Detailed Guide On Whether To Buy A Second-hand Motorcycle Or Not!

By Author: Levi Fysh
Total Articles: 264
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Whether you are purchasing a motorcycle for the first time or you are a seasoned buyer, you will have to consider many vital things before the next purchase. There are many factors at play it is best to consider all of them so that you end up buying the right motorcycle. Some common things to consider include the engine size, the model of the motorcycle and finally whether you wish to buy a brand new one or a used one. If you are purchasing a brand new one, you will get warranty on the motorcycle and will able to enjoy the benefits offered by the dealership. But in case of an used bike, the warranty will not be valid and if the seller is an individual, you cannot expect dealership benefits. But, don’t get disheartened by this because there are so many other positive things when you buy a used one. For example: you get to customize the bike the way you want and you will pay a lesser amount than a first-hand one.
 
When Should You Purchase A Used Motorcycle?
One of the major attractions of buying a used motorcycle is the amount. If you have a fixed budget and don’t want to go ...
... overboard with your purchase then a second-hand Harley Davidson Chopper is way better than a brand new one. The cost will also vary if you are buying it directly from an individual rather than a dealership because the later will charge a tax on the purchase amount.
 
You are looking for a customized motorcycle and all the ones that are available is either not as per your taste or you are not happy with the existing condition of the bike. In such a situation, customization can work wonders. You can change the handles, the body, the seat and almost every aspect of the bike as per your specification. If you buy a readymade one then you will have to settle for the features offered by the manufacturing company. There is nothing much that you can do here.
 
Should You Purchase Your Second-Hand Bike from A Private Seller or A Dealer?
Well, there are many things that you need to consider here, we thought of highlighting the most important ones for better understanding on your part. For example:
 
When you buy the second-hand Harley Davidson Chopper from the dealer you can be rest assured that they have carried out all possible checks and measures before displaying the bike for sale. You can depend on them as far as the quality of the bike is concerned. On the other hand, when you purchase the motorcycle from a private individual there is no guarantee that the bike is fully repaired and fixed before being sold. It may be that the individual just got some minor things fixed so that at the time of sale you cannot make out what is wrong with the bike. Unless you are a seasoned biker or have a keen eye, it can become quite challenging to identify the underlying problems of the bike. There is a high chance that you end up with a low performing bike, and once you have made the purchase there is no going back. Be very careful and vigilant before you make the purchase.
 
However, when you are purchasing the second-hand bike from an individual seller you can expect to get it at a better rate than the one quoted by the dealer. If the cost of the bike is a major factor for you then you should stick to the individual seller. But before you make the payment, ask the seller to furnish you with documents of all necessary tests that certifies that the bike is in good condition. If the seller fails to furnish the required documents, then you are taking a risk. So, be very careful about the decision that you will take.
 
Always Insist on An Odometer Reading
Whether you are purchasing the bike from a dealer or an individual, you should insist on a detailed report about the history of the bike. The VIN check will provide you with an in-depth report of the existing condition of the bike. Once you get the VIN number you can also find out whether there are any legal cases pending against the bike or not. Hence, always insist on this.
 
Red Flags to Look Out for
There are some important red flags which you should consider before you make the purchase. In case of a second-hand bike always look out for rust or scratches on the body. Find out if the paint is oxidized, the chain is rusty or not and whether smoke is coming out from the exhaust. Also ensure that there is no leak from the engine or the transmission. If you find any of these then consider it as a red flag and don’t make the purchase otherwise in the long run, you will have to spend a lot of money on the repair and maintenance of the bike.
 
Summing it Up:
Finding the right bike might take some time and research on your part but it is better to make a well-informed decision rather than taking a hurried one.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Levi Fysh who has written a number of articles on Harley Davidson Chopper and provides fruitful information.