There are many things to take into consideration when buying a motorcycle. In particular, this article is aimed at inexperienced buyers. After your first purchase, you will become more knowledgeable in the buying and selling process.
Steps
Step 1. Buying a motorcycle
There are several issues to consider when choosing a motorcycle.
- Do you really need a motorcycle? Do you really want it?
- What's your price range?
- What are the appropriate displacement, weight and type suitable for your abilities?
- What is the intended use for the motorcycle?
- Does the bike have to be new or used?
- If used, what is the condition of the bike?
- Can you ultimately be happy with your purchase?
- Where can you find the right bike for you?
- How will you pay for the purchase?
Step 2. Do I really want or need a motorcycle?
A motorcycle is a unique form of transportation that isn't for everyone. The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you really want to ride a motorcycle and why. Only you can answer these questions. One of the best ways to get to the answers is to do some research first.
- Go to your local library to check out books on the subject, such as Massimo Clarke's "Motorcycle Manual".
- Talk to bikers and ask about their experiences, positive and negative.
- Watch motorcycling documentaries, such as the classic "On Any Sunday".
- Also discuss your new interest with your family and loved ones to get their opinion. Your decision will affect them too.
- If, after following these steps, you are convinced that motorcycling is right for you, the next step is to help you see what you can afford.
Step 3. What's your price range?
To determine what you can afford, first take a monthly budget.
- Determine how much cash you have.
- Write down your total net income and then your expenses.
- Subtract the expenses from your income and the rest (except a portion as a safety margin) will be what you can afford each month.
- Multiply the monthly amount by the number of months you intend to pay for the purchase. It must not exceed 60 months.
- You can also pay for everything right away in cash.
- It is important to include a safety margin in your calculations. In this way the purchase will not put you in difficulty; it will also increase the likelihood that your loan will be approved. The safety margin must include additional expenses such as annual road tax, insurance, maintenance and fuel.
Step 4. Determine the appropriate size and type of bike for you
Bikes come in a wide variety of sizes, weights, styles and performance levels. It is essential for your enjoyment and safety to choose the right model for your purposes. Follow these guidelines:
- Am I an experienced pilot or a beginner?
- Do I want to use the bike for sport and recreational use, to travel long or short distances, to go to work or to go off-road?
- While not a sticking point, the physical size should also be taken into consideration. Are you tall, small, heavy or light?
- In general, if you want a motorcycle to be used over long distances, you should find one with adequate displacement (> 750 cc) and that is equipped with some sort of luggage and wind protection.
- If you prefer a touring motorcycle, then a bike with a low frame, low seat and engine with good low-end torque is the best choice.
- For commuting to work, a standard or sport bike will be a good choice.
- For racing, a sports bike is fine, which is designed for just that kind of activity.
- For off-road or on-road use, choose any type of motocross, enduro or competition bike.
- As a rough guide, avoid any motorcycle over 225kg in weight or 70 horsepower if you are a beginner. Novices should especially be wary of buying a sports bike: it has a lot of power, a light weight, sensitive controls and is not a good tool to learn - these types of bikes are unforgiving. Instead, try a standard one, until you have reached an adequate mileage and have achieved an experience that will make you feel safe and confident.
Step 5. New or used?
- If you are a novice driver, it is often best to start with a good used, low-mileage. That way, if you were to accidentally fall, or if it was outdated and you needed a bigger, more powerful one, you wouldn't lose much money on devaluation and repairs. In many cases you will be able to sell your used beginner bike for a similar amount to what you paid.
- If you are an experienced driver, first ask yourself if you are good at mechanics and like to repair your cars. If so, a lightly to moderately used motorcycle may be a good choice that could save you a lot of money. You may also want a much older, classic bike that you will appreciate over time.
- If you are not good with mechanics and want reliable daily transportation, then a new motorcycle may be the best choice for you. A new motorcycle often has the added benefit of benefiting from better dealer incentives and optimal financing terms.
Step 6. If used, what is the condition of the bike?
With any used motorcycle, there is a degree of risk. The history of the motorcycle, including regular maintenance, how it has been used or even any accidents, can be difficult if not impossible to determine. These tips can help you:
- Ask the owner lots of detailed questions.
- While many owners / dealers don't allow this, it doesn't hurt to ask for a test ride on the bike. Only ask if you are an experienced rider with a valid motorcycle insurance policy that will cover the damage in case of minor hitches.
- Ask to see all maintenance tickets or receipts.
- Ask if the mileage is accurate.
- Review the title book carefully to check for any previous owners and transfers. Make sure the information in the booklet - the vehicle year, model and VIN code - is correct. Make sure there are no mortgages. If the bike does not have a clear and clean owner's book, go away.
- Examine parts of the bike - chain, sprockets, wheels, exhaust system, pedals, handlebars, grips, levers and bodywork - for signs of wear, damage, new or mismatched paint, scratches or scuff marks. recently replaced parts. These usually indicate an accident or even a higher mileage than indicated.
- Look carefully for signs of corrosion.
- Check for any oil or coolant leaks.
- Ask to listen to the sound of the motorcycle as it starts and while it is moving. It should start easily and idle well once warmed up.
- Make sure the brakes, clutch, throttle, and electrical equipment are working properly.
Step 7. Finally, are you satisfied with the purchase?
As with any large purchase, you need to be happy with your choice, as you will live with this purchase for a number of years. The answer should be "yes" a all these questions:
- Is this a bike you will be proud of?
