The engine roars, the metal shines, and thepressure is on to buy. The bike looks great and it seems like a reasonable deal but have you done your homework?
HOW TO SETTLE ON A MOTORCYCLE
Have a list of your wants and needs so that the bikes you investigate can be compared against your personal needs. Don’t jump at the first option until you are completely satisfied that it is the best choice for you. One thing to think about before browsing or researching is your price range. Think about the cost of items like helmets, fuel and other hidden costs associated with motorcycles. Are you prepared to be responsible for those after you’ve purchased the bike?
RESEARCH IS KEY
When buying a bike there are two options – use a dealer or buyprivately . Both sides have points for and against. It’s really a personal choice but make sure you consider the following: Dealerships can be great in terms of helping you with maintenance andwarranty coverage. They can work out pricing plans and help you get the exact bike you want – as long as you are willing to pay top dollar. Buying privately might take some time in terms of finding the bike you want but it could be worth the wait in terms of the great deal you could make. Decide for yourself which avenue you want to explore, and beware of the pros and cons of each so you can better navigate them.
DOT YOUR I’s AND CROSS YOUR T’s
The best thing is to schedule a meeting with the person selling the bike to go over all the documents and policies for buying or selling a vehicle in your country. If the meeting goes well and you are satisfied with the paperwork then take the extra precaution of having a vehicle check done. If all that works out then you can sign on the dotted line with confidence.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
The best place to view a used bike is at the seller’s home. Don’t arrange to view at night, you want to be able to go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb in proper daylight. A smart option for anyone not mechanically savvy is to bring a trusted friend with a solid background in mechanics. Does the bike look in desperate need of a tune up, will it last, is it worth the money being spent. A scam to watch out for is ‘clocking’, make sure the mileage is legitimate and not tampered with. Make sure the VIN number is correct on all documents and that it has not been altered on the bike. Trial runs of the bike should be for at least 30 minutes so that you can have a good sense of how it rides. Better safe than sorry so make sure you do a thorough check when inspecting your potential purchase.
GUT FEELING
There is always another bike to buy so please follow your instincts. If something doesn’t seem on the level then scrap the deal and start fresh with a new seller.
