Shopping for used motorcycles lets you get the bike you want at a price you'll love. It’s exciting to look at models, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many options out there! We’ve created the following guide to finding your perfect match. If you have any questions or want to look at used motorcycles for sale, visit American Harley-Davidson®. We are located in North Tonawanda, New York, and proudly serve those in Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Build a Budget
Before you look at any used motorcycles for sale, you'll want to establish a budget. This helps you avoid falling in love with something beyond your means. You'll be able to instantly narrow your search to only bikes you can afford. Don't forget to include the cost of any insurance or gear into your budget.
Pick a Type of Used Motorcycle
There are so many categories of bikes out there that it's easy to get overwhelmed. It helps if you can focus on one or two categories. It'll make searching through your options much more manageable.
If style and speed is your focus, look at cruisers. These are modeled after the motorcycles built between the 1930s and 1960s, giving them an iconic retro look. They are ideal for cruising around on city streets.
If riding for hours on end is your style, look at touring bikes. These are made for long-distance riding, such as commuting to work or going on road trips. They offer plenty of features to boost rider comfort, such as an ergonomic frame and padded seats.
If you are a thrill seeker, look at sport bikes. These are made for the race track and can hit heart-pounding high speeds while maintaining impressive agility.
Consider the Seller
Once you know what types of used motorcycles you want, your next step is to find a seller. While a private seller may offer a lower price, a dealership offers plenty of advantages that outweigh the lower cost.
First, a dealership has incentive to give you a fair deal. If they don't, you could take to review sites and warn away their potential customers. A private seller can sell you a bad bike without worrying about their reputation, while a dealership has their reputation at stake.
Second, a dealership puts all their used motorcycles through an inspection process. It's how they come up with the price point, but it can also help them catch maintenance issues that an individual seller might miss. They can also fix the motorcycle in their parts replacement and service department at a lower price than if you paid for those repairs outright.
Third, a dealership allows you to scope out multiple used bikes in one visit. To get that same amount of options visiting private sellers, you would need to drive all around town. You'll save time and be able to easily compare the various models next to each other.
Do an Inspection and Test Ride
Once you found a bike you might want to buy, take the time to do an inspection. Look for any red flags regarding maintenance or performance issues. You'll also want to take the bike for a ride and see how it handles. If it performs well and is within your budget, you've just found your next bike!
Ready to look at used motorcycles for sale? Head on over to American Harley-Davidson®. Our dealership is in North Tonawanda, New York, and we also proudly serve those in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you about what you are looking for and provide personalized recommendations, so stop by today!