce upwardly and downwards gently. The forks, or the pronged pieces connecting the front end wheel to the frame, should absorb the motion and render to their original position rapidly and quietly. By contrast, the rear shocks should concord house, preventing the back of the cycle from dipping too much.^[10]

   • Grinding, squeaking, and poor bear on absorption, along with obvious visible damage like scrapes, cracks, dings, and rust, are all show of a suspension system that'due south taken a lot of corruption.
   • Continue your eyes peeled for oil coming from the shocks or struts—information technology might be coming from a broken seal.^[eleven]

4. 4

   Examine the tires for excessive or uneven wear. It's totally normal for the center tertiary of each tire to be a little smoother than the surrounding areas. Flat spots or significant off-heart wear, however, could be due to bad riding habits, such as hard braking or skidding. Harm like this not just weakens the tire but places unnecessary strain on other parts of the bike that are not as cheap or easy to replace.^[12]

   • Similarly, blunt or diagonal scuffs could betoken alignment issues.

5. 5

   Inspect the seats and other hard-wearing areas to await for deterioration. Materials similar leather and rubber can deteriorate fairly speedily, especially if the previous owner did a lot of riding. A torn seat or loose footpeg doesn't necessarily mean that the cycle is a junker. However, if all of the primary points of contact are beat upwards and there's likewise noticeable wear or harm to the frame and surrounding areas, it means that it's probable seen better days.^[13]

   • If the bike you're appraising has saddlebags, be sure to expect through them inside and out. Hard bags should be completely free of cracks or holes, while both the fabric and stitching of soft bags should be intact, with no rips, sparse spots, or abrasions.
   • Don't let some worn-out upholstery terminate you from going ahead with a purchase if you lot're satisfied with the motorcycle's overall condition. These parts are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace.

6. 6

   Cheque the fuel and oil tanks for rust or sediment. Unscrew the fuel cap on the body of the bike and apply your flashlight to have a peek inside. There should exist nothing floating in the fuel itself and no rust or corrosion on the walls of the tank. Next, note the color of the oil, which is usually visible through a sight glass on one side of the engine. If it's clean and syrupy, yous're practiced. If it'due south night, information technology may have been some time since it was terminal changed.

   • If you can see shiny metal flakes suspended in the oil, the cycle is a dud. This means that the spent oil has been left to sit for then long that it's eating away at the oil bedroom from within.
   • Don't be tempted to skip this function of the inspection thinking that yous'll just alter out the oil and fuel later. These fluids are the lifeblood of a motorcycle, and play a major part in the machine's overall functioning and condition.

7. vii

   Remove the seat to confirm that the internal wiring is in skilful shape. You don't have to be an experienced technician to be able to tell if something is amiss in the electrical compartment. Merely take a quick peek to see whether everything looks similar information technology's securely connected and in its proper place. Ideally, each of the wires should nonetheless take their original factory connectors, or a suitable aftermarket replacement, if they've been worked on at some signal.^[14]

   • There'south a lot more than to a motorcycle'south electric system than but the battery. Information technology also includes the alternator, rectifier/regulator headlight, fog lights, and whatever additional modules y'all may have hooked upwards, such as a built-in GPS unit or garage door opener.

8. 8

   Test the voltage of the battery and await for a reading between 10.5 and 12. While you've got the seat off, hook up your multimeter to the battery's positive and negative terminals to meet how much juice information technology has. It should put out around 12 volts while the bike is off, and no less than 10.5 while it'due south running. If you get annihilation lower for either stage of the test, consider it a ruby-red flag.^[15]

   • If you lot don't have a multimeter, kickstart the bike (or ask the possessor to start it) and listen to the way the engine cranks. If it's irksome to turn over, or if the headlight dims momentarily, information technology means that the bombardment isn't providing enough power to feed the starter or alternator.
   • A dead battery is also a dead giveaway that a motorcycle hasn't been ridden in a while, and might also hint that it's got other problems related to decay.

9. 9

   Take the bike out for a test ride. First, start the engine and listen for any unusual noises, such as creaking, rattling, or grinding. If at that place are no credible problems, ease your way onto a well-maintained stretch of road that offers safe conditions. Pay shut attention to the fashion the cycle handles dispatch, turns, braking, and shifting. Everything should experience smooth, stable, and responsive.^[16]

   • If the seller is reluctant to let you lot test the bicycle on your own, see if they'd be willing to let you hop on as a passenger, or at least watch and listen from a close distance to get a sense of how it rides.
   • Don't forget to bring your driver'south license and insurance card along with you on your test ride. It'due south also a expert idea to come prepared with a helmet and other prophylactic gear in case your seller doesn't have these things bachelor.^[17]

   Tip: Once you get back, inspect the bike thoroughly once more, this time looking for leaks or drips. If something's cracked, you might not find out about it until you lot've been out for a spin.

10. 10

    Talk to a local dealership most scheduling a detailed inspection. Even if you make up one's mind to buy your bike from a individual party, it'south wise to have information technology looked over by a third party earlier you lot make any kind of agreements. Almost dealerships and small cycle shops are happy to serve as a middleman in private sales for a small service fee. Spending a few extra dollars now could save you a considerable amount of time, coin, and labor in the future.^[18]

    • If the owner seems hesitant to get some other party involved, it could be because the bike has issues that they don't want you to come across.
    • Requesting an contained inspection is particularly important if y'all're ownership online and aren't able to examine the bike in person.^[xix]

1. 1

   Scan the wheel'due south VIN number for errors or inconsistencies. A vehicle identification number, or VIN number, is a unique serial number used to legally identify a vehicle. On most motorcycles, you'll notice the VIN number stamped onto the steering neck section of the frame, merely backside the headlight. Check this number against the number on the official title to brand certain that they're a match.^[20]

   • Never practice business organisation with a seller that doesn't accept the vehicle's title on mitt. While information technology'due south non a guarantee that a bike is stolen, it's definitely not worth the risk.
   • In rare instances, VIN numbers can be modified or forged for criminal reasons. If something nigh the VIN number looks fishy, make information technology a point to have it inspected by a qualified professional at a nearby dealership.

