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6 Tips for Buying Your First Used Motorcycle

Whether you’ve made up your mind about buying a motorcycle, or you’re still on the fence about it, there are important things you’ll want to consider. Purchasing your first motorcycle should be an exciting adventure – not a stressful one. But because it’s a big purchase, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce stress, enjoy the experience and walk away with the bike you’ve been dreaming of. Below are six tips for buying your first motorcycle. 

1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Class

Before buying your first bike, it’s recommended to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. In fact, most states require riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course before getting their license or permit. These courses are typically free and open to anyone 16 years of age and older. 

2. Consider Motorcycle Insurance 

Just as when you bought your first car, you’ll need to consider the additional costs of becoming a motorcycle owner. Most states require motorcycle insurance, which will protect you if you’re responsible for causing personal injuries or property damage. It can also provide coverage for your bike. Riders typically pay between $60 and $75 a month, though premiums can be much higher. 

3. Find a Bike that Fits You 

There are many different types of motorcycles available such as standard, cruiser, touring, sports, off-road and dual purpose. In addition to the various types of bikes, there are also many features that you can pick from like an adjustable seat, adjustable steering wheel, hazard lights, rear lift prevention and more. 

Learn about the different types of bikes and their features so that you can make an informed decision. For example, sports bikes are ideal for riding at high speeds, while cruisers are good for long trips. Some of the best motorcycle brands for beginner rides are Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph and Honda. 

4. Avoid Going Overboard on Power 

The average bike has more power than a lot of experienced riders need, so you don’t have to go overboard. Experts recommend sticking to the 500cc-and-under class or small-to-medium displacement bikes. If you really like motorcycle riding and want to move up, you can then trade your motorcycle in. But chances are, you won’t need that much power. 

5. Seat Height and Bike Weight 

As a new rider purchasing your first bike, you’ll want to pay attention to the seat height and bike weight. You’ll be most comfortable being able to plant both feet on the ground, especially if the bike is heavy. The weight of a bike typically goes with its displacement, though that’s not the case for every bike. Try to choose a weight that you’re comfortable handling. 

6. Shop Around for the Best Deals 

There are many places where you can buy a motorcycle – a dealership, private seller or repo seller. There are pros and cons to each. RepoFinder offers a huge list of repossessed motorcycles that you can browse through. These bikes have been repossessed from their previous owners and are now available for purchase.

The benefit in buying a repo motorcycle is that you get to enjoy significant savings. This is great for new riders, as you may not be sure whether you really want to invest that much into riding just yet. An inexpensive repo will allow you to get your feet wet. Find a motorcycle that meets your needs and budget on RepoFinder! 

 

orange motorcycle

Don’t Get Burned: Tips for Buying a Repo Bike

Now that the weather is warming up and summer is just around the corner, many people have motorcycles on their brains. Riding a bike is far more enjoyable than being stuck in a car listening to the radio. You get to live in the moment and have more freedom on the road, plus save on fuel costs. 

If there’s a spot in your garage for a motorcycle, now is a great time to make the investment. The good news is that you can pick up a bike for a relatively low cost when you shop for repossessed and salvage bikes. Most online repo sites are still in full operation amid the coronavirus pandemic because everything is done online. 

To ensure you don’t get burned by a bad bike deal, here are some tips to follow. 

Know Who You’re Buying From 

To ensure you’re looking at true repossessions, be sure to shop with a legitimate seller like RepoFinder.com. We maintain an active list of banks, lenders and credit unions selling repossessions. Dealerships and other online sites claim they sell repos, but usually, they purchase them at the discounted price and resell them to you for more. 

RepoFinder.com is great for do-it-yourselfers who aren’t afraid to hunt for a great deal. You’re cutting out the middleman and getting low prices, as well as the ability to negotiate a better deal. This is why we always recommend asking the banks for better loan terms and rates, as they’re often willing to incentivize repo buyers. 

Be Clear about What You Want 

As you shop for repo motorcycles, it’s helpful to know what you are willing to splurge on and what you aren’t. If you’re a beginner, you probably don’t need a new bike. Eventually, the bike will hit the pavement, so it’s best to get more comfortable riding before buying an expensive bike. For now, here are some questions to ask yourself: 

  • How do I plan on riding? Are you intending to use the bike for relaxing rides in the country? To get to and from work with less fuel? To show off to your bike-loving friends? 
  • Will anyone be riding with you? If so, you’ll want a motorcycle that has an extra seat. 
  • How much am I willing to spend? Motorcycles range in price from $500 to $25,000+. Decide how much you are comfortable spending. Keep in mind that repo bikes often require maintenance, so leave some room in your budget to cover it. 

Things to Watch for with Used Motorcycles 

When shopping for repo bikes on a site like RepoFinder.com, you’ll find all the information you need to make a decision. Narrow your search based on the features you’re looking for and the price you’re willing to pay. 

We always recommend doing an inspection or hiring someone to do an inspection before signing anything. Here are the things to look for in pictures and in person: 

  • Check for rust and scratches on the bodywork, tank, fenders and footpegs. Oxidized paint and a cracked seat indicate that the bike has been through a lot of use.
  • The chain should be clean and tight. A rusty, grimey chain indicates a lack of maintenance.
  • Inspect the engine and transmission for signs of oil seepage or leaks. The brake discs should also be smooth and clean. 
  • Start up the bike (if possible). It should emit little smoke. Beware of blue smoke or blue brake discs, as these are signs of abuse. 

Ready to ride off in style? Get yourself a motorcycle this summer with a budget you can afford at RepoFinder.com.