- Can you imagine this motorcycle in your garage for several years to come?
- Is this the kind of motorcycle you see yourself riding with your friends on?
- Will you still believe this is the "right" bike for you five years from now?
- After conducting fairly thorough research on this bike, are you convinced that it will be reliable and that it meets your standard?
- Will this bike be able to do what it needs to do?
Step 8. Where can you find the right bike for you?
If you are looking for a used motorcycle, there are specific listing sections in local newspapers and numerous online resources, such as Craigslist, Motorcycle Trader and eBay. If you are looking for a new motorcycle, to find a dealer you can easily search the web for the desired brand or browse the Yellow Pages. Here are some suggestions:
- If you are using Ads, Craigslist or other such resources, you need to be very careful to avoid a possible scam. Always meet your interlocutor in a public place and never alone. Let someone else know exactly where you are going. Never give the other party a personal check, which will have your bank account number written on it. Bring some cash and be prepared to ask for a signed receipt or bring a cashier's check with the exact amount.
- If you shop on eBay, remember that it is an auction site, and that you will be paying a lot of money for your purchase. Once you win the auction, you are required to complete the transaction, so be prepared to complete it. Pay attention to any shipping costs, especially for large items like motorcycles. Ask a lot of questions about the item before placing a bid.
- If you use an auction site, don't bet with your emotions, but with your head. Don't cross the line, no matter how beautiful you think the bike is.
- Always search for motorcycle quotes, first using Kelly Blue Book or the NADA guide, both official publications. You can find their information online or at your local library, free of charge.
- Never pay for a quote catalog.
- Once you examine the motorcycle yourself, take note of any discrepancies or damage. If something doesn't feel right, walk away. When dealing directly with a private seller, you don't need to be afraid to haggle over the price. It never hurts to ask.
- Always be willing to pay the full amount for a used motorcycle immediately. Make sure you collect it, immediately after the sale, and ask for a receipt, agreement and sales invoice to be signed; Get a statement of accurate mileage, keys, manual and any spare parts or accessories, if any.
Step 9. If you buy a new bike, follow these tips:
- Find a reputable dealer. Look up consumer ratings on websites like Yelp or Google and ask questions.
- Don't be afraid to visit two or more merchants selling the same product.
- Ask for the total amount, including transport and assembly costs. Ask them to take them off or reduce them.
- With very few exceptions, it is usually recommended to avoid the optional aftermarket warranty coverage, i.e. on parts, for a new motorcycle. Dealers make a sizeable profit on those sales policies. If you need a replacement, after the sale you can always buy it yourself online from various competing companies.
- Don't argue with the dealer about how much you can afford each month. Establish the final overall price of the bike first, then discuss the terms of financing. Always read the contract very carefully before signing anything, especially the purchase agreement.
- Do not believe the dealer who tells you that the dealer must be the one to get you the motorcycle service in order for the warranty to remain valid. The law states that you have the right to work on your vehicle yourself or take it to someone else if you wish, without voiding the warranty.
Step 10. How will you pay for the motorcycle?
The best payment method is usually all cash, because it eliminates a large set of variables from the buying process; with a large purchase, however, financing is often used. Here is a guide:
- Give as much cash as possible to reduce the number and consistency of the installments.
- Do not extend the payment term beyond five years. In many cases, the motorcycle will devalue enough within the first two years, during which time you can find yourself with the loan upset. By choosing a shorter term, you minimize this risk.
- Don't agree on a payment that doesn't fit your monthly budget.
- Make sure the interest rate is clearly stated and is not variable.
- Make sure the payment amount exactly matches the retailer's budget.
- If possible, secure financing through your bank or credit union before negotiating the sale. Credit unions often offer low rates on vehicle financing.
- Always keep signed copies of any paperwork and keep them as long as you own the vehicle.
Step 11. Final tips
- Take out insurance. For most motorcycles it is actually very affordable, so there is no reason to delay.
- Register the bike in your name now. The local vehicle department will check the VIN (Vehicle ID Numbers) to see if there is any problem.
- Pay the taxes due for the motorcycle. Do not try to falsify the information on the sales amount.
- If you are a novice driving, take a motorcycle safety course, do not carry passengers and be very careful.
Step 12. Enjoy your bike and have fun
Advice
- Buying from a dealer gives you the ability to finance the bike and make monthly payments. Some loans are very attractive and may include free accessories, no down payment or 0% interest on all or part of the installments. You have to be very careful when it comes to financing, because you can pay a lot of long-term interest. Also, with resellers, you will normally pay sales tax at the time of purchase and this amount will also be funded.
- Take out insurance. For most motorcycles it is actually very affordable, so there is no reason to delay.
- With a private seller you will usually have to pay for the bike in a lump sum. Some vendors accept a down payment to hold the bike until you can go to the bank to get cash or a check.
- Pay the taxes due for the motorcycle. Do not try to falsify the information on the sales amount. While you may be tempted, don't lie to get a lower tax rate. This is illegal and simply not worth the risk.
- If you are a newbie, you are better off taking a safe motorcycle riding course, not carrying passengers, always wearing protective clothing and being very careful. Your family and loved ones will appreciate it!
- Register the bike in your name now. The local vehicle department will check the VIN to see if there is any problem. When buying the motorcycle from a private seller, you and the seller may have to go to a notary to complete the registration and thus obtain the license plate and title.
