| What to pay for the new or used motorcycle | | | | greater engine durability. As with buying a |
| you are looking at? | | | | car, check to see how well the original owner |
| | | | maintained the bike, and request detailed |
| Determining an accurate value when looking to | | | | service records. |
| buy a motorcycle can be a tough challenge | | | | |
| sometimes. Brand new motorcycles usually have | | | | Physical condition |
| a set value which is dictated by the | | | | |
| manufacturer. Used motorcycles have many | | | | Scratches and dings are fairly common on used |
| variables that come into play when | | | | motorcycles. The overall appearance and total |
| calculating a true worth. There are a few | | | | amount of damage is what is important. It is |
| major things that can drive what a motorcycle | | | | usually very clear by just looking at a bike |
| is valued at, and they are listed below: | | | | how well it has been taken care of. |
| | | | |
| Year, make, and model | | | | Market conditions |
| | | | |
| New motorcycles will have a high price tag | | | | The economy can affect the value of a |
| compared to an older version that is a few | | | | motorcycle, especially with gas prices on the |
| years old. Some Harleys, specialty bikes, and | | | | rise. The values of used motorcycles have |
| antiques are exceptions to this rule, with | | | | gone up recently because of the high demand. |
| values that generally increase over time. | | | | |
| | | | Time of year |
| Style of motorcycle | | | | |
| | | | Used motorcycles sometimes sell for more in |
| Different types of motorcycles bring | | | | spring or summer. Try to purchase in the |
| different prices. Cruisers, sport bikes, dirt | | | | winter time, and sell in the right before or |
| bikes, and custom choppers are the general | | | | during spring to take advantage of the |
| categories and should only be compared within | | | | upcoming riding season. |
| each genre of bike. | | | | |
| | | | Demographics |
| Engine size | | | | |
| | | | Motorcycles will be valued higher in some |
| Bigger engine sizes generally carry a larger | | | | parts of the country because of climate |
| price tag and insurance cost, no matter what | | | | patterns and traffic considerations. Look in |
| the type of motorcycle. You can compare | | | | the local paper and go look at a few similar |
| buying a larger sport bike with a fast sports | | | | models to get an idea of an average asking |
| car. Expect the insurance man to want big $$$ | | | | price in your area. |
| to insure it, because they assume you are | | | | |
| going to be driving fast (surely not!) | | | | Above all, do your homework and research and |
| | | | plan what you are going to buy. Proper due |
| Overall mileage | | | | diligence is important for your safety and to |
| | | | get a good deal on your new motorcycle |
| High mileage on motorcycles isn't as much of | | | | purchase. Happy riding! |
| an issue as with automobiles because of | | | | |