Buying Your First Motorcycle


Pretty exciting. You’ve passed your test and are now on your way to buying your first motorcycle. While it can feel intimidating, you know it’ll be a breeze now that you’ve exceeded the rules and regulations.

So, what can go wrong? Well, plenty.

Here’s why. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to the nearest Harley-Davidson showroom or looking through Sunday’s classifieds or online for your first motorcycle. There are ways to do it, and there are things to avoid.

Buying Your First Motorcycle

So, here are five tips for buying your first motorcycle.

Take someone with you.

You may know what you want; you may not. It’s always good to have a second pair of eyes looking over the bike you’ve set your sights on. Chances are, if you are interested in motorcycles, it’s because someone you already know has their ride. Ask them to come to check out what you’re buying. They may just be able to spot a defect or see something you don’t know how to look for. Either way, you can’t lose.

Do your technology homework.

By that, I mean check out places online where you can find out the history of the motorcycle you’re interested in. While Carfax doesn’t do motorcycles, there is a place called NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) where you can obtain info from a 3rd party. Another option is to take the VIN to your local police station and have them run it for stolen property. It depends on where you’re buying from.

Do your motorcycle homework.

Once you know which bike you’d like to purchase, discover everything about it. You know the Internet is the most excellent information tool ever invented. You will find a virtual treasure trove of motorcycle information, specs, history, forums, and more—where you will find answers to every question.

Make a list of your questions.

This might sound funny, but when negotiating a deal, sometimes those all-important questions go right out of your head. Keep them with you, so there’s no need to wonder.

Negotiate.

After all, everything is negotiable.

So, when buying your first motorcycle, remember these five easy tips. You’ll come home with the bike of your dreams!