Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle

Shopping for a used motorcycle is exciting...then it can get overwhelming. There are just so many used bike options out there! Where do you even start? Here at The Cycle Exchange, we aim to make things as easy as possible for you. We put together the following guide to buying a pre-owned motorcycle. When you are ready to check out pre-owned bike models, visit us! We serve those near Newark, New Jersey.

Your Riding Level

A brand-new rider will have different needs from a pre-owned motorcycle than a seasoned pro. A newbie will need a lighter pre-owned bike that's easier to handle and steer. An expert will gravitate towards a heavier used motorcycle because of the improved performance and stability. Be honest with yourself about your riding ability and shop accordingly.

Used Bike Types

There are a few broad categories of motorcycles. Each type is built with a specific riding style in mind and offers specialized features to accommodate. When you determine what type of riding you want, you can shop for a tailored used bike.

Maybe style is your focus. You hope to turn heads as you cruise past, generating envy in all that you pass. Check out the cruiser. These look like the motorcycles built between the 1930s and 1960s. They sport a vintage, retro look.

Maybe endurance riding is your passion. You love hopping aboard a motorcycle and riding for hours on end, soaking up new sights and experiences. You'll want to look at touring bikes. They are made to offer unparalleled comfort for those long rides. They have features such as an ergonomic frame, padded seats, and plenty of storage for all your traveling gear.

Maybe thrill seeking is in your blood. You can't get enough of the adrenaline rush that comes with hitting top speeds. Look at sport bike models. They are meant for racing and offer speedy acceleration, high speeds, and responsive handling. On or off the race track they will give you a thrilling ride.

Your Budget

One great advantage of buying pre-owned motorcycles is their much lower sticker prices compared to new models. But there is still a big range of costs when you look at different pre-owned bike options. You'll make your quest for a used motorcycle go smoother if you set out with a budget in mind. It saves you time since you won't be looking at used bike options you can't afford. It prevents you from falling in love with a pre-owned motorcycle that's outside your means.

If you already own a motorcycle, check out trade-in options. After all, you don't need that motorcycle once you find a better pre-owned bike! Doing a trade-in helps bring down the cost of your dream used motorcycle. Another strategy is to opt into financing options. These allow you to drive your used bike home earlier by making monthly payments.

The Buyer

A great place to buy a pre-owned motorcycle is a dealership. You'll be able to check out many pre-owned bike options in one visit. You also have a much better chance of getting a fair deal. After all, a private seller doesn't have Yelp reviews to worry about. A dealership needs to maintain a good reputation to keep getting customers. They are incentivized to give you a fair deal.

We hope you found our guide helpful! Armed with the right strategies, you can make the shopping process a breeze. When you are ready to scope out used motorcycle options, visit The Cycle Exchange. We have a wide range of used bikes from many different brands. Come visit today! We proudly serve those in Newark, New Jersey and New York, New York.