Tips on Buying a Used Motorcycle

Searching for an affordable used motorcycle to help you get around town? Don’t just pick the first model that catches your eye. To ensure your used motorcycle is still in good condition you’ll need to check a variety of factors, and we recommend following the advice in our buyer’s guide below to avoid walking off the lot with a lemon. 

Complete an Inspection 

Inspecting a used motorcycle is the best way to get a good idea of the model’s overall conditions, and we strongly recommend hiring a professional to do the job for you—especially if you’re new to motorcycle ownership. This can also give you some bargaining power when negotiating the sale with your dealer and help lower the price of your model. 

Set Up a Test Ride 

Some maintenance issues won’t be apparent till you start up your used model’s engine. To ensure you don’t accidentally miss an obvious technical issue or red flag, be sure to set up a test ride with your used motorcycle and request a cold start with your seller. This is also a good opportunity to see if your riding style is compatible with your used model and how comfortable you are riding it. While you’ll want to keep an eye out for maintenance issues, be sure to pay close attention to how the model handles as well. 

Shopping with a reputable motorcycle dealer is the best way to ensure your used model is still in great condition. If you’re located in Southern Wisconsin or Northern Illinois, we recommend visiting us here at Windy City Motorcycle Company to find your next used motorcycle model. We offer 3 convenient locations in Milwaukee, WI, Chicago, IL, and Detroit, MI, and we look forward to assisting you with all of your motorcycle needs!