Buying a new or used motorcycle is one of the most thrilling experiences in biking. It’s exciting to check out the latest models, figure out your budget, and see if you can stretch it a bit to get the next model up. That’s the fun of it. But it can quickly into a nightmare if you end up with a bike that’s beyond your budget or riddled with problems.
At Two Wheels, we’ve put together a handy checklist for your next bike purchase, whether it’s new or used, from a private seller or a dealer. Sure, buying a bike you’ve only seen in the dark is an obvious mistake, but there are plenty of other pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
Pre-buying checklist
- Make sure your licence is valid and the details are correct, as this is important for test rides.
- Take time to consider which bikes match your specific needs, and be realistic in your choice.
- Do you really need to buy brand new, or could you save money by getting the same model that’s just a year old?
- Check out magazine and online road tests for the models on your short list – knowledge is power.
- What are the typical running costs, including servicing, fuel, tyres, insurance, and finance?
- Figure out your monthly costs for funding and running your bike – can you cover it?
- Choose the best way to finance the purchase, whether it’s paying in cash, taking out a personal loan, or opting for hire purchase.
- Have your funds ready before checking out privately-owned machines so you don’t waste time.
- Look for your next bike in as many places as possible—dealerships, local newspapers, and online.
- If you choose to buy from a dealer, try to visit as many as you can within a reasonable distance.
Buying new
- If you’re trading in a bike, make sure it has a valid MOT and is spotless to get the best price.
- Are you getting a genuine UK bike that’s officially imported?
- If it’s not a UK bike, do you know what the differences are?
- Take it for a test ride. It may look great, but it could end up being completely wrong for you.
- Don’t let salespeople pressure you into making decisions – you’re in charge.
- Set a firm budget and stick to it. Don’t leave with a new bike and a pile of debt.
- How long has the machine been available or on display? Is it the newest model? Can you score a deal?
- The mph speedometer should show under 5 miles, and the bike should have exactly 6 or 12 months of tax.
- Try to negotiate some free extras, like a service package, clothing, an extended warranty, or breakdown cover.
- Most dealers can usually offer very competitive financing options.
- If you don’t have insurance yet, check if the manufacturer offers any deals or if the dealer can deliver the bike to you.
Buying used
- See it during the day, not in dim or poor light.
- Is it being sold from the address listed on the V55?
- Does the machine need a valid MOT certificate?
- Look over the V55 ownership document to see how many previous owners there have been.
- Does the V55 indicate if the bike has been previously written off?
- Check if the engine and chassis numbers match the ones listed on the V55.
- A full dealer service history is ideal, FSH is great, while home servicing might lead to potential issues.
- Does the bike feature a custom paint job? It might be hiding signs of crash damage.
- A low-quality paint scheme or mismatched pattern parts can greatly reduce its value.
- Is the machine currently taxed and in good enough condition to be driven on the road?
- Has it been kept in a garage or left parked on the street each night? Check for any signs of corrosion.
- Check every inch for signs of wear, tear, or accident damage.
- Why is the owner selling it? Could it be under a finance agreement? Go ahead and run an HPI check just to be sure.
- Has the bike been sitting unused for a long time?
- Check if the previous service history and MOT records match up.
- Be sure to start the engine yourself when it’s cold. Does it make a rattling noise or produce smoke?
- Has it been equipped with performance accessories, and if so, where are the original parts?
- Bring a friend along to bounce ideas around and help keep your enthusiasm in check.
- Avoid making spur-of-the-moment decisions. If you’re uncertain, take the time to go home and think it over.
- When the moment comes, be sure to let your head guide the decision, not your heart.
- Always try to get a better deal, make an offer, and have the money ready to go.
- Are you covered by insurance to take it for a test ride or to ride it home after buying it?
