Used Motorcycle Buying Guide
Not all used motorcycles will be a wise investment. Some can contain issues that will lead to expensive repairs and poor performance. Use the following buying tips to find a quality used motorcycle at a fair price. When you are ready to shop used motorcycles for sale in Santa Maria, California, head over to BMW Motorrad of Santa Maria.
Set A Budget
Used motorcycles are much more affordable than a new model, but there is still quite the range of asking prices. Think about how much you want to spend and stick to models within that price range.
Research Used Motorcycles
One big perk of shopping for a used motorcycle is that you have an abundance of customer reviews available. Used motorcycles have been on the market for a while, which has given current owners time to "test drive" them and see how well they perform.
Spend some time reading through reviews for various models. Use others' experiences to guide your search. You may find a model that you want to seek out at a used motorcycle dealership - or a model that you cross off of your list.
Inspect The Used Motorcycle
Take the time to thoroughly review the various parts and systems of the bike. See if you can catch any red flags that could be problematic down the road.
Be sure to inspect the used motorcycle when it is cold. Some issues reveal themselves during the first start up - and a sneaky buyer could start up the motorcycle before you arrive to try to hide those problems.
Ask Questions
The more you know about the used motorcycle's past, the better you can predict its future performance. See if you can find out how often the past owner rode the motorcycle, why they chose to sell, and so on.
Get A Copy Of Service Records
Ask for copies of the maintenance report. Make sure the past owner or owners kept up with preventative maintenance. See if there are any concerns, such as repeat issues or previous accidents.
Go For A Test Drive
Here, you are looking for two key things. First, does the used motorcycle perform well? It should start up without issue and handle fine without jerky gear changes or tilting to one side.
Second, does the used motorcycle suit you? Make sure you can reach the controls without issue. You can always switch out the seat and handlebars, but make sure to include that added expense into your budget. It's also important to make sure you feel comfortable controlling the motorcycle and that it's not too powerful or large for your skill level.
Ready to shop for used motorcycles for sale in Santa Maria, California? Head over to BMW Motorrad of Santa Maria. Our experts can help you find the best motorcycle for your budget, so reach out today!