5 Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle
Buying a used motorcycle is an investment decision worth taking seriously. There are options aplenty and weighing the pros and cons for them can sometimes be overwhelming. We at Barnes Harley-Davidson® aim to make things easier for you. For a used Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, drop by Barnes H-D® in Langley, BC.
Determine your budget
Establishing your budget before a purchase is crucial to streamlining the process. There is no point in going in for a pricey used Harley® that strains your pocket but offers little else. The idea is to buy something that you NEED, not just desire. Your budget needs to include the cost of the pre-owned motorcycle as well as insurance and any gear. Trade-in options are also great if you already own a motorcycle.
A Gazillion Options to Choose From
If you’ve set your heart on buying a stylish bike, then cruisers are a good option. Modeled on the bikes of the 1930s to 60s, the retro vintage look of your bike is sure to make heads turn! If long distance trips are your thing, you might want to check out some great touring motorcycles. Similarly, if you are a speed junkie, then sport bike models are what you might want to consider.
Your Riding Level
Your riding level should also be a factor when looking out for a used Harley. A novice will have very different needs from a seasoned pro. A lighter used motorcycle that is easy to handle and steer is ideally what a newbie biker should look for. An expert will gravitate towards a heavier used motorcycle because of their own experience and ability to ride the bike. Needless to say, a seasoned biker has more options to consider in comparison to a newbie. Know your own riding ability before making a purchase.
Individual Seller vs Dealer
There are two ways of buying a used Harley-Davidson®: you can either go to an individual seller or buy from a dealer. The pros of buying from a dealer are immense.
A dealership has a reputation to watch out for and on the rare occasion that the dealer’s service falls short of your expectations, your issues will be addressed immediately as customer satisfaction for a dealership is always top priority. With an individual seller, the focus is more on making a profit.
Used motorcycles at our dealership have been through a stringent inspection process. We also have a parts replacement and service department so they can fix the motorcycle before putting it on sale. This is what makes it more economical for you as a buyer since you don’t need to rush to a mechanic to spruce up your new ride.
When buying from individual sellers, you need to spend more time scouting for the right rig and possibly investing further time and money into getting your new bike into shape. At a dealership, you have all the options under one roof. Do an apples-to-apples comparison, go for a test drive and make smart decisions.
Examine the Bike Cold and Inspect Thoroughly
Follow this one like the Bible: Examine the bike when its cold. A sneaky seller might palm off a defective bike by starting up the motorcycle before you get there so that you miss the starting and running problems of the bike. If the used motorcycle works smoothly when its cold, then this rig is good to go.
Put the bike through a meticulous inspection process.This helps you catch any red flags that might become a recurring problem later on. Inspect the tire tread, the frame, the fuel tank, and so on. And of course, a test drive is imperative.Practice accelerating, turning, and braking to see how it handles. A checklist always comes in handy so that you can checkoff the parameters that are being met.
Buying a bike is a momentous decision, but it doesn’t need be a rushed one. Drop by Barnes Harley-Davidson® in Langley, British Columbia and check out the entire selection of used Harley® motorcycles and bikes. We’re located in Langley and happily serve Surrey, Coquitlam, and Richmond, BC, so swing by to check out different models and customize your hog with blazing Harley® style at our parts, service & accessories departments!