Buying Tips

As with any product there are many different motorcycle manufacturers in the world, some more popular than others.

Because you have decided to start riding, I figured it would be helpful to compile a list of some popular style bikes and what companies manufacture them. While not all of the following companies are headquartered in the US, you can still find their bikes here.

If you’re not familiar with these styles, read about them here.

Cruisers
Honda
Yamaha
Suzuki
Kawasaki
BMW
Harley Davidson
Victory

Sportbikes
Honda
Yamaha
Suzuki
Kawasaki
BMW
Buell
Ducati
KTM

Standard
Honda
Yamaha
Suzuki
Kawasaki
BMW
Buell
Ducati
KTM

Touring
Honda
Yamaha
Suzuki
Kawasaki
BMW
Harley Davidson

Before making an investment in your bike, you should always have at least a little background information on the company. Purchasing from a reliable, customer service oriented company is always best. Over the next few articles I’ll review these top companies and why you should or shouldn’t buy from them.

-Julie

In case you’re thinking of purchasing or selling a bike online, I have made a list of sites that sell some great new and used bikes.

cycletrader.com
This is an excellent site for finding new and used bikes for both men and women. They have a huge database of bikes for sale, so you’re almost guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. In addition, this site includes news, research, reviews, and information on warranties, financing and insurance needs. This is also a great site for someone who is trying to sell his or her bike.

motorcyclescan.com
This site also has a large selection of used motorcycles for sale (1,200 at the time I checked), though they don’t offer much in terms of information and reviews. It should definitely be a site to check out if you are price shopping for a new bike. Again on this site you can post an ad for selling your motorcycle.

buyausedmotorcycle.com
This is another great site for those either looking to buy or sell a bike. You can even post your classified ad for free! Not complaining about that! There is also advice for those buying and selling, helping to steer you in the right direction.

hdmotorcyclesforsale.com
If you’re looking specifically for a used Harley, check out this site. This website has lots of listings of just Harley’s, and some informational resources too. You can post an ad for a minimal fee, ensuring that you will reach a Harley-lovin’ audience.

If you realize the benefit of buying your first bike used and plan to look online, these sites are great. Even if you plan on buying locally, in a face-to-face transaction, do you research on these sites. See what similar bikes are being sold for and know the value of the bike you are looking at.

-Julie

If you’re considering buying a used bike, you should know what to look for so you can decide if the bike you’re looking at is worth the price or just a lemon. While a used bike can be a great deal, if you end up with a junk bike, you’ll be extremely disappointed.

I came across the following checklist on essortment.com, which gives a quick list of things you should look for in every used bike.

Brakes
Pads: Inspect pads for glazing. When were they changed last?
Hoses: Inspect hoses for crimps, cracks or other signs of defects.
Fluid: Ask when it was last changed.
Rotor: The bike will vibrate during the driving test if the rotor(s) are warped.
Levers: Are the levers stock or aftermarket? Aftermarket levers may indicate a crash.

Chain and Sprockets
Chain: Check chain adjustment for stretch. Is the chain properly oiled?
Sprockets: Inspect the teeth on the rear sprocket. Are they bent, broken or off center?

Electrical
Lights: Check that all lights are equally bright.
Headlight: Check hi / low settings. Does the headlight get brighter as the bike’s raced? This is a sign of a bad voltage regulator or weak battery.
Switchgears: Inspect for damage and check controls.

Engine
Oil: Is the engine oil dark or gritty? (The engine oil is a key diagnostic tool to determine how the engine has been run.)
Valves: Rev the engine and listen for valve clutter. When were they adjusted? Alternatively check engine compression, if you have a tester.
Coolant: Check coolant, if applicable, and ask when it was changed last.

Exhaust
Color: Blue exhaust smoke is often a sign of bad valves or a failed gasket.
Discoloration: If the pipes are discolored the bike is probably improperly jetted.
Noise: Check for holes in the exhaust or incorrectly mounted systems.
Backpressure: Put your hands over both exhaust openings. Do they have the same amount of pressure? If not one cylinder bank isn’t firing or has valve damage.

Gas Tank
Rust: Rust in the tank means rust in the carburetors and could spell a rebuild.

Suspension
Forks: Do the seals look tight? When were they changed?
Air caps: If the bike has air caps, check the pressure in the forks.
Shock: Does the shock have rebound? Does it “creak” when pushed?

