The Motorcycle Industry Council has introduced its Guide to Buying or Selling a Used Motorcycle.
While there’s nothing quite like the feeling of taking ownership of a sparkling, factory-fresh motorcycle from a reputable dealership, there are times when a second-hand bike fits the bill. Riders can find a great deal on a used bike at a dealership or in the hands of a private seller. However, buying a motor vehicle from a private seller has its pitfalls, and the Motorcycle Industry Council would like to arm buyers with some important tips.
Buyers should ask sellers key questions about the bike’s history, such as if the motorcycle was involved in any crashes, and ask to see service records. A brief test-ride, along with using the checklist in the Guide, can help buyers evaluate the condition of the bike. The checklist highlights items and conditions to inspect before, during, and after the test-ride.
The Guide also includes tips for private party motor vehicle transactions and for successfully completing the change-of-ownership process. These tips involve making sure the bike will be covered by insurance if the deal is made, reviewing and transferring ownership documents, and ensuring the buyer receives all items the seller promises. Special tips for sellers include ensuring the bike makes the best “first impression” and copying the potential buyer’s license information before allowing a test ride.
The Motorcycle Industry Council’s Guide to Buying or Selling a Used Motorcycle is available here in two versions: an 8.5″x11″ pdf formatted for printing, and a linear pdf formatted for display on mobile devices.
