What should you know before buying a motorcycle?
What to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle
- Don't overestimate your ability. One common mistake among newbies is to purchase a bike with far more performance than they can handle. ...
- Identify your needs. Will you be riding in lots of traffic? ...
- Know your options. ...
- Choose a bike that fits your body. ...
Do you buy insurance before buying a motorcycle?
You can purchase a motorcycle at a dealership or a private seller without insurance. If you intend to ride it legally, you’ll need to obtain an insurance policy that meets the minimum coverage limits where you live. Each state has specific legal minimum limits.
Should I trade my car for a motorcycle?
You need to buckle down and pay that car off asap before you even think about getting a motorcycle. If you "trade in" the car, your upside down amount (6k or so atleast) will be tacked onto the price of whatever you buy and you'll be hit even harder in monthly payments..
Should I get a scooter or a motorcycle?
Should I get a scooter or a motorcycle? Frequently new riders who want to migrate to two wheeled motorized vehicles may consider a scooter instead because it’s a more economical solution, but may be terrified of the power of some motorcycle engines. Buying a scooter can be a great alternative. Scooters are virtually mini motorcycles.
How can you tell if a used motorcycle is good?
4:4912:25How To Buy A Used Motorcycle at RevZilla.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you see any type of drips. Or pooling fluid that's usually not a very good thing you may also seeMoreIf you see any type of drips. Or pooling fluid that's usually not a very good thing you may also see seeps too seeps aren't as aggressive as leaks.
How many miles is too many to buy a used motorcycle?
For small sports bikes, 20,000 to 30,000 is on the high side. For larger bikes, 50,000 miles and up is considered high motorcycle mileage. But before you write off any models, consider that a properly maintained bike can last well past 100,000 miles!
How much should I spend on a used motorcycle?
In a very general sense, you can expect a decent used motorcycle values to be anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. Some suitable options are even available for a lot cheaper if you grab them at the right time of year and from a more affordable region.
Which is the better purchase a new top quality motorcycle or an old used motorcycle?
The biggest benefit of buying a used motorcycle is always going to be the price. Used models are almost always going to be cheaper than new ones. For beginner motorcyclists, this is a huge draw. Why spend more money for a brand new Harley-Davidson if you're not sure you want a bike long-term?
How long do motorcycle engines last?
If we're looking for exact figures, the average motorcycle engine can last a good 10 to 15 years, any major breakdowns or accidents notwithstanding. In terms of mileage, those figures translate to roughly 100,000 to 160,000 km.
How long will a motorcycle last?
Regular motorcycles last for over 50,000 miles, although at that point, people consider them old. On the other hand, sports motorcycles become “old” at half that number since they undergo a lot of wear and extreme conditions. 50,000 miles is equivalent to 200,000 miles on a car.
What is a good price for a starting motorcycle?
between $5,000 and $10,000Motorcycle prices can vary wildly, but on average, if you're buying a new motorcycle fit for a beginner, you're probably spending anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000.
How much is a good first motorcycle?
Price: Today's entry-level motorcycle market boasts some incredibly competitive pricing, with $5,000 being enough to acquire the majority of learner-friendly models.
What is a good price for a beginner motorcycle?
around $5,000 to $10,000Beginners typically spend around $5,000 to $10,000 for a motorcycle.
What is the average markup on used motorcycles?
four to seven percentTypical Markup on a Motorcycle Most bikes include a four to seven percent profit margin. That means on the $10,000 motorbike you buy only $400 to $700 went to the dealership.
Should a beginner get a new motorcycle?
Bikes under 600cc are a great starting point when buying a beginner motorcycle. As a new rider, you don't want to start with the most powerful motorcycle as it can be dangerous – you might end up in an accident due to your inexperience. Look at the bike's horsepower.
When should you buy a new motorcycle?
If you're more open-minded and just want a great deal on a new bike, the dead of winter probably is the time to strike. Most dealers close out their fiscal year on December 31, and any unsold last year's motorcycles sitting on the floor then – right after the Christmas buying binge – are likely to be nicely discounted.
Is 80 000 miles a lot for a motorcycle?
Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.
What is high mileage for a motorbike?
What Is Considered High Mileage For a Motorcycle? Among the majority of riders, anything over 40,000 miles is considered to be high mileage. However, when it comes to sports bikes, anything upwards of 25,000 miles is deemed to be high!
How many miles is too much for a 600cc motorcycle?
This is because these bikes typically get a lot of abuse, so they won't last as long as touring or cruiser motorcycles. Of course, if it's ridden gently and maintained at the highest level, a 600cc bike can even last 100,000-150,000 miles, but this is far above average.
What is typical mileage for a motorcycle?
What is the Average Annual Mileage for a Motorcycle? A motorcycle is driven far less frequently than a car, so its average annual mileage is significantly lower. While a car has an average annual mileage of around 12,000 miles, motorcycle mileage is, on average, only around 3,000 miles per year.
Pros
The fact is, if you’re new to riding motorcycles, or if you just need to put a bike in your garage ASAP, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than a good looking pre-owned bike. Here are some of the pros of buying your next motorcycle used.
Cons
But buying used isn’t always a great idea, and in some cases, you might end up spending more on the motorcycle than if you had simply bought it new.
How much does a 70s Honda bike cost?
New bikes are generally the same price in all parts of the country, but a rundown 70s Honda that goes for $800-$1500 in most part of the country (and rightfully so), commands a few grand if in a hipster-filled market like Los Angeles. Pricing issues, compounded with the fact that it's impossible for us to infer anything about the quality of any specific bike you find an ad for, and "is this a good deal" is nearly impossible to answer.
How long is a motorcycle warranty?
On the flip side, new motorcycles usually come with a 12 or 24 month, unlimited mile warranty. So, not only are they more likely to run perfect, but you're covered in the event that you got a bad one. That still won't cover you whiskey throttling into a wheelie off the line or pitching it into a lake, but anything mechanical is on the dealership.
How much is a Suzuki GSX R1000?
For example, the cheapest new 1,000 cc sportbike you can buy is the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 at $14,599, while this 2011 GSX-R1000 in Orange, California I found on CycleTrader is about half of that at $7,499. Why does the new one cost more? Well get to that in a sec.
Do used bikes have depreciation?
Obviously, new bikes are going to be more expensive and used bikes will have some depreciation because, you know , they've been used. Within the used segment, you can buy a bike from a dealer or an individual party, with a used bike coming from a dealer likely carrying a higher premium than something you find on Craigslist.
Can you finance a used motorcycle with 0% financing?
However, if you're buying from a dealership there will be financing options with the lowest rates attached to new motorcycles. Many brands even offer as little as 0% financing.
Can you afford to take risks on a bike?
Point is, if you grew up tinkering with mechanical things or building engines or feel at home with a repair manual or YouTube walkthroughs, you can afford to take risks on cheaper bikes because you know you can work on it yourself. If you're a dummy like me, spending a little more on something with a better chance of running well will save you money and headaches in the long run.
What is ABS on a motorcycle?
The nice thing about new motorcycles is that they’ll generally come with updated disc brakes that are anti-lock, also known as ABS (anti-lock braking system). This means that the disc/drum brakes of the motorcycle are controlled by an electronic safety system so the tires and wheels do not lock and skid despite the full application of the brakes.
What is a motorcycle warranty?
A motorcycle warranty is a signed agreement between the dealer/manufacturer and the motorcycle owner in which the manufacturer promises to fund and pay for repairs during a certain amount of time. You can get a manufacturer’s warranty which is usually added into the motorcycle purchase or can be added into your loan if you get one.
Why are motorcycles safer to ride?
And because of the increased technology that continues to improve each year, you can bet that the new motorcycle you purchased may even have a longer life expectancy altogether than older motorcycles made. Because of improved technology , new motorcycles are becoming more safe to ride.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost?
Older or used motorcycles will cost an average of $20-$60 a month in insurance while a new motorcycle will cost an average of $100-$200 a month to insure (this all, of course, depends on your driving record and the type of motorcycle you get).
Why do people customize their motorcycles?
