Buying
a Used Motorcycle
Can Be a Good Choice
Reasons
For Buying A Used Motorcycle
By: The
Motor Bookstore
Have you checked
out the price of a new bike lately? It wasn't that long ago when
you didn't have to fork out that much dough for a new car. In
fact, many bikers will remember when you didn't have to pay much
more than that for a modest house. The prices for houses and cars
have shot up over the years. And, so has the prices of motorcycles.
The point is, the price of a new bike can take a good-sized bite
out of any budget. Buying a used motorcycle is one way to lessen
the dent a motorcycle will make in your wallet.
There
are a number of benefits to buying a used motorcycle. The first
is, of course, that you can save a lot of money. As a general
rule, motorcycles lose a higher percent of their value when they
roll out of the showroom than do automobiles. The possible exception
to this is Harley-Davidson. Harleys always seem to retain a high
resale value. The second reason is that many motorcycles are not
ridden many miles each year, especially in colder climates. So,
it is easier to find a good, low mileage bike. Makes such as Moto
Guzzi are especially durable and a low mileage model will have
many trouble-free miles left in it. A third reason is that if
there are any quirks to be worked out of a new model or a particular
machine, these will likely have been done by the time the second
owner gets the bike.
There
are a number of sources available when buying a used motorcycle.
You can buy a bike from the current owner. The classifieds online
and in the newspapers are filled with ads for used bikes. You
can also check with a dealership for trade-ins. Bikes at dealerships
will often come with a warranty.
Tips
On Buying A Used Motorcycle
So,
how do you make sure you get a good deal? Here are a few tips
on buying a used motorcycle. First, check out a used motorcycle
price guide. There are several good ones. A good one is the National
Auto Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) price guide. The prices in
this monthly guide reflect the average price of motorcycles of
similar make, model and condition across the nation. The price
guide is issued monthly.
Spend
a little time reading the reviews of various makes and models.
Many of these reviews are posted on the web and they can give
you some subjective information on what these particular riders
think about the bike.
Check
the condition of the motorcycle over closely. What is the condition
of the drive belt, chain or drive shaft? Are the tires worn or
weather checked? Has the bike ever been wrecked? Does it leak
oil? Is the muffler or mufflers free of rust? Is the wiring in
good shape? Does it start easily and run smoothly?
If
the deal likes like a go at this point, ask to take the bike for
a test drive. While you are at it, if possible, take it to your
mechanic and get a second opinion.
If
your mechanic gives you the OK, get your wallet out and enjoy
the ride. Most makes of motorcycles these days are well engineered
and high quality machines. Don't make the process of buying a
bike a bigger deal than it needs to be. Used motorcycles are generally
an excellent value, especially when compared to the price of new
bikes. Besides, this is one time when it is fun to shop. So, have
some fun buying a used motorcycle.
About
the author: The
Motor Bookstore sells repair manuals for cars, trucks, motorcycles,
boats, farm tractors, and much more
*****************
Do
you want to know what's in store at Ebay?
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used motorcycles
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