If you are buying a used motorcycle for the first time and are actually planning on riding it, then e dealership where the bike can be assessed and inspected.
More than likely, you would be remake sure that you have a valid motorcycle license.
You don't need to have a motorcycle license to purchase a motorcycle, however.
Once you've taken your road test and gotten your motorcycle license, decide what kind of motorcycle riding you're going to be doing.
For example, are you planning on taking your bike out of town a lot?Do you plan on only using your motorcycle when the weather outside is nice?Are you buying a motorcycle because of gas prices?How about your job; are you planning on using your motorcycle to commute to work? These are all things that you need to consider prior to your even stepping foot in the store to look at models.
Also, you'll need to determine what your price range is.
When you are finally ready to go and look at bikes, try to visit dealerships that are reputable.
Many people make the common mistake of assuming that by always going with a private seller, the price will be lower.
While this may be true, you will have little to no recourse should something go wrong with the bike after it is sold to you.
On the other hand, most dealerships offer some sort of warranty or at least they will work with your budget should something go wrong within a certain period of time after they have sold the bike to you.
If you do decide to go with a private seller, there is nothing wrong with this.
However, it is strongly recommended that the seller allow you are accompanies you to a reputablponsible for paying for the assessment and inspection, but isn't it worth it?It should be.
After all, the amount of money you spend on an inspection could end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.
It may sound geeky, but when you go to look at a potential new bike, make a checklist beforehand that you can bring along.
This will assure you that you have forgotten nothing.
Whatever you do, don't buy the first bike you see.
Bring a friend whom you trust that you can gauge reactions and get feedback.
Check out the appearance of the motorcycle in question.
Does it look clean?Ask the owner if it has ever been involved in an accident and when.
Check for bends or scrapes on bars, exhaust, plastic and levers.
Short, shallow non-parallel scratches will indicate that the bike has been tipped over.
Long, deep, parallel scratches and cracks will usually indicate that it has been involved in a crash.
Check for small safety-wire holes in the mounting bolts and exhaust bolts, etc to gauge whether or not the bike has been involved in racing or some other abuse.
If you are looking for a specific type of bike, make sure that you familiarize yourself with it so that you know what flaws to look for ahead of time.