Used Motorcycle Buying Guide

Shopping for a bike requires planning and forethought. You want to feel confident you’re making the right choice for your needs, after all. Some buyers are surprised to learn that used motorcycles still have plenty to offer. They might not be fresh off the assembly line, but you can easily find models that are packed with the features you’re looking for at an affordable price. We’ve created this used motorcycle buying guide to help you prepare, so read on for some tips.

Determine Your Budget

Your first order of business is to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a pre-owned bike. These models are more affordable than new ones, but there’s still a wide range of price points out there. When you establish a firm budget, you’ll narrow down your options so that you can select the best used motorcycle for your purpose. 

Research Your Options

One of the main benefits of buying a pre-owned model is that you can read reviews from current owners. You’ll gain valuable insight into how it functions and performs. Current owners often take to the internet to let other riders know what to expect from a particular bike. 

If there are any red flags to be aware of, it won’t be hard to find out. Take the time to research your options so you know what to look for and what to avoid. When you visit the dealership, you’ll have a better idea of what you want from your used motorcycle.

Ask Plenty of Questions

Before you start shopping around, you should compile a list of questions to ask the dealer. For example, you’ll want to know how well the previous owner kept up with routine maintenance and why they decided to sell it. Review the previous maintenance reports and make a note of any red flags such as repeat problems or prior accidents. All of these details will help you determine if the price tag matches the quality of the used bike.

Inspect it & Go For a Test Ride

Reading reports is helpful, but you still need to perform a thorough inspection of the model you’re thinking about buying. Confirm that all the controls are working properly and there’s nothing out of the ordinary that needs to be addressed. 

You should also go for a test ride to get a feel for how the used motorcycle performs on the road. Pay close attention to how the bike starts and if it rides well. There shouldn’t be any jerking when you change gears. The bike shouldn’t swerve to one side when you’re riding, either. Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable sitting on it. You should be able to reach the controls without straining. Figure out if you’ll need to make any alterations to the bike so that you can add that into your budget.

When you’re ready to check out our used bike inventory, be sure to stop by Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL, near Chicago. We also serve Milwaukee, WI.