Buying a motorcycle is an exciting moment for many people, but it might be an overwhelming task for some people; you may ask yourself this important question: Should I buy a new or used motorcycle? These decisions depend on many factors, such as how much your budget is and what kind of rides you need.
Still confused? No worries. This article will guide you through the pros and cons of both options to help you make the right choice.
Why Buy a New Motorcycle?
Buying a new motorcycle gets you more perks than buying a used motorcycle. One of the biggest advantages is that you do not have to worry about warranty expiration, the official dealer’s service support, and the latest features. Buying a new bike means knowing it has not been used before. Everything is fresh, clean, and under warranty.
Here’s why buying a new motorcycle can be a good idea:
Warranty and Support
The new motorcycle comes with a factory warranty, meaning that if anything goes wrong with the bike, the dealer will fix it without additional costs. The warranty also includes reliable customer support and sometimes free service for a limited time.
Latest Features
New bikes are usually equipped with the latest industry technology, including better efficiency, digital displays, modern safety features like the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a more comfortable seat. For those who love technology, buying a new motorcycle is an advantage.
Easier Financing
Financing a new bike is often easier than financing a used one. Many dealerships offer low interest rates or deals like “buy now, pay later” schemes. These offers are rarely seen when buying a used motorcycle.
Disadvantages of Buying a New Motorcycle
While buying a new motorcycle is nice, there are sometimes a few downsides you must consider before purchasing.
Higher Buying Price
Sometimes, with all those offers and low rates, a new motorcycle costs more than a used one. If you are on a tight budget, this could be a problem. You might have to choose between smaller or less powerful bikes rather than buying a new bike you want.
Depreciation
The value of a new motorcycle goes down quickly. Once you have ridden your bike for a week, the value has depreciated. If you plan to sell the bike, you might not be getting much money compared to what you’ve spent.
Higher Insurance
Insurance costs are usually higher for new motorcycles. This is because the bike’s value is higher, and repairs are more expensive than those of a used motorcycle.
What About Buying a Used Motorcycle?
Buying a used motorcycle is more recommended than buying a new one if you are tight on budget or a new motorcycle rider who has no idea what motorcycle to buy. Thinking of buying a used motorcycle? Here are the perks:
Lower Price
It is widely known that used motorcycles are cheaper than buying a new one. If you are lucky, you might get a powerful or high-end brand for a cheaper price than buying a new motorcycle.
Slower Depreciation
A used bike has already gone through the worst of its value drop. You won’t lose much money if you decide to sell it later.
Great For Learning
If you are new to riding, buying a used motorcycle is recommended. If you buy a used motorcycle during your learning phase, it’s okay if you drop it or scratch it; you won’t feel as bad as you would with a new bike.
Risks of Buying a Used Motorcycle
Even though buying a used motorcycle is cheap, there are risks that you need to consider before buying.
Unknown History
You may not know who or how the previous owner took care of the bike. It might have been in an accident or not properly maintained.
No Warranty
Unlike buying a new motorcycle, buying a used motorcycle does not include a warranty. If you break something on your bike, you’ll have to pay for the service out of your pocket.
Hidden Problem
Buying a used motorcycle sometimes comes with hidden problems you might not see immediately. That is why it is important to inspect the bike before you decide to buy it.
Need Immediate Repair
Be sure to repair the bike you’ve just bought to make sure that everything is right. This is important so you can ride your bike safely on the road without any issues.
To avoid these problems, you can use a motorcycle VIN check to get detailed information about the bike before purchasing it. This report can tell you if the bike was in an accident, stolen, or has a salvage title. It’s a good step for anyone buying a used motorcycle.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle
Before buying a new or used motorcycle, ask yourself these questions to ensure everything is aligned correctly with your budget and experience.
What’s My Budget?
If you have a small budget, a used motorcycle might be better. However, if you have a higher budget and want the latest features, getting a new motorcycle is a good option. We recommend being flexible with your budget and using any dealer’s promotion to get a good deal so you don’t pay extra.
What’s My Experience Level?
If you are a new rider, we recommend getting a used bike, as you will need to learn how to drive a bike properly without worrying too much about damage. For experienced motorcycle riders, buying a new motorcycle is acceptable since they do not have to worry about damaging the bike and know how to take care of it.
How Often Will I Ride?
If you plan to ride your bike every day or travel a long distance, getting a new bike may be a reliable option since you will be the one who uses the bike for the first time. But if you ride your bike only on the weekend for fun, getting a used bike is a good option.
Do I Know a Good Mechanic?
Used motorcycles are cheaper than buying a new one, but they will need small repairs after you buy them. If you already know a good mechanic that you can trust, it can help a lot. You will feel safer fixing problems quickly and without spending too much money. A trusted mechanic can also check the bike before you buy it, which can help you avoid getting a bad one.
Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle
If you choose to buy a used bike, follow these tips:
- Inspect the bike carefully or ask a mechanic to check it.
- Check service records if available.
- Verify the VIN and check its history online.
- Test ride the motorcycle to see how it feels.
- Look for signs of damage like dents, oil leaks, or strange noises.
These tips can help you avoid bad deals and find a bike that lasts for years.
Conclusion
So, should you buy a new or used motorcycle? The answer depends on your needs, experience, and budget. A new motorcycle gives you peace of mind, warranty, and the latest features. A used motorcycle is cheaper and great for beginners, but comes with a few risks.
Whatever you choose, do your research, test the bike, and think carefully before making a decision. Whether new or used, the most important thing is enjoying the ride and staying safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the red flags when buying a motorcycle?
When purchasing a pre-owned motorcycle, look for warning signs such as rust, deep scratches, faded or chalky paint, a corroded chain, exhaust smoke upon starting, and fluid leaks from the engine or transmission. These issues could indicate more serious underlying problems with the bike.
What is the best motorcycle for a beginner?
Here are some of the top motorcycles recommended for beginners: the Honda Rebel 500, known for its classic cruiser aesthetic with modern updates; the Kawasaki Ninja 400; the Yamaha MT-03; the Suzuki DR-Z400SM; the Royal Enfield Himalayan; the KTM 390 Duke; and the Ducati Monster 797.
At what mileage do motorcycles start having problems?
For cruiser motorcycles, you can generally expect them to last anywhere from 45,000 to over 100,000 miles, depending heavily on how well they’ve been maintained. Sport motorcycles, while capable of lasting longer with diligent care, might be considered to be approaching the end of their usable life once they exceed 30,000 miles.
