The Sound Rider ! Guide to

Buying a Used Motorcycle: Part 3

By Patrick Duff

...continued from Part 1 & Part 2

By now, you've done a thorough job of inspecting the bike, and you not only know it is safe to ride but you are salivating at the thought of wrapping your hands around those grips and twisting the throttle (make sure the friend you brought along is helping you keep your head). But you're not done yet.

Don't be surprised if the owner doesn't allow you to take the bike for a ride. If he won't, ask to ride on the back, or at least have him ride it up and down the street so you can hear it and see how it moves. Cash in hand tends to greatly increase your chances of a ride.

If he allows the test ride, give the bike one last look over to make sure it is safe to ride and that you have your riding gear in order. On the ride, you will be listening for how the engine sounds as it revs. You will want to shift through as many of the gears as possible to ensure the clutch is functioning properly, including downshifting. You will also want to see how well the bike shifts in and out of neutral. Carefully test the brakes. Squeezing the brakes lightly will help you feel for warps or bumps in the rotors.

The throttle should roll on and off easily, and the bike should respond smoothly with even power.

You also want to be feeling for odd wiggles or shimmies. Is the bike pulling in one direction or the other? If so, the frame could be bent or there could be other serious structural issues. If you can, find some twisty roads and feel how the bike handles.

While you're on the bike, make sure it fits you properly. Some things like mirrors and levers can easily be adjusted, while others are not so easy. Equally important is whether or not you like the bike. If you don't, then don't buy it.

I'm not the world's best negotiator. Coming from the midwest, I tend to avoid confrontations whenever possible. But, being prepared, knowing the market value, and having done a thorough inspection and test ride will give you some concept of the actual value of the motorcycle. From there you can start a fair and reasonable negotiation. If the seller is asking close to book value and the bike is in good condition, pay the price. Start lowering the price for every defect or issue you found in the inspection. It is a good idea to have some concept of how much common repairs or replacement of items such as tires cost and take this out of the price.

It is also a good idea to ask to see any service records and receipts for modifications and repairs. Don't trust that the owner has always brought the bike in for regular service intervals or the jet kit he claims to have is actually installed.

If the owner has "lost" the service records or the title, this is a good time to walk away. If you really must have this bike, the price should reflect the inconvenience of having to re-title the bike.

Don't forget to ask questions. Ask if the bike has ever been down or if the owner has ever raced or stunted the bike. Ask if there is anything wrong with it. Ask this one at least twice. You'd be surprised what someone will tell you if you just ask them, especially if you keep asking. Most people are honest, but you never know. Listen to how the seller responds to your questions. If he seems to be changing his story as you point out the obvious problems, use your legs.

In the end, use your common sense and be fair. You shouldn't be expected to pay out the nose just because the owner thinks his bike is special, and the owner shouldn't be expected to give you a deal just because you want one.

Most importantly, if you do buy the motorcycle, have it inspected by a professional. You did a great job inspecting the bike, but you may have missed something important.

It's taken me a long time to come to the realization that for every great bike out there, there is another one just as nice. If the price is too high or you don't like something about the bike or the seller, don't compromise. Walk away. In fact, I don't even bring money with me the first time I go to inspect a bike. Sometimes this means no test ride, but it also guarantees that I won't just jump at something shiny.

Take your time. Be patient. When you find the right bike and you have taken the time to inspect it thoroughly, you will know your money has been well spent and your pride and body are safe.