2. 2

   Inquire to see the motorbike's service records or receipts. Responsible owners almost always agree onto documents showing their bike's service history. If the possessor is the exercise-information technology-yourself type, see if they've kept a logbook or like breezy record indicating how much work they've put into the cycle over the years.^[21]

   • A long service history isn't necessarily a bad thing—in some cases, it may actually suggest that the owner has taken very good care of the cycle. What's more important is to take a close look at what's listed at that place (and what'due south not) and make sure that they've been maintaining the big stuff.
   • If you decide to buy through a dealership, they should be able to pull up a total service record for any of their vehicles since the time information technology arrived on the lot.

   Tip: You can likewise obtain a full history of a bike's professional service and other key championship information online through Cyclechex, a collaboration with Kelly Blue Volume designed specifically for motorcycles.^[22]

3. 3

   Go on your budget in mind while negotiating the final price. Report retail pricing guides or read through classified ads to go an idea of the cycle's market place value. Then, put those numbers side-past-side with your estimate budget to come up up with an exact corporeality that you'd exist willing to spend. Nigh used motorcycles don't end up selling for their initial request cost, so don't be afraid to haggle a scrap to bring the number down to something more agreeable for your wallet.^[23]

   • When it comes time to make an offering, exist realistic. Lowballing the seller may only insult them and brand them less willing to compromise.
   • You can work out the payment details with the seller after you've agreed on a price. Brand sure yous're both clear virtually the terms of the transaction, as they'll exist recorded in the vehicle'southward beak of sale.^[24]

4. 4

   Fill out a nib of sale to have the vehicle's title legally transferred to y'all. The seller should provide you lot with a formal bill of sale class, which can be printed online or obtained from your surface area DMV. This form will document the make, model, and VIN number of the bike, as well as a precise odometer reading and the details of the financial transaction betwixt you and the previous owner. The previous possessor volition need to sign the title over to you in society to finalize the sale. Don't forget to brand an appointment at your local DMV office to utilize for a new ready of tags once the bike is officially yours.^[25]

   • In some states and territories, information technology may be necessary to have your neb of sale signed by a licensed notary.
   • Bring all of the relevant legal paperwork with you to the DMV, including a re-create of the pecker of sale, and exist prepared to pay a pocket-size transfer fee. Fees vary past location, just you tin can await to pay around $20-30, on boilerplate.^[26]

Add New Question

• Question

  Where is the best identify to buy a used motorcycle from a private owner?

  

  Ben Halford

  Community Reply

  I'd say the Gumtree website, in the past few days I've seen about a hundred dissimilar bikes within 75 miles of me, changing constantly. And that'southward with rather specific filters as well!

• Question

  Can I purchase a motorbike in whatsoever condition as long every bit it runs?

  

  Teri Uhlman

  Community Reply

  A running cycle is always a plus, simply simply because it's running does non hateful it'due south all expert. It depends on what you desire, how much you want to spend, and how much work you want to do to information technology. Some people want to put the key in and go. Others will pay less to buy a bike that needs "a little work," which sometimes ends up costing more than in the long run because of the price of parts and labor to fix information technology. Start it up and expect for leaks; see if it smokes. Listen for noises that shouldn't be at that place, knocking in the motor, etc.

• Question

  To go a loan for a motorcycle, do I need a bike license?

  

  No, you don't demand a license to ride the bike to take out a loan to finance information technology.

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• Make certain you take active, upwards-to-date motorcycle insurance before yous take your new cycle out for a joyride.^[27]

• Take good care of your motorbike—continue it make clean, stay on acme of regular maintenance, and attempt to catch mechanical issues before they get a problem.^[28] Not only will some TLC go on your bike roadworthy, it will also help you fetch a better price for it if y'all decide to permit it go in the futurity.

• Ask to see and exam ride the bike while it's yet cold. Information technology'south like shooting fish in a barrel to hibernate issues with the engine once it'due south had a little fourth dimension to warm up.

• Resist the temptation to buy more wheel than y'all tin handle—always ride within the limits of your skills and experience.

• If you have any reservations nigh the condom of the vehicle you're looking at, walk abroad. It's not worth risking your life merely to score a sweet bargain.

• If you don't already accept your own safety gear, now is the time to invest in a prepare. It won't matter how safe your motorcycle is if you yourself aren't properly protected.

About this article

Article Summary Ten

Whether yous're ownership a used motorcycle from a dealership or a private seller, yous'll desire to make certain it'southward in good condition. Check the mileage on the bike'due south odometer. Anything less than 50,000 miles is okay if the bicycle looks good, but the fewer miles, the better. Make sure in that location'due south lilliputian to no rust, dents, or damage on the bike's metal components, since this could be expensive to repair. One time y'all've inspected the bike, take it out for a examination ride. While you're riding, check that the acceleration, turning, braking, and shifting all experience natural. Listen for any grinding or rattling noises that suggest something's damaged or worn down. For more than tips, including how to work out the toll for a used motorbike, read on!

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