A lot of people do this too, because you want the motorcycle to feel like it belongs to you, that it describes you and your personality.
How much do motorcycles lose in value?
Motorcycles lose an average of 10% of their value each year after that initial depreciation. If you’re swaying towards buying a used motorcycle, let someone else pay for the depreciation for you that first little while.
How much is a Honda CB650R worth?
For example, you can buy a brand new Honda CB650R for about $9,000. With 11% depreciation, your motorcycle will be worth about $8,000 once your drive it off the parking lot. Or if you get in a motorcycle accident the day after you buy it brand new, your insurance company will only give you $8,000 to replace it.
What happens when a motorcycle falls over?
Bar ends, brake levers, and footpegs – When motorcycles fall over, the bar ends, levers and footpegs generally are the first things that hit the ground. If they are scuffed or scratched, be sure to ask the seller why.
How to tell if a motorcycle has a fluid leak?
Fluid leaks – Look for indications of a fluid leak, which could be on the ground or a trail inside the motorcycle as it runs through the motorcycle down to the ground. There should be no oil leaks from the engine. Look for coolant leaks at all rubber hose connections and along with the radiator. You may also be able to smell a leak, such as a coolant smells sweet and oil is pungent also.
What is the service history on a motorcycle?
Service History – Ask the private seller or dealership salesman what the service history on the motorcycle is (if they know). Some private sellers will have a manufacturer booklet that shows what maintenance should be done at a certain mileage. If they have done the service themselves, they may have made notes as to what has been done and when. Most dealerships will add notes to the booklet if they perform the service and have availability to the booklet from the owner. If nothing is available, some owners may just keep an envelope of receipts that can show maintenance history.
How to negotiate a motorcycle price?
When you’ve decided that you want to purchase the motorcycle, it’s time to negotiate on the price. By this point, you have already done the research to know what a fair market price for the motorcycle is. That includes the fair price (most likely a price range), any modifications that can affect the price, any future maintenance needs that may add to the purchase cost, and any damage that may have occurred in the past. Before you ask if the seller is negotiable, put yourself in their shoes. Is their price fair? What would you say if you were the seller and someone asked to pay a different price? The seller may be a little high and have wiggle room to reduce the price. Politely ask if they are negotiable on the price. If they are, be prepared to make an offer with a specific dollar figure. Be the person that offers first and don’t ask the seller how low they can go. Offer what you’re prepared to pay and work on the final price from there if needed.
How to deal with a motorcycle seller?
They may take some time between responses because of this. Also, be sure to use the ad to answer all the questions you have, and only ask about things not noted in the ad that is critical for the deal. Use the first correspondence just to get a feel for the motorcycle and seller. Use a face-to-face meeting to get a lot more details on the motorcycle that aren’t critical.
How to test a motorcycle?
It most likely won’t be. Now is the time to feel and hear how well the motorcycle runs. You’ve already completed a visual inspection of the motorcycle before the ride. Listen for odd noises like squeaks, rattles, and loose components. Do bearings squeak when the suspension moves or when the wheels turn? Does something sound loose through vibration? Do the brakes feel soft when you come to a stop? Look and listen for any red flags that just don’t seem right. Anything you find will need to be discussed with the seller or dealership and anything that needs to be fixed may need to be added to the future cost of the purchase.
What to look for in a motorcycle dealer?
Dealers generally only take trade-ins that are in good condition. Expect that they will have good used motorcycles in a well-maintained shape, and they will be ready to ride when you leave the dealership. A dealer will often have a written inspection document to note all things that may need repair in the future and anything they repaired after taking the motorcycle in.
What does it mean when a bike lever is curved?
If they are damaged, the bike has been down. I look for rash, obviously, but levers can give away a few clues. Levers often “curl” when they hit the pavement. They might not be broken, and the seller might have buffed out the rash, but a curved appearance usually indicates damage.
How to tell if a motorcycle is good?
