| There are plenty of reasons to opt for a used | | | | 2001. This off-road version of the Yamaha |
| motorcycle when you are looking to buy. The newer | | | | motorcycle is a good choice if you are looking for a |
| models might not have that classic look that you | | | | used bike for more adventurous riding. It features |
| want, or you might prefer to have something a little | | | | titanium valves and a four stroke engine for some |
| cheaper than a brand new bike. That being said, | | | | heavy duty power. The bike is light and well-built to |
| there are some years for motorcycles that just | | | | withstand the rigors of off-road riding. |
| weren't the factory's best and you'll want to avoid | | | | 2005 - Harley Davidson |
| them. | | | | 2005 was a good year for Harleys. The Road King, in |
| Choosing the right vintage or used motorcycle could | | | | particular, is the best model from this year and has |
| help you not only get a cheaper bike, but you could | | | | been a favorite of many bikers to date. It was |
| even double your money in a few years, as vintage | | | | considered to be the smoothest running of all the |
| motorcycles become less common. It's certainly | | | | bikes built in the new millennium and has a reputation |
| something to think about as you shop around. | | | | for being very reliable, as well as looking great. The |
| Motorcycles depreciate rapidly in value once they are | | | | Road King is often recommended for use on longer |
| put into use, which means that buying new just isn't | | | | road trips. |
| worth it most of the time. As soon as that front tire | | | | 2008 - Honda |
| hits the street, the bike drops 30% or so in value. | | | | Despite technically being a 2009 model, Honda's "Big |
| That means used bikes are a far better investment, | | | | Red" model was released in 2008, which is why it's |
| particularly if you can find one that is practically new. | | | | featured under this year. Big, bold and beautiful, this |
| Vintage Bikes: It Depends On the Brand | | | | motorcycle was originally designed for comfortable |
| When it comes to vintage motorcycles, not all brands | | | | long distance travel. Since it's such a new model, |
| are truly classic. The ones that have the cleanest | | | | chances are you won't find many used, but if you |
| lines and are the truly sought after bikes are the | | | | do, they should still be in excellent condition. |
| ones you want. For example, a Kawasaki isn't going | | | | There are plenty of different models in different |
| to be nearly as exciting as a vintage bike, not when | | | | years that will be excellent investments, as well, but |
| you look at the early Harley Davidsons, at least! | | | | these are some of the absolute best. |
| For vintage Harleys, looking way back, the 1953 | | | | What to Look for in a Used Motorcycle |
| model is a popular one these days among fans of | | | | No matter what the make or year, it's important that |
| the classic look. In fact, this look was so popular that | | | | you take a careful look at any motorcycle that you |
| Harley made a newer Sportster that uses the same | | | | are interested in buying used. Even the seller might |
| lines as the original. | | | | not realize what the problems with the bike are, so |
| Another great year for vintage was 1928, with the | | | | you'll need to check everything. The best used |
| BMW Indian Scout. This bike features one of the | | | | motorcycles will only have a few minor issues, such |
| early V-twin engines and is still a great looking bike if | | | | as scratched paint or loose bolts. These can be easily |
| you can find one in good condition. Since this | | | | be fixed. It's the bigger problems that you really need |
| motorcycle is so old, chances are you won't find one, | | | | to watch for. |
| but if you should, you'll know it's worth every penny. | | | | Here is a quick list of what to check: |
| Coming in as just barely a vintage motorcycle is the | | | | Battery: Does it hold a charge? Check by starting and |
| Suzuki 500 Titan. This bike doesn't really have the | | | | turning off the bike a couple of times. |
| looks that we aim for in a classic bike, but there's no | | | | Lights: Check all lights, front and back. Bulbs can be |
| denying its popularity. The motorcycle uses a | | | | replaced, but smashed or flickering lights will need a |
| two-stroke engine that is quite large for the time | | | | little more work, which can be expensive. |
| period and features clean, smooth lines. | | | | Engine: Does it start up easily? The bike should be |
| Modern Used Motorcycles | | | | able to run without having to constantly use the |
| Again, it depends on the brand name when you are | | | | throttle. |
| looking at which year was best for used motorcycles. | | | | Gauges: Make sure the gauges all work, since these |
| Many people will give you different answers if you | | | | are important for the information they give about |
| ask, so it's also a matter of personal taste. However, | | | | your speed and the amount of gas left. |
| some years were simply better than others all | | | | Feel: When you take the bike out for a test run, |
| around, so we'll be focusing on these here. | | | | does it make odd noises or vibrate more than it |
| Most people find that more recent years are the | | | | should? |
| best option since they aren't too used. A fairly recent | | | | Buying a used motorcycle is about more than just |
| model will be less likely to have serious problems than | | | | saving money, you'll be getting a bike that has a |
| much older models. In addition, you will be able to find | | | | special feel to it, particularly if you opt for a vintage |
| parts for more recent models easier, as well. In | | | | or classic model. This is something that more and |
| general, the previous 5-10 years would be a good | | | | more people are moving toward since it is far more |
| time period to look at. | | | | cost effective and a better investment to go with a |
| 2001 - Yamaha | | | | second hand bike, as opposed to brand new. |
| The Yamaha YZ426F was the Bike of the Year in | | | | |