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Before You Buy a Used Motorcycle

So you want to buy a used motorcycle? Though buying a used motorcycle takes a bit more effort than walking into a showroom and picking up a new bike, savvy shoppers can find great deals and unique rides in the second hand market.

Whether you’re looking for your first bike or are adding to your collection, here are tips on how to buy a used motorcycle.

Pick Your Bike Type

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer variety of bikes that are available, so before you shop check out our Bike Types article. Are you interested in a laid back cruiser, an aggressive sportbike, an easy-to-ride scooter, or maybe a touring bike?

Be aware that different types of bikes see varying amounts of wear. Touring bikes are less likely to see abuse than sportbikes. Dirt bikes, enduros,dual purpose and trials motorcycles have a greater likelihood of experiencing suspension wear if they’ve been ridden offroad extensively.

Consider your needs, and shop accordingly.

Choose Between a Dealer and a Private Party

Choosing where you buy your used motorcycle will largely depend on your budget, as dealerships usually charge a premium over private parties. If you buy from a dealer, take advantage of their knowledge and ask as many questions you can about the bike.

Buying from a private party can be a more personal experience-- you’re likely to hear nostalgic stories about the motorcycle in question. Private owners are usually also more flexible about price.

Bike-buying options abound on the internet, so while you’re doing online research try keeping a list of bikes to track your options as you call sellers.

Inspect the Bike in Question

Going over a bike’s mechanical condition could save you hundreds of dollars in maintenance down the line, and it can also keep you safe.

Our Used Motorcycle Inspection Guide will give you an overview of items to look for.

Take it for a Test Ride

The beauty of buying a used motorcycle is that unlike new bikes, you’re more likely to be able to test ride the motorcycle in question and get a better idea of whether or not it’s a good fit for you.

If going over the Used Inspection Guide doesn’t reveal any major flaws, there’s more to test riding a bike than simply figuring out if you like it. For more on what to look for, check out our How to Test Ride a Used Motorcycle article.

Consider Service History

Ask the seller if they have service records, as a well-maintained bike will save you money down the line. Find out of they’ve regularly maintained the chain and sprocket (unless it’s equipped with a lower maintenance shaft drive), changed the oil, kept the tires inflated properly, and performed routine maintenance. Ask for records and find out when the last service was performed.

Mileage is another consideration, and bikes with extremely low mileage can be just as suspicious as higher mileage examples, since sitting for long periods without proper storage techniques can cause problems down the line.

Is There Room for Negotiation?

If you’re looking at used motorcycles, chances are you’re budget-sensitive and don’t want to spend money on a bike that will depreciate immediately. That said, if you fall in love with a used motorcycle and decide you want to take the plunge, don’t commit until you’re comfortable with the price. Lots of great deals are out there and they usually get claimed fairly quickly—but don’t hesitate to ask for your target price if a bike is pricier than you want it to be. Similarly, if an asking price is fair, be prepared to step up to the plate and pay what the bike is worth.

Don't Get Attached Until the Deed is Done

There are plenty of used bikes in the marketplace, and there’s no reason to commit to a motorcycle that isn’t just right for you. Shop around, inspect bikes in contention, and you’re serious about one, take it for a spin to make sure it’s right for you.

If you’re seriously considering a bike, take a look at its title to make sure it’s clear and that the mileage matches up with the paperwork. Once you find exactly what you’re looking for and you’ve taken all the precautions listed above, seal the deal, throw on your safety gear, and enjoy your new ride!
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Before deciding to buy certain advertised Honda motorcycle

  1. After finding one  particular Honda ads you are interested in, don't stop looking. Look other ads that match criteria once more. It is always a better thing to have choices.
  2. Check model, price, location, description and related information of Honda motorcycle that found interesting, before contacting the seller. Don't be fooled by spiced ad words, just see the detail of the Honda ads.
  3. When you decided to contact the seller, please check that he/she is a trusted seller. Many web sites allow users to post comments about certain thing or someone. Those posted comments are may really give you information to avoid you being scammed. So it is a good thing to google the seller and try to get as much information you can get about him / her.
  4. Make appointment to meet the seller in public place. Check item's condition throughly, validate item's paper to local authority. Some persons or groups might trying to sell stolen motors to you. If you don't really careful about this, you will might end up in trouble with the law in your region. So be very careful. Validate / authenticate motor's papers before buying one.
  5. To avoid scam or some kind of fraud. Do not transfer any money if the Honda motorcycle has not been checked or not hand to you. Only transfer if the item is already in your hand.