| When it comes to finding and buying a used | | | | owner has raced or crashed the bike, perhaps more |
| motorcycle, there are some things you should know | | | | than once. You can also check for small holes in bolts, |
| before making a purchase. | | | | which is an indication of safety wire. You'll also want |
| What type of bike should I choose? | | | | to be sure the engine and all cables, nozzles and |
| Consider first what type of riding you'll be doing. | | | | other small parts are in good condition. Rust can also |
| Where do you plan to ride? If you plan to go on long | | | | be a problem with motorcycles, make sure to check |
| trips, then a touring bike will likely be best. If you | | | | thoroughly for rust with a flashlight. Also, check for |
| want to zip down the highway, then consider a | | | | any problems with the seat and its cover. Be sure to |
| superbike. Or a more standard motorcycle would be | | | | check for chain and sprocket wear. Also, is the |
| best if you want maximum flexibility. | | | | exhaust pressure equal on both sides? |
| Finding Used Motorcycles | | | | Riding the Bike |
| Your local paper should be your first stop, then a | | | | First and foremost, you must test drive the |
| local circular like Auto Trader or the Pennysaver, then | | | | motorcycle. The brakes should be smooth. Check |
| check your local area on sites like Craigslist. It's a | | | | how well the clutch squeezes. Does it start |
| good idea to buy local instead of buying a motorcycle | | | | smoothly? Watch for any leaks when the motorcycle |
| from somewhere out of state or across the country. | | | | is running. Make sure to check the starting |
| So make eBay Motors or a national ad site your last | | | | mechanism and engine. Listen for any odd sounds. |
| stop. When buying local, you avoid any extra fees | | | | Service |
| for transporting or shipping the bike to your location. | | | | You should also make sure to check the warranty |
| Once you have a list of bikes you are interested in, | | | | and service records for the motorcycle. When was |
| narrow down your list to the most promising and | | | | the last time it was serviced? Have any major repairs |
| make those calls or send those emails to contact the | | | | or part replacements been made? |
| current owners and schedule a viewing. | | | | Title & Paperwork |
| Viewing Bikes | | | | Lastly, once you've decided that you are serious |
| When going to view a motorcycle, make sure to | | | | about the motorcycle, you'll want to make sure that |
| take a flashlight so you can check the bike out | | | | the owner has the proper title and paperwork to be |
| thoroughly. Crucial things to check include the overall | | | | able to make the sale. |
| appearance. When you sit on the bike, is it straight? | | | | Buying a used motorcycle can, in many ways, be |
| You'll also want to investigate if the motorcycle has | | | | more risky than buying a new motorcycle, but armed |
| been raced, abused or even crashed. When you see | | | | with these tips, you should be able to get a good |
| more than a few scratches or chips off different | | | | deal and a good motorcycle. |
| areas of the bike, this can be an indication that the | | | | |