Yahoo Answers is shutting down on 4 May 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Ali asked in Cars & TransportationMotorcycles · 1 decade ago

How do I shop for a used motorcycle?

I want a 500-650 cruiser style motorcycle. I would like to buy new but the dealers around me only have bigger (1100cc+) bikes left. I don't want anything that big. That leaves me shopping used. I have never bought a used motorcycle before. What should I be looking for and what should I stay away from?

Thanks for the help!

5 Answers

Relevance
  • 1 decade ago
    Favourite answer

    Used is a better idea than new if you don't have a lot of experience. Most new bikers want a bigger or at least different bike after they get some experience and see what else is available out there. Don't waste money on a new one until you've had 3 or 4 and you know exactly what you want and need.

    Motorcycles frequently get much less use than a car, whether its due to climate or the owner not having enough time to ride it. I know of one bike that is in the middle of its 6th summer and has less than 900 miles on it. My friend's bike is just 12 months old and has over 9000 miles on it. You will see the lower numbers more often than the higher ones.

    Because of this, there are a lot of 15 and 20 year old bikes that are in great condition. Buying a used bike is tough if you don't know your way around the machinery and don't know what to look for. If you buy it from a dealer he will have to stand behind it so that is a relatively safe option.

    The other choice is to find somebody who knows what they are doing and take them shopping with you. This can be a friend or a professional mechanic. I don't know where you are but in my area there are listings in the yellow pages for services that will go to the sellers location and evaluate a vehicle that you are thinking about buying.

    Good luck and ride safe!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Think clean, 2 or 3 years old and less than 8K miles a year. Of course the seller has the title and no lien is on it. Stick with the major brands Honda, Suzuli, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Try the dealers trade ins first. Would you consider a new Suzuki 650 SV ? You may be able to find one of these still for sale. Or how about a new Ducati monster 695? Both these are hi preforming twins although not as high as a 600RR. Good luck. I usually try to by new. Good luck.

  • dobies
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    I could now not advocate getting a a hundred twenty five, particularly for anybody your dimension. A 250 is suitable for you, I am within the US too so I cannot say a lot approximately specified units. I have the Ninja 250 2008 and I find it irresistible. Really the one different 250cc "game motorbike" within the US is Hyosung however they don't seem to be valued at the money and sort of crappy in comparison to what you get with a Ninja. Outside of the Us you could have the Cbr250rr and the Aprilia 250. Or you might continuously move with a avenue authorized dirtbike. A 250 will probably be first-rate for you. It isn't too rapid, in any respect. The Ninja 250 has a highest velocity of ninety-one hundred relying in your weight, and that is normally with a whole tuck and the whole lot. A a hundred twenty five is normally extra round 60 mph highest and I feel thats slightly to gradual to make use of for greater than finding out functions. The defense guides within the US use 250cc motorcycles for essentially the most aspect. They are rapid sufficient to move at the freeway, effortless to manage, manuver and it would possibly not kill you if you're making a mistake (a liter motorbike can move to 90mph in FIRST apparatus... yeah thats frightening). You will with ease flatfoot and be equipped to manage the burden of the motorbike. I haven't any thought approximately coverage bills in different nations however even amongst identical demographics, coverage bills will range, ALOT. It is determined by your age, gender, time certified, motorbike, engine dimension, riding list, tickets, possibility it is going to get stolen, crashed and so on. Every organization will range amongst fees too so store round. Insurance will also be beneath $one hundred to over $one thousand a 12 months relying on those elements so I relatively cannot say. As for apparatus I advocate getting a whole face helmet, leather-based gloves with knuckle protectors and ideally gauntlets (those that duvet the wrist), boots and a leather-based jacket. Textile jackets additionally paintings if its sizzling over there however now not practically as protecting as leather-based. A backbone protector and pants could be well too. Don't spend an excessive amount of on a helmet (except you'll have enough money it), simply get one that's cozy and suits good. Most pricey helmets are simply situated on technological know-how, ventilation, parts, remedy, and so on. Fiberglass is fiberglass and carbon fiber is carbon fiber. They will safeguard you head irrespective of how a lot you paid or the manufacturer identify plastered on. There was once a contemporary scan performed through a US journal and normally the most affordable polycarbonate helmet (plastic) ended up taking the LEAST harm to the pinnacle. The notion being that plastics can collapse and soak up vigour instead than crack like an egg. (nonetheless, I must be aware that that is situated on US defense requirements, I've learn that UK defense requirements are much less however you can must seem that up in your possess.)

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Hun there are 650s around you jsut have to find them.

    Some shops dont even have thier 08s out yet.

    You buy used, and your not a wrench, your buying someone elses proplems.

    and then it becomes a money pit

Still have questions? Get answers by asking now.