Wheels
Tires: If the tires are only worn in the center, the bike has likely been driven on the highway; if they are worn all the way to the edges it has been ridden in the corners. If it is only worn on the edges it has been raced.
Bearings: Put the bike on the center stand and feel for damaged to the bearings.

Obviously you’ll also want to check the appearance of the bike. Look for dents and scratches, or any other indication of the seller not taking care of the bike or of it being in a crash. Ask if the seller has a listing of service history that you can take a look at.

You’ll definitely want to test drive the bike. Some sellers may not want to let you take it for a ride, which is ok, just make sure that you have given the bike a thorough inspection. Listen for any strange sounds or weird feelings. Feel out the clutch and engine. More than anything though, make sure this is a bike that you feel comfortable on and would want to ride.

Feel free to quiz the seller. You’ll be able to tell whether or not they are being honest with you. Ask them if the bike has ever been crashed, if they maintained it properly, and if they made any modifications to the bike. You can also feel free to ask them why they are selling.

While this list won’t guarantee a perfect condition bike, it will help you avoid being taken advantage of and getting a worthless bike.

-Julie

I’m currently in the process of buying a house and while stressful, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of good deals on the market, and not just in housing. If you can be patient, you just might end up with more than you had originally though you could afford!

I’m finding that buying and selling is a crazy art. While sellers want their money’s worth, the cost of holding out eventually starts to outweigh the cost of owning and advertising it. As buyers, we need to try to guess just when the seller has reached their breaking point and will give you the great deal you’ve been dreaming about.

Buying your first motorcycle used is definitely a great idea. You can end up with a great bike at a price way below market rates.

First decide just how much you want to spend. Remember that typically you will be able to negotiate on prices, so if you want to spend $3000, you can really look at bikes in the $3500 range. You may even be able to get the bike for less than $3000 depending on how good your negotiating skills are. Also good to keep in mind are other costs, including gear, insurance, and gas. So just because you have $3000 in your pocket to spend doesn’t mean you should unless you can afford the daily costs.

The greatest part of looking for a motorcycle now (or house in my situation) is that the current market is terrible for sellers. Many things are taking months to sell, whereas just last year that same item would have sold in less than 2 hours. Also, today many more people are anxious to sell luxury items and get rid of hobbies they just can’t afford. I suggest rather than jumping on the first thing you like, waiting it out. Review your options and watch the ads. More than likely, if the bike hasn’t sold in the first week, the seller will drop the price the second week, especially if they are desperate to sell.

Depending on where the seller is advertising, the cost of running the ad can get costly. For instance, if you are looking in the local paper under classified, the seller may have paid $30 - $50 for that ad. Advertising online can be free, but sometimes sellers will incur a minimal cost even there. Sellers don’t want to keep losing money on something they’re trying to get rid of in the first place. Trust me, if the seller has made the decision to get rid of the bike, they really don’t want to have to pay for it or have it take up space any longer than they have to.

Once you’ve searched and waited, and found the deal, its time to make a move. Call and set up an appointment, see the bike, and make sure you really can’t live without it. If you’re unsure, don’t make a deal. New bikes are popping up on the market everyday!

When you’re ready to make a deal remember its ok to try to negotiate the price, but don’t insult the seller. While they may be ready to get rid of the bike, they also aren’t going to give away their possessions for free. If you’ve done your research you should have a pretty good idea of what the bike is worth and what others on the market are going for. It’s never good to go in and just pay full price without trying to negotiate, especially if you really can’t afford it.

Offering cash on the spot is a great incentive for sellers. Obviously they want their money, so the quicker they can get it the happier they are, and the more willing they are to give you what you want.

- Julie

Over the weekend I was talking to a friend who bought his first motorcycle about 4 years ago. I asked him the famous question “What do you know now that you wish you knew then?” Here’s what he came up with…

1. Do your homework
So you absolutely have to have a Kawasaki. But have you even checked out the other options out there? Before anything else make sure that you have done research and know exactly why you want the bike you want. So many people make impulsive decisions without even knowing what they’re getting into. If you’re going to be riding this bike, you better know all there is to know about it. Better to find out now that it doesn’t go over 60mph rather than when you’re on the highway.

2. TRY them out
Try all the motorcycles you can. Take them on test drives if possible. Borrow a friend’s bike. Try everything. Even the ones you would never be seen on. You just never know what you may end up liking.

