Buying A Used Motorcycle

doug • May 8, 2019

Used Motorcycle

 

Whether you’ve been riding all your life or are looking to purchase your first bike, buying a used motorcycle can be pretty challenging. What make do I want? What’s my budget? Where should I look? Even if you think you know what you’re looking for, finding a used bike that meets your criteria is no easy task, especially when there are so many different motorcycles out there!

If you’re looking to buy a used motorcycle, read on to help prepare for a better buy – your wallet and watch will thank you later!

Buying A Used Motorcycle

Decide what you’re using your bike for

What type of riding are you looking to do? Commuting, sports, touring or a combination? A 1000 CC sport bike may get you excited, but there is a good chance you’ll never need that kind of power while commuting to and from work. These are the main types of bikes you can choose from:

  • Standard: Meant for doing a little bit of everything.
  • Cruiser: Built for relaxed rides with easier clutch/throttle coordination.
  • Dual-Sport: Optimized for riding on and off-road.
  • Sport Bike: Made for speed and handling.
  • Touring: Built for exploration and long rides on the highway.

Inspect the bike engine-machine-motorcycle-595808

Don’t blindly trust the seller’s word as truth. If you’ve owned a motorcycle before, do an inspection on the bike. But if you’ve never done work on a motorcycle before, for buying a used motorcycle we suggest inviting someone you trust to check it out before you sign anything. These are the specific areas you should review:

  • Drive chain and sprocket. The chain should have around 3/4″ of play and the teeth of the sprocket should not show obvious damage or wear.
  • Tires. They should have good tread across the surface with no signs of uneven wear or damage.
  • Brake and clutch levers. Familiarize yourself with how the controls feel.
  • Fuel tank. Check for obvious signs of rush or corrosion using a flashlight. DO NOT USE A MATCH OR LIGHTER.
  • Brake fluid level. This is usually on top of handlebars, in an enclosure with a clear window. Watch the fluid level rise and fall while releasing the front brakes.

Request a service history

The seller may not have that information, but request the history in case they do! This will help you understand what kind of service has been recently done on the bike. The tires may be new but the oil could be a few years old. Also ask for an owner’s manual and factory toolkit if available.

Prepare your documents for purchase

Remember that you can’t legally ride a motorcycle unless you have a bike license! Take a safety course if you’ve never owned a motorcycle and purchase a DOT-approved helmet before your first ride. Don’t know what kind of helmet to get? Read Protecting Your Noggin to help find a helmet that meets your needs.

Take a test drive

Pick a nice day with dry roads to test drive the bike. And don’t forget your bike license and helmet! If at a dealership, be prepared to sign an insurance waiver; if private, be ready to leave your license with the seller as security. Start slowly on the bike to get used to how it feels and responds. Remember to test the brakes–they shouldn’t ‘pulse,’ but rather engage smoothly and evenly. It’s also a good idea to accelerate through the gears. The transmission should feel firm and not slip out of gear under acceleration or feel chunky.

Be realistic about negotiations

Tips for buying your first

Sturgis Bound

Use retail pricing guides to help determine your purchase price and understand that the seller probably has a specific price they’re looking to reach. If you’re buying from a private seller, respect their ride and understand that they’ve probably taken pride in it over the years. But don’t be afraid to say “no” if negotiations aren’t going the way you want – you still have the final say.

Insure the bike with Foremost

This one is obvious, but if you do buy a bike, don’t ride naked! Be sure to protect your tail…pipe with reputable insurance from Foremost. We’ve been offering specialized insurance policies since 1952 and understand your lifestyle! We also have an award-winning team of claims professionals who are available 24/7 to help restore your life to order after a claim. Find a local agent near you to learn more!

By Doug Stockman May 1, 2025
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By Doug Stockman April 29, 2025
Alright, let's dive into the age-old question that's probably kept you up at night, right after "Did I leave the stove on?" and "What is the deal with airplane food?": Which car insurance company reigns supreme? Now, if you were expecting a definitive answer, a shiny gold medal draped across the metaphorical shoulders of one single insurer, well, grab a lukewarm cup of coffee and settle in. The truth, my friends, is about as straightforward as trying to parallel park on a busy Saturday. The "Best" is a Moving Target. You see, declaring one car insurance company the absolute "best" is like saying there's one single "best" ice cream flavor. Have you ever tried to choose a flavor at Baskin and Robbins? Sure, vanilla's a classic, but what about the die-hard chocolate chunk aficionados or my favorite, Pralines and Cream? Or the adventurous pistachio lovers? Everyone's got their own taste, and the same goes for insurance needs. 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By Doug Stockman April 28, 2025
Alright, folks, settle in for a crash course (pun intended!) on the fascinating, slightly bewildering world of car insurance. Yes, I know, it's about as thrilling as watching paint dry, but trust me, understanding how it works can save you from a world of headaches and wallet-emptying woes. Here at Select Source Insurance, we're here to break it down, with a dash of humor to keep you from falling asleep. Car Insurance: It's Not Just a Piece of Paper (Though It Feels Like It Sometimes) Imagine car insurance as a safety net for your four-wheeled friend. When things go sideways (literally or figuratively), it's there to catch you, or at least cushion the financial blow. But how does this magical safety net actually work? The Basics, Explained (With Minimal Jargon): You Pay, They (Hopefully) Pay: You pay a premium (think of it as a monthly subscription to "avoid financial ruin"), and in exchange, your insurance company agrees to cover certain losses if you have an accident, your car gets stolen, or a rogue squirrel decides to use your windshield as a trampoline. Coverage: It's Like a Menu, But Less Delicious: Car insurance policies come with different types of coverage, each designed to protect you in specific situations. Liability Coverage: This is the "oops, I hit someone else" coverage. It pays for their injuries and property damage (up to your policy limits) if you're at fault in an accident. It's like saying, "Sorry about that, let my insurance handle it." Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your own car if you hit something (another car, a tree, a particularly stubborn mailbox). It's like a band-aid for your car's boo-boos. Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage to your car from things other than collisions, like theft, vandalism, hail, or a herd of stampeding llamas. It's helps with damage other than collisions with limitations. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you're hit by someone who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough. It's like having a backup plan for the backup plan. Deductibles: Your Share of the Pie (or Wrecked Bumper): A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. It's like a co-pay at the doctor's office, but for your car. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium, but make sure you can actually afford it if you need to file a claim. Claims: The "Please Don't Make Me Cry" Part: When you have an accident, you file a claim with your insurance company. They investigate, assess the damage, and (hopefully) pay for the repairs or replacement. It's like a detective story, but with less dramatic music and more paperwork. Why It's Important to Have a Good Insurance Agent (Like Us!): We Speak Insurance-ese: We can translate the confusing jargon into plain English, so you actually understand what you're paying for. We Shop Around for You: As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers, so we can find you the best rates and coverage for your needs. We're like your personal insurance shoppers. We're Here When You Need Us: When you have a claim, we'll be there to guide you through the process and make sure you get the help you need. We're like your insurance therapists, but with better advice. We can help you avoid the "I tried to parallel park my boat" situation: Yes, that was a real claim. The Moral of the Story: Car insurance is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to be a confusing one. At Select Source Insurance in Spartanburg, we're here to make it as painless as possible. So, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're always happy to help, and we promise to keep the insurance jokes to a minimum (mostly). 864-585-8318 or get a quote at Auto Insurance Quote