Should I Buy a Used Motorcycle?

Buying a used motorcycle can be a great choice to get a good bike at a reasonable price. It’s easy to focus on one kind of used motorcycle, the cheap kind, but just because a bike has a nice price tag doesn’t mean that you should buy it. If this isn't your first bike, then you probably have an idea of what style of motorcycle you want. If you're a newer rider though, it's a good idea to consider what kind of riding you'll do- are you planning shorter rides around town, or do you envision long road trips? It's important to choose a bike that will fit you, your riding style and environment.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Motorcycle

A great perk for buying a used motorcycle is that thousands of people have already test driven the same model and can give you an honest review of what the bike is like. Every motorcycle has a reputation, and with the internet accessible at our fingertips, you can easily find out any information needed about any machine that’s ever been made. So once you know what type and maybe even brand of bike you’re looking for, start doing your research. Once you’ve narrowed it down, then you can start looking for those used models. 

Ideally you should never buy a used motorcycle without taking it on a test ride. Keep in mind if you’re a new rider that you’ll need to take a safety course and have the proper licensure and insurance before you can ride. If possible, put that bike through its paces, ride it on as many different kinds of roads as you can, run through all the gears and try to get a sense of not only how it runs, but how comfortable you feel riding and maneuvering it. 

In addition to test riding a used motorcycle you either need to inspect it yourself, or better yet, get it inspected by a professional. Unless you’re a motorcycle mechanic, having a professional take a look at a used bike you’re considering is always recommended. There’s a lot however that you can tell just from looking at the bike in terms of how well it's been cared for- does it have dings, scratches, is it deeply cleaned, are there maintenance records available? This will help you determine whether it’s worth further inspection at a shop. 

Is it Worth Buying a Used Motorcycle from a Dealer?

Private sellers tend to have lower prices on the bikes they sell, but aren’t going to be able to offer you a lot of protection in terms of money back guarantees or warranties, you’ll have to bring your own financing or pay cash, and you’ll also have to handle all paperwork yourself. Buying a used motorcycle from a dealer, on the other hand, will give you some consumer protection, as well as access to dealer financing and maybe even a warranty. You can also be reasonably sure the bike has been inspected prior to sale, and the dealership can help you with registration and other paperwork. 

Keep in mind most bikes require a major service somewhere in the 10,000-15,000 mile range and, should the bike you're looking at buying need such service, you can essentially add $800-$1,500 to the purchase price. You also need to consider other additional costs: safety courses if you’re a new rider, licenses, taxes and other fees and also that you have the proper riding attire as well. While purchasing a used bike from a dealership will be a little more expensive, the options for financing, and all of the help and support you get throughout the process is totally worth it. 

A dealer is also likely to have a range of used motorcycles to choose from. If you’re unsure about a suitable option, or just want to have multiple options in one convenient location to look at, and especially if you’re unsure what you’re looking for and have a lot of questions, then the salespersons at a dealership can be super beneficial in helping you take home the right bike. Some dealers also allow trading in your old motorcycle, which would further cut down the cost of your next purchase, too.

Here at  Erico Motorsports, we’ll be sure that your pre-loved motorcycle is ready to ride! We perform any needed maintenance, replace tires, and aim to bring our used motorcycles to as close to new condition as possible. We also offer financing. Browse our inventory here, or better yet come visit so we can answer all your questions!