Buying Bikes

At the best of times. buying a used motorcycle is a difficult and traumatic experience. The Used Guide goes as far as it can in helping cut a swathe through this potential minefield. There will always be bikes that buck the trend. Described as pretty horrible in the guide. there will be the odd example that runs forever with no maintenance input. Conversely. there will be bikes that are praised that In some examples will turn out pretty awful.

So. common-sense and a little knowledge of mechanics and psychology can never be entirely neglected. The initial approach over the telephone should be vague - never mention the name of the motorcycle or even the source of the advert. This sorts back street dealers from private sellers as the former usually have more than one machine on after. In the same vein. asking how long their name has been in the logbook is equally revealing.

Looking at something as obvious as the state of the chain can give a real insight into machine condition. At first glance It may appear OK but rotate the back wheel and check for tight spots. If there are tight spots but the adjusters are in the middle position it means that links have been removed. This is worse, from a purchasing point of view, than an obviously shagged chain, as it indicates the owner has tried to cover up a fault. It probably means that more expensive problems have also been covered up.

It is unfortunately true, that within the constraints of a test ride, a bike can run perfectly well but conceal any number of faults. This makes checking the mechanics of a machine very difficult. Short of whipping the plugs out and application of a compression tester, check the engine breather for fumes (rings or valves shot) and look behind when the engine's on the overrun for smoke (rings). Difficult starting may be an indication of a knackered engine or lust a machine that is generally difficult to start...

General machine condition can be balanced against the attitude and even the age of the owner. It may be a cliche to say that you learn from experience It is. unfortunately. true. So, take along someone who knows something about bikes if you are just starting out. A second pair of eyes are useful even if you've been buying bikes for a long time. as building enthusiasm can often miss obvious faults let alone the really nasty ones.

In a perfect world buying from a dealer would eliminate the need for worry, but in reality there are good and bad dealers. Talking to other motorcyclists in your area will soon reveal the good ones. Even today there are some large dealers with bad reputations still in existence. so size is no guarantee of good service.

I find it quite amazing that some dealers charge for an extended warranty. They often only give a month's warranty and then want you to stomp up the extra cash for an extra guarantee. Given that their prices are much greater than in the private market. and that they'll make even more money in absurd service charges (necessary to keep the warranty valid), this is a big rip-off.

Unless you decide to buy a new bike. when you're forced to use them, I would advise only to use dealers as a last resort, unless they have a particular model that is difficult to find and/or the dealer has a good reputation. There are still some good bargains in the private market and they are well worth tracking down.