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Used Motorcycle Prices and Deals
Never worry about getting hustled over a used motorcycle. A little money can be dropped off the total cost if the owner has lost the manual and/or tool kit. Each one is about 25 dollars and they're definitely good to have, especially if you are new to riding. A service manual for your motorcycle is a necessary item even if you won't be doing repair work yourself. They are chock full of information about your bike. Pick one up even if a seller doesn't offer one with their used motorcycle.
Don't pay more for motorcycle accessories you don't really care for. Sellers will often justify a higher asking price if there are accessories. Helmets and exhaust pipes are common examples of motorcycle accessories. They are only worth paying more for if you truly value them. If a seller isn't willing to compromise, find a different bike without those needless attachments.
Some additions that may interest you are centerstands, or upgraded suspension. If you really don't think you are going to use a motorcycle accessory, hold off paying for it. Generally you should stay away from heavily modified motorcycles. Even when modified by a highly trained professional, extra attachments such as overbores, high-compression pistons, and other high performance parts will lead to a slower, inhibited engine and increased costs of maintenance for you. Especially when done by amateurs, motorcycle accessories can kill your ride. Therefore, ask the seller about the modification history of the bike.
Used motorcycles being purchased from private sellers should be priced halfway between the wholesale price and the retail price. Used motorcycles sold at a dealership will probably be very close to the retail price.
The majority of sellers will offer a used motorcycle with an "OBO" (or best offer). You can aim for a price lower than what you value the bike and try to agree somewhere close to the value. If the used motorcycle has been for sale along time, the owner will probably be more flexible with pricing.
Motorcycle prices also follow the law of supply and demand. During the winter when nobody wants to ride and everyone needs to pay off holiday debt, motorcycles are cheaper. In the spring, riding conditions improve and bikes are priced higher.
One method of arriving at a reasonable offer for a used motorcycle is to take the blue book value for the used bike and then deduct the cost of each repair needed. The standard the bike has to measure up to assumes a clean and functional vehicle with appropriate age-related wear.
There are plenty of uninformed buyers just looking to get a motorcycle and they provide dealerships with incentive to raise used motorcycle prices. A smart buyer would do some research before shopping and figure out what kind of pricing is appropriate for a used motorcycle.
Advantages Buying A Used Motorcycle Through A Dealership
1) In theory, the bike has been tuned up prior to sale.
2) Any problems you discover are more likely to be fixed by the dealership.
3) If you need new motorcycle gear, you can usually get some at a good deal.
4) A transaction with the right dealership may result in a rewarding long-term relationship.
Disadvantages Buying A Used Motorcycle Through A Dealership.
1) You can't always count on a dealership to inspect a used motorcycle before offering it for sale. This is why is so important that you inspect it yourself as thoroughly as possible.
2) Oftentimes a used motorcycle dealership will sell their bikes with an "as is" warranty or with one that is super limited. Warranties for used motorcycles at a dealership are often not any better than what you'd get through a private owner.
The motorcycle market can be a harrowing field to navigate. However, there are experts and professionals experienced in motorcycle operation and repair that can offer you invaluable advice. Learn the most you can for a better ride with used motorcycle.
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