Buying a motorcycle is an exciting experience, but it involves many decisions. You might want to save money and get a good bike at some point, but you are unsure where to start. One of the hardest choices is deciding where to buy a good-quality motorcycle at a cheaper price.
Should you trust a dealer or take a chance with a private seller? Many buyers ask the same questions about buying a used motorcycle correctly. This guide breaks it down so you can choose and get the best motorcycle deal.
Why Buy a Used Motorcycle?
There are many good reasons why people buy a used motorcycle instead of a brand-new one. The most common reason is to save money. Used motorcycles are cheaper than new ones, and you can often find a good model that is still in great condition.
Also, buying a used motorcycle is recommended if you are a new rider or a beginner. As a new rider, you may not want to damage or scratch the newly bought motorcycle while still learning how to ride. A used motorcycle is a more affordable and less stressful way to start.
A used motorcycle gives you more variety. You can find older models that are no longer produced by the manufacturer, or if you are lucky enough, you may find a used motorcycle with customization installed instead.
Buying from a Dealer
Buying a motorcycle from a dealership has many advantages. Dealerships are businesses, so they follow government regulations and offer safer options than buying from a private seller.
Pros of Buying From a Dealer
Thinking of buying a used motorcycle from a dealer? Here are the pros that you should consider
Paperwork is Easier
If you purchase from them, dealers will handle the paperwork so you do not have to worry about the legal aspects of the bike you bought. The paperwork includes the title transfer, registration, and sometimes insurance.
More Trust and Safety
Before the dealer puts the bike on sale, they usually check it to ensure everything is okay. Many also offer a short warranty or guarantee. You have a better idea of what you’re buying, and if something goes wrong, you may be able to return or repair the bike.
Financing Options
If you do not have the money to make all the payments up front, some dealers offer payment financing options that work with certain banks. So, if you don’t have enough money yet to buy the bike, you may negotiate with the dealer to put it on the financing options.
Extra Services
Dealers might offer free inspections, services, or discounts on accessories and safety gear. Use this offer to get the bike checked before it leaves the dealership with you.
What are the Cons of Buying from a Dealer?
Everything has pros and cons, including buying a motorcycle from a dealer. Here’s what you need to know before buying a used motorcycle from a dealer.
Higher Price
Though the dealer sells used motorcycles, their price is usually higher than that of private dealers. In defense of this, you are paying for the bike and its extended service, their business, and inspection to ensure the vehicle is in excellent condition.
Less Room for Bargaining
You might not be able to negotiate the price much, especially at large dealerships. However, you can negotiate with them to put the payment on financing terms.
Hidden Fees
Some dealers add extra costs, such as documentation fees or taxes, that you did not expect. Always ask for the final price before you agree to buy.
Buying from a Private Seller
Aside from a dealer, you may consider buying a used bike from a private seller. Private seller refers to an individual who is selling their motorcycle. Buying from a private seller can be cheaper than buying a motorcycle from a certified dealer.
Are you considering buying a motorcycle from a private seller? Here are the pros (first, and we will tell you the cons later).
Pros of Buying from a Private Seller
Lower Price
Private sellers usually offer a cheaper price than the basic ones. Since they are not running on a business scheme, they are not adding extra costs to the bike they sell.
Better for Negotiation
You can negotiate the price with private sellers. If you are good at negotiating and understand the market value, you may get a good deal and secure a much cheaper price than the original price.
Reliable Personal Information
Since you are buying the bike directly from the owner, you can ask how it has been used in the past, how it was taken care of, and if it has problems.
Cons of Buying from a Private Seller
Aside from the pros, you need to know the cons of buying a bike from a private seller to consider which one to buy from.
No Warranty
Most private sales are final. If the bike breaks down after you buy it, you must fix it with your own money. For some reason, it will cost more than using the dealership’s warranty.
Risks of Scams or Hidden Problems
Some sellers might not be honest about the vehicle’s condition. The bike could have been involved in an accident or had some serious issues that were hard to notice.
They are not going to handle the paperwork
You must ensure that the bike’s title is clean, that the seller is the owner, and that you complete all the registration steps. This can be confusing if you are not used to it.
Tips on How to Buy a Used Motorcycle
No matter where you decide to buy, follow these steps to ensure you get the right bike.
Do a Background Check
A buyer looking for a used Italian motorcycle encountered a seller offering a bike at an unusually low price. The seller provided documents showing a lien release from a bank, which turned out to be fake. This scam highlights how fraudulent sellers may use forged paperwork to deceive buyers.
Before you buy, use the motorcycle’s VIN to check the bike’s history. The background check will help you determine whether the vehicle was stolen, damaged, has a rebuilt title, or even has a lien listed. Do a motorcycle history report and get a detailed report of the bike that you can use to examine its overall condition.
Inspect the Vehicle
We recommend that you check the bike during daylight. Pay attention to the brakes, engine, tires, and frame. Are there any signs of oil leakage, rust, or damage?
If you know little about motorcycles or this is your first time buying, it’s recommended that you bring a mechanic or a friend who knows about motorcycles to check it out.
Ask for Records
Ask the seller for service records, receipts, or any proof of regular maintenance. A well-maintained bike is safer and lasts longer.
Take a Test Ride
Always test-ride the motorcycle to feel how it runs. Pay attention to strange sounds, poor braking, or trouble starting.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong—the seller is rushing you, or the price is too low—it’s recommended that you walk away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Why Vehicle History Matters?
A survey of more than 2,400 motorcycle dealers in the U.S. revealed that 21.5% of dealerships experienced vehicle theft or fraud involving fake identities or synthetic IDs within the past year.
It is always recommended to get a vehicle history report to be informed about the vehicle you are about to purchase. You can generate and get the report by simply entering the VIN.
Dealer vs. Private Seller: Which One is Better?
There is no simple answer. It depends on what you are looking for. If you are a new rider, want peace of mind, and are willing to pay more, buying from a dealer is a good idea. You’ll have support, easier paperwork, and some kind of warranty.
If you understand motorcycles and want to save money, buying from a private seller can be a good option. But you must be careful and take the time to examine the bike carefully.
Final Thought
So, how do you buy a used motorcycle? It starts with knowing what vehicle you want to buy, researching, and choosing the right dealer or private seller. Both dealers and private seller have their pros and cons to consider.
Remember to stay curious about the vehicle and do extensive research so you don’t end up with a junk motorcycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good budget for a first motorcycle?
A beginner-friendly motorcycle typically costs $5,000 to $10,000, while more advanced riders can anticipate spending between $10,000 and $35,000 on a new bike. Generally, entry-level models tend to be more budget-friendly than high-performance, heavy-duty motorcycles.
How many miles is too much when buying a used motorcycle?
Sport bikes are generally considered to have high mileage once they reach about 25,000 miles, while cruisers and touring motorcycles are considered well-used at around 45,000 miles. As the mileage climbs, engine wear increases, leading to a decline in the bike’s overall value.
At what mileage does a motorcycle go bad?
Dirt bikes typically last less than 20,000 miles, while sport bikes are considered high mileage once they reach between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. Cruisers and touring motorcycles tend to last longer due to their lower operating RPMs, with high mileage generally defined at around 50,000 miles.
