Bikers trying to tighten the financial belt in the credit crunch may look to save money on their new set of wheels by buying a second-hand model. Purchasing a year-old bike can save you a fortune - plus you’ll still have at least a year’s warranty left to run on it - or opt for an older model to benefit from age-of-vehicle
discounts on your insurance.
Do your research
While all of this may sound appealing, remember that buying a used motorcycle takes quite a bit more effort than walking into a showroom and picking up a new bike - and that it can be a risky affair if you don’t know what to look for.
Nonetheless, savvy shoppers will be able to find some great deals in the second-hand market - the key is to do your research to check you really are getting a bargain.
Decide where to buy your bike
If you’re set on going down the used bike route, there are several options available to you, such as dealerships, auctions or classified ads.
Choosing where you buy your motorcycle will largely depend on your budget, as dealerships usually charge a premium over private parties.
If you opt to buy from a dealer, you can take advantage of their knowledge, and ask a lot of questions; opt to buy from a private party and you will get a more personal experience - plus the chance to negotiate on price, as private owners are usually more flexible.
Inspect the bike
Before buying a bike, it’s crucial to go over the bike’s mechanical condition as this could not only save you hundreds of pounds in maintenance costs further down the line - but will also keep you safe.
Always inspect the bike in broad daylight and perform rudimentary safety tests to determine that all lights are functioning and that all the controls are in good working order.
Look for signs of abuse or neglect, such as damaged or missing body parts, rust on the exhaust - and any signs that the bike has been raced; also look for evidence of repair work.
Take it for a test ride
Once you’ve given the bike the once-over, take it for a test ride to get a better idea of whether or not it’s a good fit for you.
Check how easily the bike starts and that the clutch, brake and throttle controls operate smoothly; also check the suspension and the gear change action.
“When buying a second-hand bike, it is strongly recommended that you encourage the dealer - or private seller - to let you ride it first,” says a spokesman for motorcycle insurer, Hastings Direct. “Some sellers may be reluctant to let potential buyers test-drive bikes, but this is very important.”
Checklist
- Ask about the bike’s current condition and history.
- Assess whether the mileage is consistent with the bike’s age and condition.
- Make sure you get three important pieces of paperwork - the V5 registration certificate (logbook), MOT certificate and the service history.
- Log on to http://www.hpicheck.com/ to run a check to establish the bike’s history of ownership, repairs and motoring offences.
Ask about modifications
Find out about the modification history of the motorcycle before committing to a purchase.
“Changing the exhaust pipe is a common modification for motorcycle owners to make, and this can often improve the performance of the vehicle,” says the spokesman for Hastings Direct. “But be aware that such changes could invalidate insurance policies at the point of a claim if the insurer has not been informed.”
Also note that the insurer should be notified of even quite minor changes - such as adding crash bungs to the side of the bike.
Get a second opinion
It’s a good idea to bring along a friend who is familiar with bikes who can help you inspect your choice and verify your feelings.
And, as a further precaution, it may be worth getting a mechanic to check the bike over before you buy.
Finally, remember that there’s no shortage of used bikes in the marketplace, so take the time to shop around to find the model that’s right for you.
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