When you are riding along, or even surfing the net and you come upon a sign or ad that says motorcycle for sale what should you do? Well first of all, stop! Take a breath and think about it. Do not just buy it without thought.
First of all access your skills. Are you an experienced rider? Just because you find a motorcycle for sale and you want to buy it, does not mean it is the right bike for you. If you are a novice you might consider taken a motorcycle-riding course. If you haven't ridden in awhile this may also be a good idea. Also consider your body type. If you can't put both feet flat on the ground while the bike is upright, it is too tall for you. Don't buy it. Adults don't get taller and bikes don't get smaller. If this is your first bike, do not even consider purchasing a high performance bike, you are not ready for that yet.
What kind of motorcycle riding do you intend to do? If you find a motorcycle for sale that is a touring bike, it is obviously not suitable if you want to ride motocross. People who ride touring bikes usually lead a much different lifestyle then those who ride sportsbikes and race.
Will you need to carry a passenger? If you plan on using your bike for transportation, you will probably eventually need to carry a passenger.
How much can you afford to spend when you find a motorcycle for sale? No one needs a motorcycle. It is something that people want, not a necessity. New bikes cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. Financing is an option, but don't bite off more than you can chew.
If you can't afford a new bike, look for a used motorcycle for sale. Many riders think used bikes are better anyway, because their previous owners have most likely already made improvements to them. If you buy from a private seller you will be expected to pay the cost all in one lump sum. If you are lucky the seller might give you a break on taxes, but do not just assume they will.
Besides the purchase price of the motorcycle there are other costs to be taken into consideration. These include state registration fee, license plate fee, and title fee and motorcycle insurance. If you buy at a dealership, all this will be set up for you. If you buy through a private seller you will both need to go to a Notary. Yes you do have to have a motorcycle license to ride a motorcycle.
If you decide to buy a motorcycle for sale on an online auction site be sure to check the seller's rating. Make sure the offer is legitimate and you are getting what you pay for. Ask questions of the seller and check the photos carefully. Read the entire description and consider using Paypal for extra protection. Unfortunately when you buy online you cannot usually test-drive the motorcycle.