I don’t usually give a hoot about a motorcycle’s mileage. The odometer only tells one part of the bike’s story. If an owner hands you a file of receipts, that is a Very Good Thing. If the bike is generally well cared for — it has matching tires, shiny, waxed paint, and the owner has obviously replaced wear items like grips and seat covers — that’s a good indicator of what kind of bike you’re looking at. People are rarely fastidious with one part of their bike and lax with another. Usually they either love the bike or neglect it. If you see evidence of something that’s been unrepaired for a long time, it might be indicative of a bike that has other defects lurking. Similarly, a pristine owner’s manual, all the factory keys, and paperwork from aftermarket equipment with a box of OEM takeoff pieces usually point to a bike that received lavish attention.
What does a pristine owner's manual mean?
Similarly, a pristine owner’s manual, all the factory keys, and paperwork from aftermarket equipment with a box of OEM takeoff pieces usually point to a bike that received lavish attention. The odometer, for me, is a very minor factor in determining a used bike's quality. Photo by Lemmy.
What does a curled brake lever mean?
This curled brake lever is a sure sign of a tip-over. Further research is required. RevZilla photo.
Why are Harley Davidson characters distinctive?
Harley's Posident characters are intentionally distinctive looking to help keep unscrupulous sellers from swindling honest folks. It pays to know what you should be looking at. Harley-Davidson image.
What to look for in a brake fluid leak?
The flip side of this is "disrepair through disuse." Check the oil level, and the color and level of the brake fluid. (It should be pale yellow, not dark brown or black.) Check for dry cables, pitted fork tubes, leaky fork seals, and rusty chains. Leaks of all forms are usually not good. Electrical items that are inoperable, spongy brakes, and rusty fuel tanks (yep, look in there with a flashlight) will let you know you either have some work ahead of you, or need to keep looking for a better bike.
Is redlining a bike bad for you?
Note that I don’t think hard riding or redlining a bike is bad for it, but some folks really beat the snot out of their machines. I examine the tires. Flat, longitudinally grooved tires are indicative of burnouts. On sport machines, check the edges of the tires. If you see “pilling” (little blobs of rubber) or "feathering" (tell-tale tiny surface ripples) of the tires all the way to the edges, that’s a pretty good indicator the bike was used at the track.
What are the factors to consider when buying a motorcycle?
Other factors to keep in mind include: Motorcycle CCs. Engine size and power. Seat structure and comfort. Make sure you do your research before proceeding to a dealership or private sale. The more you understand about the bike you buy, the more likely it is that you will be happy with your purchase.
What is the insurance for a motorcycle?
Motorcycle Insurance . Insurance can be another major cost factor of a motorcycle. Insurance rates vary, depending on: Bike type. Engine size. Different insurance companies may also classify motorcycles differently. For example, one insurance provider may consider a Ducati Monster a standard bike, while another may classify it as a sport bike.
What is the advantage of buying a used motorcycle from a private seller?
As with buying a used motorcycle, the big advantage with buying from a private seller is the chance to pay much less for your purchase. However, aside from having the bike inspected for any potential problems, you should ask for a vehicle history report from the seller.
Why is it cheaper to buy a used motorcycle?
Arguably the biggest advantage of buying a used bike is the price difference. Most of the time, used motorcycles will be cheaper, due to natural depreciation rates. You will also not have to pay the setup, delivery and dealer fees.
How much does a motorcycle cost?
That being said, you can choose to spend small or splurge on your new bike. Prices vary hugely— anywhere from under $5,000 to $25,000.
Is it a good idea to buy a motorcycle?
Buying a New Motorcycle. Much like cars, houses, and other major purchases, there are some prominent differences between buying new or buying used when it comes to motorcycles. Which direction you go in depends largely on your personal preferences, but, in general, buying a new bike may be a good idea if you:
Is it important to buy a motorcycle?
But the reality of the situation isn't quite as carefree. Buying the right motorcycle for you is an important process, with several major aspects to take into consideration.
How much do used motorcycle helmets cost?
On average, the cost of used motorcycle helmets will vary between $30 to $550. The total price of a used motorcycle helmet will depend on its condition, type, and how well the previous owner has taken care of it.
Is it legal to sell used motorcycle helmets?
Selling used motorcycle helmets is not illegal. It is legal for anybody to sell their used motorcycle helmet to another person,
