How to Pick a Used Motorcycle

Buying a new motorcycle is great if money is not an object, but for those who need to keep their finances in check, a used motorcycle is a much better financial decision. Whether you’re buying a vintage model for collecting or a new-to-you commuter bike, going for a used bike is a great way to save cash while still taking home the bike of your dreams.

But if you’re going to buy a used bike, you’ll want to know a few things going into the buying process. Read on to learn what the pros look for in a used bike, and when you’re ready to do some shopping, stop by Indian Motorcycle of Orange County. We proudly serve the areas of Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, California.

Choose a Style

When choosing a bike, it’s important to consider what type of riding you’re planning on doing. If you like to take long trips with friends, a touring bike is probably your best option. If you like cutting up the urban landscape or pushing the limit on the race track, a sport bike or a superbike might fit your needs. If you love supporting classic bike design, find a vintage cruiser. Once you know what style of riding you want to do, you’ll be able to find the manufacturer and model of bike that best suits your needs.

Figure Out Your Budget

Making your dream bike become a reality requires figuring out your finances. While most people might not necessarily think about a “budget” when buying their first bike, it’s actually a really helpful thing to do. Obviously you’ll need to decide on the maximum amount of money you can spend for the bike. But you should also consider all of the peripheral expenses that come with bike ownership. You’ll need to factor in the cost of getting your motorcycle endorsement, the cost of insurance, riding gear, and the cost of storage if your living situation requires that you pay for extra parking. Accounting for all of these expenses will give you a better idea of what you will actually need to spend in order to start riding immediately.

Choose a Seller

With budget in hand, it’s time to find a seller. Many people use online marketplaces to buy motorcycles because they’re attracted to the jaw-dropping deals that can sometimes be found. This isn’t always a great strategy though, especially when it comes to motorcycles. With a motorcycle, any broken or damaged part can put you at a much greater risk of a crash. Buying from an untrustworthy seller is like rolling the dice with your own safety.

Instead of buying from a private seller, try shopping at a trusted dealership. You can often find a history of their credibility and service by searching online review websites. And when you find a trusted dealership, you can rest easy knowing your bike has been checked out by a professional technician.

Vet & Test Ride

While finding a trustworthy seller is probably the most important part of buying a used bike, it’s also important to vet the bike and take it for a test ride. Try to check any claims made about the bike. For example, if the seller claims the bike received regularly scheduled maintenance, ask to see the receipts. If an ad says a bike has new tires, measure the tread to verify the claim. Check the oil and other engine fluids, as their condition can sometimes reflect the way the bike has been treated. Take the bike for a test ride and feel for any excessive vibrations or noise. Try to find any symptoms that might indicate larger problems. Then, check the value of the bike using an online resource and compare it to the listed price. Sellers will almost certainly know the exact value of the bike, and you can use this information to negotiate on price.

Buying a used bike requires some work, but in the end it can save you a lot of money and leave you with a bike that will give you thousands of miles of enjoyable riding. When you’re in the market for a new bike, stop by Indian Motorcycle of Orange County. We’re located in Orange County, near Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles.