Buying A Second Hand Motorcycle

[Hui]

Hi, I am intending to buy a second hand motorcycle  (for use for a year) for my brother who just attained a  class 2A licence. 

Firstly, may i check if i should buy it from a i) a shop ii) private sellers?  

For i) are there any recommendations?

Secondly,  what should one specifically look out for when buying a used bike? 

Thank you very much for the tips and advice.

[adesmond2]

There isn't a 1,2,3 answer but let me give a break down for you.

1) Motorcycle shops usually will give you the impression of the best deal but they also comes with Terms and Conditions which is often in their favor, whatever the sales person promised you, it MUST be clearly stated on the documents that you going to sign. if it's not stated, do not sign nor make any payment. I don't believe in payment first document later. Because there are too many cases of shop "give $0 downpayment", this is the most risky of all, you might ended up in a huge debt afterwards.

2) Private resellers, this one truly depends on your luck, if you see a bike that's well maintained and you like the bike, it's yours to negotiate with the seller. 

Personal experience - I usually deal with very specific workshops, workshops that repair motorcycles, not selling motorcycles, if they have motorcycle for sale, that would usually be in good condition or they would not chop you.

For private sellers - I'll view at least 3 motorcycles and if I like a specific one, I'll make another 2 more viewing before deciding on it. And I'll also start to negotiate with the seller on the pricing, additional keys, spare parts. Usually first viewing is to listen to the engine sound, any abnormalities, check the outlook, any major scratches and cracks and etc. At the same time, any modification being done on it. (you will be fined as you own the motorcycle.)

 

Best to bring someone down with you to listen and checks.

[Hui]

5 hours ago, adesmond2 said:

There isn't a 1,2,3 answer but let me give a break down for you.

1) Motorcycle shops usually will give you the impression of the best deal but they also comes with Terms and Conditions which is often in their favor, whatever the sales person promised you, it MUST be clearly stated on the documents that you going to sign. if it's not stated, do not sign nor make any payment. I don't believe in payment first document later. Because there are too many cases of shop "give $0 downpayment", this is the most risky of all, you might ended up in a huge debt afterwards.

2) Private resellers, this one truly depends on your luck, if you see a bike that's well maintained and you like the bike, it's yours to negotiate with the seller. 

Personal experience - I usually deal with very specific workshops, workshops that repair motorcycles, not selling motorcycles, if they have motorcycle for sale, that would usually be in good condition or they would not chop you.

For private sellers - I'll view at least 3 motorcycles and if I like a specific one, I'll make another 2 more viewing before deciding on it. And I'll also start to negotiate with the seller on the pricing, additional keys, spare parts. Usually first viewing is to listen to the engine sound, any abnormalities, check the outlook, any major scratches and cracks and etc. At the same time, any modification being done on it. (you will be fined as you own the motorcycle.)

 

Best to bring someone down with you to listen and checks.

Thank you for your advice; adesmond2; it's very much appreciated: )

 

[adesmond2]

16 hours ago, Hui said:

Thank you for your advice; adesmond2; it's very much appreciated: )

 

no worries! bikers always help out bikers..

If anything just ask again.. but my replies sometimes might delay a few weeks to months.. hahaha.. unless you put on the same post as this..