Tips For Buying A Second-Hand Motorcycle
Are you looking to get a motorbike? Here we share a few tips to help get you on the right track when looking at second-hand bikes.
1. Research first
Before any major purchase decision, you should always research what you are buying and how it matches your needs. Whether a car, boat, caravan or motorbike, the choices are endless, and so is the availability of information.
But what are you looking for when doing your research on a second-hand motorbike before purchase? You need to decide what type of bike you are looking for – a road bike or dirt bike – or a something can be both on-road and off-road. Is the motorcycle being used for work or pleasure? Consider where you live and what would constitute average use for your motorbike given your circumstances and riding ability.
Once you narrow down what you are interested in, you need to discover the various models available. Check out the forums to see what people enjoy about the various bikes you are interested in getting and where they have experienced issues. It is handy to learn what could go wrong with it and whether the manufacturer has issued any recalls or safety notices.
Investigate replacement parts – both availability and cost along with service costs, so you know what the ongoing investment will be to maintain the bike.
2. Investigate the bike history and review the online photos
Once you have decided to check out some bikes from online sales websites, gather the details of the bikes you are very interested in and put the information into bikefacts.com.au . You can check if there is any finance attached to the bike, or if it has been stolen or written off.
Once you are satisfied that the bike is legitimate, have a good look a the photos to make sure everything looks in good working order. If you notice any damage in the images or broken parts have been mentioned in the advertisement – investigate what it would cost to repair. You are then in an excellent position to decide if the asking price is reasonable or if you have some negotiating room.
3. The second-hand bike inspection
When you have decided things are lining up nicely and it is time to inspect and test ride the bike, ask the seller not to start the motorbike before you arrive. When you start the bike from cold, if there are any tell-tale signs of engine trouble, you should be able to hear this from the very get-go.
Inspect the bike’s alignment, the sprockets and forks’ condition, and the tyres’ grip. Ask the seller when the bike was last ridden. If the bike has been in storage for some time – tyres and the engine may exhibit signs of deterioration. For example, if the tyres are worn or cracked and require replacement, you could be up for a further $500.
Ask to see the motorbike’s service history and ask if the seller has the original user manual. Are there any other accessories that have been fitted or modified on the bike? Are these legal and have they been modified correctly? Be sure you are satisfied with the overall safety of the bike before you think about riding it.
4. The test ride
Once you are satisfied with the bike’s overall appearance and history, ask to take it for a test ride. You will soon know when riding the bike if there are issues with the gearbox, brakes or clutch. If you think something is not right, talk to the seller about the roadworthiness and have the matter investigated before purchasing.
During the test ride, think about how you feel on the bike and if this is what you were expecting. Are you comfortable in the ride position? Does the motorcycle handle how you expected it to?
5. Motorbike finance, approval and purchase
Your final decision will be – Is this the bike for you? Once you have negotiated the best deal and – of course – have your finance sorted (get this done first so you know what you can afford), you should be ready to make a final offer.
If you need finance for your motorbike purchase, get started early – contact us at Ezilend and get pre-approval today. Pre-approval makes the process of finding your perfect second-hand bike all that more simple.