3. Buy used
Besides the fact that you won’t mind bumps and scratches, buying a used motorcycle allows you to change your mind. If you realize 6 months in that you absolutely hate the sportbike you had to have and instead want a cruiser, you’ll feel less guilty about getting rid of it. Besides, if the used bike has been kept in good condition, it’s as good as new.

4. Ask a friend’s opinion
Ask your more experienced friends which bikes they like and why. Take a friend along on shopping trips if possible. You may have your heart set on something but your friend may point out a major issue that you hadn’t though of. Talking to someone who has been riding for a long time can give you some insight into possible scenarios and situations you hadn’t thought of.

5. Get a really good helmet
Even all the experience in the world can’t prepare you for the unexpected accident. No matter what else you do, just make sure that your head has some good protection. And a half helmet won’t do. Just go all the way, make it a full helmet, and make sure its rated well.

Buying a bike can be a very exciting time. But if you’re not prepared and not informed, you may end up making a huge mistake. Taking a little extra time to really learn about riding will really pay off in the end.

-Julie

Purchasing your first bike can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to get a bike that you feel comfortable riding and handling, but not something so basic that you’ll get sick of it quickly.

Two very important things to consider when purchasing your first bike are weight and seat height. In terms of bike weight, you want something that you can easily maneuver and learn to balance and handle well. A bike that’s too heavy is harder to brake and accelerate, and is not as easy to balance. On your first bike you want a seat height that allows you to be able to touch both feet on the ground when stopped. While some more experienced riders may only use one foot to balance, starting out you want both feet able to reach the ground. This will also give you more stability and help with balance.

Of course, there are very different styles of bikes available, which make choosing the perfect one even more difficult.

Cruisers, such as the Yamaha Virago 250 or the Kawasaki Vulcan 500, are for more relaxed rides. While these bikes may be more popular among the older crowd, mid-sized cruisers are perfect to learn on, and are affordable. Most cruisers have a low seat height and are easy to maneuver. These bikes are very versatile and good for long or short rides, highway or city driving.

Standard bikes are popular due to their comfortable position and versatility. These bikes are a little “cooler” than cruisers, but not quite as fast as the sportbikes. A good standard bike is the Honda Nighthawk 250 or the Suzuki TU250. Some standard bikes can have a little too much horsepower though for rookies, so be sure to investigate before you buy. A bike with 250cc or less is probably a good place to start.

Touring bikes are great for long distance rides and are very comfortable, but are not great bikes for beginners. These bikes, including the Yamaha FJR 1300, can be heavier and more powerful than other bikes. These bikes are heavy, expensive, and hard to maneuver, making them a bad choice for beginners.

Finally we have sportbikes. These bikes are popular among younger generations and are built with speed in mind. Sportbikes are very lightweight, but are extremely powerful, and can make riding unpleasant for those who are not experienced. In addition, many sportbikes can become costly, even to replace parts. If you’re looking for a rookie sportbike, check out the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

These few ideas should get you started on your big purchase. Over the next few weeks we’ll go over different beginner bikes in depth, highlighting the pros and cons of each one. If there’s a particular bike you’re considering that you would like an opinion on, let us know!

-Julie

If you already have a motorcycle license and are looking to buy your first bike, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping.

Know your riding level…
Start out with a bike that you will be able to handle, particularly one with an engine smaller than 600cc.

Consider your riding circumstances…
Think about the type of travel you’ll be doing and the weather in which you’ll be doing it. Will you be traveling long distances or mostly on highways? Is your bike for everyday commute or just for fun?

Choose a bike for YOU
Bikes come in tons of different shapes and sizes. Try out a lot of different ones to find something that is comfortable and fits you. It’s hard to really know how it’s going to feel without test driving one!

New or Used?
Decide if you want something new or something used. There are pros and cons associated with both. Used bikes are good because you typically don’t have to worry with scratching or damaging, though it may need more maintenance. New bikes will have a warranty, and be more reliable, but do you want to start out riding on something brand new??

Consider the other financial factors…
Don’t forget that as with a car, there will be insurance and maintenance costs. In addition, you will need an entire wardrobe of safety gear – helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, pants, etc. All of these little costs do add up!

Above all, think your purchase through. While you want to be sensible, you should also purchase a bike that you will have fun on. Make sure that any choice you make is a practical and safe choice!

-Julie