Guide to buying a used motorcycle
So, you’re in the market for a motorcycle. Unless you’re after a classic model, you’d probably like to buy a brand new bike. Sadly they come at a price. Whilst we may dream of owning a brand new ZX or Fireblade, for the majority of us, our budget determines the type and model of bike we’ll buy. If you’re buying used, you can still pick yourself up a great bike and you can certainly feel smug that you haven’t taken a 15% hit on the value of it as soon as you drive it away.
Once you’ve got your shortlist there are still a few pitfalls ahead. Here is our short guide to buying a motorcycle, which we hope will help you find a reliable bike at a good price.
Timing
The best time to buy a motorcycle is in the winter. A lot of people know this though, so you may have to move quickly to get yourself a bargain. If you don’t want your motorbike to be sitting in the garage waiting for the summer to come round again, start looking in April and May, but avoid the peak months of June-August, when prices are always higher.
Research
If you’ve got your heart set on a particular make or model, find out what the running costs are likely to be. Check the prices of parts and ensure that if it’s a rare bike, parts are readily available for it. Phone round for some insurance quotes too, if you’re young or an inexperienced rider, premiums may be high.
Shop around
There are hundreds of dealers and thousands of bikes. Pick up MSN and Biketrader at your local news agent, or log on at www.biketrader.co.uk, www.motorcyclenews.com. You can save hundreds of pounds by putting in a little leg work. You may even find a bargain in your local newspaper or Friday Ad.
More and more people are buying and selling motorcycles on Ebay (www.ebay.co.uk). You may pick up a bargain, but it’s easy to get carried away with bidding fever, so decide on a maximum price in your mind and don’t pay a penny over it. Make sure you contact the seller and arrange a test ride before you put in a bid. Once you’ve placed your bid you are legally bound to complete the purchase.
Test ride
Make sure you take a test ride, even if you’re familiar with the model. Don’t settle for a quick once round the block either. Make sure you get to ride in traffic and on open roads. Take it out for at least 20 minutes so you can see how comfortable it is on longer runs.
Haggle
Unless you after a particularly rare breed, don’t be afraid to haggle. Phone round a few dealers and tell them the best price you’ve been quoted and ask if they can beat it.
Viewing
Make sure you view the motorbike in clear daylight on a dry day, so you can clearly see any defects. Take a friend with you who can help you see things impartially. Always arrange to see the biker at the seller’s house, even if they offer to meet you somewhere or bring the bike to you. Check the logbook details are the same as the person’s who is selling the bike. Obtain as much information about the motorcycle’s history as possible, including previous MOT certificates, receipts for repairs and any warranties. Be on the look out for anomalies with the bike’s history and what the seller is telling you.
Verify the motorcycle’s condition and history
Check with motorcycle’s history with HPI (www.hpicheck.com) and get a mechanic to check the motorcycle over for you. Don't hand over any money until you are totally satisfied the history and condition of the bike.
Walk away
If you have any doubts at all about the motorcycle, walk away. There are plenty of other motorbikes out there and you don’t want to end up with a stolen, clocked or written-off bike.
Motorcycle accidents
Once your search is finally over and you have proudly taken ownership of your new motorcycle, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is having an accident. But as one of the most vulnerable of road users, statistically you are likely to have at least one crash or mishap in the first few years of riding.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another person, there is a lot we can do to help you, including providing you with a temporary replacement motorcycle, arranging repairs and helping claim for damage to your possessions. If you are hurt we can also help you make a claim for personal injury compensation.
Our service is totally cost-free and without risk. For free and impartial legal advice following a motorcycle accident, call us now on 0800 10 757 95 or fill in an online claim form and we'll get back to you. We're open 24 hours a day.
