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Buying a Used Motorcycle Can Be a Good Choice
from: by The Motor BookstoreReasons For Buying A Used Motorcycle:
Have you checked out the price of a new bike lately? It wasn't that long ago when you didn't have to fork out that much dough for a new car. In fact, many bikers will remember when you didn't have to pay much more than that for a modest house. The prices for houses and cars have shot up over the years. And, so has the prices of motorcycles. The point is, the price of a new bike can take a good-sized bite out of any budget. Buying a used motorcycle is one way to lessen the dent a motorcycle will make in your wallet.
There are a number of benefits to buying a used motorcycle. The first is, of course, that you can save a lot of money. As a general rule, motorcycles lose a higher percent of their value when they roll out of the showroom than do automobiles. The possible exception to this is Harley-Davidson. Harleys always seem to retain a high resale value. The second reason is that many motorcycles are not ridden many miles each year, especially in colder climates. So, it is easier to find a good, low mileage bike. Makes such as Moto Guzzi are especially durable and a low mileage model will have many trouble-free miles left in it. A third reason is that if there are any quirks to be worked out of a new model or a particular machine, these will likely have been done by the time the second owner gets the bike.
There are a number of sources available when buying a used motorcycle. You can buy a bike from the current owner. The classifieds online and in the newspapers are filled with ads for used bikes. You can also check with a dealership for trade-ins. Bikes at dealerships will often come with a warranty.
Tips On Buying A Used Motorcycle
So, how do you make sure you get a good deal? Here are a few tips on buying a used motorcycle.
First, check out a used motorcycle price guide. There are several good ones. A good one is the National Auto Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) price guide. The prices in this monthly guide reflect the average price of motorcycles of similar make, model and condition across the nation. The price guide is issued monthly.
Spend a little time reading the reviews of various makes and models. Many of these reviews are posted on the web and they can give you some subjective information on what these particular riders think about the bike.
Check the condition of the motorcycle over closely. What is the condition of the drive belt, chain or drive shaft? Are the tires worn or weather checked? Has the bike ever been wrecked? Does it leak oil? Is the muffler or mufflers free of rust? Is the wiring in good shape? Does it start easily and run smoothly?
If the deal likes like a go at this point, ask to take the bike for a test drive. While you are at it, if possible, take it to your mechanic and get a second opinion.
If your mechanic gives you the OK, get your wallet out and enjoy the ride.
Most makes of motorcycles these days are well engineered and high quality machines. Don't make the process of buying a bike a bigger deal than it needs to be. Used motorcycles are generally an excellent value, especially when compared to the price of new bikes. Besides, this is one time when it is fun to shop. So, have some fun buying a used motorcycle.
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