Not all used motorcycles are a wise investment. Use the following buying tips to ensure you get a quality model and won’t be stuck paying for expensive repairs down the road.

Learn About the Used Motorcycle

Get a copy of the maintenance records, which can provide helpful information about the used motorcycle.

For example, did the past owner keep up with preventative maintenance? If not, there may be some expensive parts replacements around the corner.

It’s also helpful to look for red flags, such as repeat maintenance issues or evidence of a previous collision. Make sure any problems have already been repaired so you won’t get stuck paying to fix them.

If possible, find out why the previous owner decided to sell. Maybe they wanted to get a different type of motorcycle or realized they don’t ride enough to justify owning a bike. Or maybe they encountered issues with the handling or performance…which could plague you as well!

Inspect the Used Motorcycle

Look over the used motorcycle’s various parts and systems. A used motorcycle may appear to be in great condition at first glance, but could have hidden issues underneath the surface.

Make sure everything is in good working order. If anything needs to be fixed, be sure to factor that cost into your budget.

Ready to shop for used motorcycles for sale? Check out the selection at CalMoto. See the models online or at our dealership. We are based in Mountain View and Livermore, California, and also serve those in San Francisco and San Jose.