TEN THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A USED BIKE

Used bikes. We have all heard  horror stories about people buying used bikes that have blown up the first time out at the track. Can these unfortunate cases be prevented? Nothing is a sure thing, but there are a few tricks that will save you money and ensure that you’re buying maintained, quality equipment.

Research. Many riders are diehard fans of a specific brand. They have ridden one make of bike for years. “It fit my style of riding then, so the new model should work better for me now, right?” Maybe. Some manufacturers change directions, some stay the same, while others simply push forward. Not long ago the Honda CRF450 was the most powerful bike. The KTM was a boutique brand with many flaws. Yamaha’s airbox was mounted under the seat, and the KX450F was big, heavy and bulky. However, if you are a Suzuki RM-Z450 fan, great news; they are still living in the past. To avoid buyer’s remorse, keep abreast of the changing world of bike design.

NADA. After you have done research on what bike fits your needs best, it is smart to find out what to pay for the bike. The best tool for doing this is at www.nada.com. This site will give you the low retail price (a bike with extensive wear and tear) and average price (a clean bike without any visual defects) of the bike you want. These prices are a guide to help you avoid overpaying. Craigslist can be a great place to find a deal, but caveat emptor; it can be a sleaze pit.

Negotiation. Always have the mindset that there will be another bike around the corner. Don’t be an impulse buyer. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a lower price. If the seller doesn’t agree, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Remember, when an owner places an ad for a bike, the listed price is always the amount he would like to get, but there is always a lower price that he will settle for. If the owner says “no” to your offer, don’t get into a bidding war against yourself. Make a fair offer and stick to it.

Title. When you make a call to get details on a bike you are interested in, make sure one of the questions you ask is if the bike has a title or an MSO. The title is proof of ownership of the bike. If the seller does not have the title in hand, it might be because the bike was financed and not fully paid off, it was lost, or, the worst-case scenario, stolen. If the owner claims the paperwork was lost, you will be able to check the serial numbers at the Sheriff’s department or DMV.

Certified mechanic. It is always a good idea before purchasing a used bike to pay the extra money and have a certified mechanic go through it with a fine-tooth comb. He might find something that you have overlooked and save you a big headache down the road.

Wear signs. Many sellers try to cover up the signs of an aging bike with new plastic and decals. Don’t fall for the flashy stuff. Look at the wear on the footpeg teeth. Make sure the wheels are true. Check the steering head for cracks. Start the bike and run it through the gears (to make sure they are all there). If you have to replace the tires, chain and sprockets on a used bike, the bill will be over $300. Factor wear into your offer.

Records. Always ask for all the maintenance records or repair bills on the used bike. It puts the mind at ease if the owner can show proof of regularly scheduled maintenance of the used bike. If there are no records, ask the seller a few questions to establish his mechanical aptitude.

Pro racer. Although you may look up to Pro riders and their tricked-out machines, many times buying a Pro rider’s bike is a bad idea. Think about how much a Pro rider abuses the bike. The transmission has been constantly shifted under a load. The bottom and top end have been through the rpm wringer, and the chassis has been stretched from hard impacts.

Vet rider. The guy to buy a used bike from is over 40 years old and rich. He will have kept his bike in great shape, never revved it past redline and babied it in a heated garage. These guys take extra-good care of their steeds. You’ve hit the jackpot if the bike still has the stock tires on. Don’t think you can find a seller like that? Think again. These guys buy new bikes every year.