| When shopping for a motorcycle there are a few | | | | most important thing is to have the bike checked out |
| things that should be taken into consideration. One of | | | | by a mechanic that you know and trust. You may |
| the most important is what type of riding you intend | | | | buy a motorcycle that seems to be a great deal, |
| to do. That is, will you be riding mostly in the city, | | | | only to find out that it needs major work in the near |
| short trips to the country, or longer rides? | | | | future. I would also recommend against buying a bike |
| For the most part the majority of motorcycles | | | | that is "uncertified" or "as is", generally they require a |
| available today are pretty good at doing more than | | | | long list of parts and a fair amount of money in order |
| one duty. However, some bikes are definitely more | | | | to be certified. |
| capable doing certain things than other bikes are. For | | | | I would also recommend that you go and look at the |
| example, I would consider getting a sportbike if I | | | | motorcycle in the in the day time. That way you will |
| would be using it for a daily commuter, riding twisty | | | | notice any dents, scratches or problems that the bike |
| roads, or short trips to the country. I wouldn't | | | | may have. By looking at a motorcycle you can tell a |
| necessarily pick a sportbike as my first choice, if I | | | | lot about how the previous owner(s) took care of it. |
| was planning to ride across Canada however. Now | | | | Little things suchas a excessively dirty/ rusty chain, |
| don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that someone | | | | bald tires and frayed cables indicate that he/she did |
| couldn't ride a sportbike across the country. It is just | | | | not take very good care if their bike. Scratches on |
| that there are other types of motorcycles (full | | | | the engine cases, levers, and bodywork might imply |
| touring or sport touring) that might better be suited | | | | that the bike has been dropped. Also you might not |
| for such a trip. | | | | want to buy a bike that has been in a nasty crash |
| Now that you have chosen the type or style of | | | | and was rebuilt, so it can be sold. |
| motorcycle that suites your needs, you now should | | | | Finally when looking for a used motorcycle, take your |
| decide if you want to purchase new or used. I know | | | | time and don't rush into a decision that you may end |
| that there are some of you out there who would | | | | up regretting. If you are going to look at a |
| never consider buying a used motorcycle and visa | | | | motorcycle I would suggest that you bring a friend |
| versa. Either way buying a new or used motorcycle | | | | along who can give you an objective opinion. Also I |
| has its advantages and disadvantages. | | | | recommend that you do not bring money with you |
| Buying a new motorcycle has a lot of advantages; | | | | the first time you go and see a bike. This will stop |
| the only real drawback is price. With the price of a | | | | you from impulse buying, and give you some time to |
| new bike being anywhere from $10,000 Canadian and | | | | think about it for a day or two. Before any money |
| up, a lot of people do not have the cash, nor are | | | | changes hands. Also make sure that the motorcycle |
| willing to finance a new motorcycle for 36 to 60 | | | | has the proper papers, that is the VIN number is |
| months. Their only alternative is to buy used, buying | | | | legit, and there are no liens on the bike. |
| used is definitely cheaper. There are lot of used | | | | Don't get taken advantage of by someone, because |
| motorcycles out there that are in great shape. There | | | | it seemed like you are getting a great deal. Buying a |
| are also however a lot of bikes out there that are | | | | bike for $3000 is not a good deal if you have to fork |
| lemons, so be very careful. | | | | over another $3000 to fix all the problems that the |
| There are a few things to consider before you | | | | bike may have. So remember it's "Buyer Beware," |
| decide to buy a motorcycle from someone. The | | | | once the sale has been made you are on your own. |