Foo - Buying a Used Motorcycle

I've had the fever for a couple years, and look all the time at used bikes. I've sort of nailed down my range to a 2001-2004 Honda, 750-1100cc, with low miles. I like the sport/touring bikes and it seems you can find them in the $3500 - $4000 price range. It's been a long time since I've owned a bike, and almost as long since I've ridden one.

What should I be looking at should I come across a bike I might buy?

Thanks

John, I just went through this too.

The one thing I can offer you as advice is to not get caught up in the looks of the bike. I bought an 1100 Yamaha V-Star last fall. It looked cool and sounded even better! Trouble is that I was too tall for the bike and felt uncomfortable riding it any distance.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1391/1174004245_29add600d5.jpg

So, I ended up trading it in on a Yamaha Venture. I looked at the Goldwings and didn't like the riding position. Also looked at the Harley's but they were ridiculously expensive. I'm pretty happy with this bike and I got a good deal since it was purchased at the end of riding season.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2361/1778675549_e38e7d079c.jpg

Couple of questions,
Are you planning on taking long trips on the bike?
Do you have specific models in mind?

Give me a call when you get it. I've found some really cool roads for day trips.

Bob

Make sure that it a) does wheelies easily and b) can fit at least six (6) women on the back (while doing a wheelie).

Take a look at this forum. You might get some good advice from them.

http://www.indianamotorcycleforums.com/

When you go look at bike, bring a friend who is experienced at buying used bikes. He'll be more critical than you (you got the fever) and will have the experience of knowing what he missed when he bought bikes. Pay attention to the general attitude of the seller. If he seems like a fanatic about maintaining (and cleaning) his bike, it's probably a better bet, but he should also have all the maintenance records.

Get yerself a VFR (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?topic=23465.0).

http://world.honda.com/news/2004/image/2041112_1.jpg

...
What should I be looking at should I come across a bike I might buy?

Thanks

Both motorcycles I've ever owned were bought used. Honestly, I paid closest attention to overall condition -- you can usually just tell by looking at a bike how it's been treated. I don't think I'd buy a used bike that wasn't stored in a garage or at least covered w/ a HIGH quality motorcycle cover as wet and cold weather can really age a bike, I'd be checking the nooks and crannies for any rust around bolts, linkage, etc. I'd also buy from someone over the age of 35 (who maybe has kids too) as the odds of the bike being less abused are greater. I'm also thinking you could get the VIN and get a carfax report or something similar. I'm also a fan of getting service records from previous owners.

I've had the fever for a couple years, and look all the time at used bikes. I've sort of nailed down my range to a 2001-2004 Honda, 750-1100cc, with low miles. I like the sport/touring bikes and it seems you can find them in the $3500 - $4000 price range. It's been a long time since I've owned a bike, and almost as long since I've ridden one.

What should I be looking at should I come across a bike I might buy?

Thanks

Will this be your first moto?

Thanks guys! No long trip planned - young kids, just something to cruise around on with the wife. So good running and nice looking. I have some family that work for Honda, so leaning that way.

I bought and sold dirt bikes when I was a kid, and often rode my buddies Yamaha FZ600 (I think), sort of an early sport bike. I had another buddy with a Honda Intercepter, I rode once or twice. So I've never owned a road bike, and haven't ridden one in a long time.

I started thinking a late eighties Nighthawk 700/750, but they seem to hold decent value, so for a little more you can get a lot newer, lower miles, and some nice looking bike.

Keep the comments coming.

When you go look at bike, bring a friend who is experienced at buying used bikes. He'll be more critical than you (you got the fever) and will have the experience of knowing what he missed when he bought bikes. Pay attention to the general attitude of the seller. If he seems like a fanatic about maintaining (and cleaning) his bike, it's probably a better bet, but he should also have all the maintenance records.

Get yerself a VFR (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?topic=23465.0).

http://world.honda.com/news/2004/image/2041112_1.jpg

WERD!!! VFR is the way to go. A newer FZ600 is great too. Look at the Suzuki Bandit lines (bulletproof and inexpensive) You don't need to get to 1000cc to have a great (and powerfull) bike.

I'd suggest signing up for an MSF course as a refresher.


When you go look at bike, bring a friend who is experienced at buying used bikes.

+1

I'd suggest signing up for an MSF course as a refresher.

Yea, that is good advice. The insurance company will probably ask if you have done this yet.

Another great tool is the Ride like a Pro video. Great information!

http://www.ridelikeapro.com/