5 things you MUST do before you buy a used bike (Don't get ripped off!)

If you're in the market for a used motorcycle, you know how important it is to find a good deal. But with so many potential scams and pitfalls, it can be hard to know where to start. In this video, we'll give you expert tips and advice on how to buy a used motorcycle without getting cheated.

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#usedbike #tips #tipsandtricks #howto #howtobuy

[BlindIo]

The best advice I heard about any deal, new or used, is "don't fall in love with the vehicle". The power to walk away is the strongest tool you have, don't get emotionally attached to the idea of a bike - there are other bikes on the market. Hold that spot in the garage open for the right machine, not the "right now" machine.

[Moath]

“Know when to walk away” this advice applies to all aspects of life. Like always, great video! Very informative.

[williamzeller]

You just never know.
I recall a few years back going to look at an '04 Suzuki SV650S for my wife, to be her second full-size bike.
The thing had only 5000 miles and was in quite good shape in terms of damage- just a few scratches.
The youngish seller had just become a father and the bike had been sitting for a while; we guessed two years. The tires were nearly flat and the bike wasn't really cleaned.
I was crouching next to the drive chain with the lad, looking a kinked, rusted-solid mess, and asked him: "when's the last time this chain was lubed?"
"I didn't know you had to lube a chain" was the reply. Uh-oh.
I actually attempted a very short, nerve-wracking test ride and despite the ruined tires, I could tell that excellent Suzuki V-twin was still there.
She explained all the work I'd have to do, tires, chain, etc., and gave him $1900 for it.
I wasn't sure at all on the way home, but in a few days had it up to speed with new rubber, chain, fluids, and what-all.
Damn if it didn't turn out to be one of the best deals ever. She loved that thing and put over 15, 000 miles on it before falling in love with a new Ninja 650 with a vastly-lighter clutch pull, which is a big deal after being a chef for 30+ years and beating up the mitts all day every day.
She sold it to a favored nephew and it shall roll on.
Sometimes, the signals aren't good but it turns out okay.

[Corkelfinn]

Avoiding heavily modified machines is good advice. I’ve been looking for a DRZ400SM for a couple months and it’s becoming very clear buying one new is the way to go. The cheap ones have been modified to death and the clean ones are as much or more than new. I have no problem with modifications per se, I just don’t trust that anyone else would do things the way I expect them to be done.

[RideWithRen]

I've bought three bikes sight unseen, put thousands of miles on them. One had a rebuilt title (I knew about it), and was heavily discounted thanks to that. Knock on wood I haven't had any nightmares yet. Your approach is very thorough and well thought, I'm sure it will prevent surprises down the road. My approach is all up to knowing the people you're dealing with, getting a feel for how honest they are, and taking a chance. Which one is better depends on how adventurous you are and how much you're looking to save...

[michaelhoward]

Excellent advice. Possibly the best used-bike buying tips I've ever heard. Kudos.

[jamescoll]

Hey I appreciate the work you put into your channel. I even don’t skip ads ;)

[bikesthatvote]

This is a great video, and I've already recommended it.
Good counsel on reading the seller and reading the neighborhood.
One thing not mentioned is that having a discreet, knowledgeable friend with you can be a good thing.

[beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Another one I like to do is tell the seller not to warm up the bike before I get there. Want to see how it does on a cold start.

[Jagknorr]

Wow! This is really in depth! This is very helpful!

[stevenm]

This is the best video about buying motorcycles I have seen. Extremely thorough and wise advice. Well done.

[irideaduck]

Having only owned two bikes in my life and I purchased both of them used in Nov, I think I've done pretty good. If your inspection was an A effort, I'd consider mine a B+ effort ... passing grade but room for improvement. Bone stock is where it's at!

[philipgaudette]

Outstanding advice! The idea of not taking a test drive surprised me, but the 20 minute contract made sense.

[greyanaroth]

This is amazing. Love the perspective you recommend

[buckybarnes]

My first bike in my 20s was an '86 Yamaha Radian that the guy lost control and crashed through a wooden fence. The owner was a total "not-wanter" at that point. He replaced the break lever or something, my buddy took it for a test drive and gave me the a-ok (didn't have my license yet), so I got it dirt cheap. Well I was very lucky because it was an awesome bike for over 10 years before I traded it in and bought new.

[deauvilledad]

Great video, some useful tips for those that want a different bike for the 2022 season. Ride safely 🤓 💙

[warrenjrose]

My scariest used bike experience was test riding a bike with armorall'd tires! 🤯

[davidmccormack]

I’m still on my first bike which I have brought new but as I look into the future these are some good tips to keep in mind.

[HowDesmo]

How about damage to Ohlins TiNi tubes? What looked like a great deal on ebay, turned out into 5 months of waiting for inner tubes, because they got to be directly shipped from Ohlins after they manufacture them...yep...they had none in US....ended up spending more than on a new set.
I purchased a lot of used bikes and every single one had some sort of a "problem"...let me rephrase it...I've discovered what was the real reason for selling only AFTER the purchase.

[sqlbrn]

very valuable information for inspecting the bike, with visual examples too... learned new things.