Used Motorcycle?
 

I'm looking to purchase a used MC; HD, Yamaha, or Suzuki, a couple of years old and between 750cc and 1000cc. Are any of these lemons?

Many thanks.

What sort of bike are you looking for? Do you prefer cruisers or crotch rockets?

I'd recommend a Sportster 883 for a cruiser. It falls right in your size range (being, surprisingly enough, 883 cc), is reasonably cheap and finding custom components is pretty straightforward with Harley's. Just don't hang around any hardcore HD men, or if you do be prepared to be the butt of 'chick bike' jokes. The Sporty's have a reputation that way.

Martian, thanks for the info. I'm looking for a cruiser.

One plus to owning a Harley is that their shops are open on the weekends.

HD has a reputation for reliablilty issues, they have gotten MUCH better over the last 10 years or so, but keep that in mind. Having said that, if I were in the market for a cruiser, it would likely be HD that I went with. As a rule, bikes are much more fussy when it comes to maintenance, parts are much more expensive, and much more prone to failure. I'm not trying to dissuade you from purchasing a bike, just trying to let you know what to expect.

Another thing about Harley's is the sound. Bear in mind that with a Harley Davidson you get an engine note that you won't with anyone else (it has to do with the crank design, I'll explain more fully if anyone wants to know). I don't know if the Revolution engines used in the VRSC bikes sound the same, but any other Harley Davidson definitely will. I personally loved my old Dyna's growl, but some people just can't stand it.

Riding a bike isn't like driving a car at all. I don't know if you've ever ridden before or plan on getting your license with this bike, but just bear that in mind. cj2112 also has a good point. I never had any major issues with my bike, but motorcycles in general are a bit more finicky than cars and you'll be fiddling with it more. If you can do the work yourself then you may be okay with this. I loved working on my bike but it's not for everyone. Don't expect to save money on a bike, insurance will be a bunch more and maintenance bills will balance out the better mileage.

Well right now due to higher gas prices, several of my motorcycle riding friends who buy and sell pretty regularly are telling me how the value of their rides are going up. It used be not long ago when pricing a used japanese motorcycle, the rule of thumb was around $1 per cc engine displacement, and this was in the central texas area. Obviously it is going to depend on where you are as to what sort of trends you are going to find.

I see you have decided on a cruiser (great chioce - mine as well). Next you have to decide whether you want to pay for nostalgia and get a Harley, or whether you want a good bike to ride for a decent price... I prefer Japanese bikes myself. Most Harley owners don't like to admit it, but a stock japanese bike will accelerate, brake, and maneuver better than any stock Harley, any day of the week. And, they will do it for half the price or less. The downside is you have to decide what your long term plans are for the bike. If you plan to keep it, maintain it, and just ride.... japanese is the way to go, cost wise. If you think you might be wanting to sell it in the near future, the odd are you may not get what you paid for it, or may lose some of you bought a japanese bike. If you are interested in buying a bike to ride awhile, then possibly sell to make some money... HD wins hands down. That's one of the HD owners' bragging point, great resale. In fact, if you take good care of a Harley, and don't put excessive miles on it, the odds are you'll make money when it comes time to sell.

What I would do is start researching different models you might be interested in, and use the internet. Then start looking through the classifieds in your area and see what is available and for what price. Cash in hand is the best way to go.

If you know someone who is fairly knowledgeable of motorcycles, I would definitely offer to by him or her lunch and bring them along with you. People who have ridden awhile tend to know what to look for.

When you look at your bike there are a few things you want to look for that will tell you if the bike has been dropped, wrecked, etc. On an older bike, look at the handlebars, are they straight? Look at the handgrips, mirrors, brake master cyclinder. If any of these items are brand new, and aren't upgrades, but replacements, look harder at the bike and ask the seller if the bike has been in an accident. Does he still have the old parts? Does anybody know if carfax deals with motorcycles? They weren't around when I bought my last bike. How about the throttle cable... is is chewed up? Is the outer casing in good shape? Check for smooth throttle movement.

Just look over the bike real well, and look for anything that might lead you to believe the bike hasn't been taken care of properly, or has been wrecked or dropped. A shiny new exhaust might be cause to look closer on a bike with 10,000 miles on it, especially if it stands out from everything else.

Tires are also a real sore spot with me. Look very closely at them.....is there any dry rotting or sidewall damage? If they look pretty good, plenty of tred, and not low on are pressure, they might be alright. Beware of a bike that has worn out tires....because right off you are gonna be a few hundred $$ in the hole because you'll have to get new tires, both to pass inspection, but more importantly, so you can ride the bike. Tires are important on every vehicle, but even more crucial on a motorcycle. Worn out tires and worth knocking a few hundred off the price right away.(It would help to have some prices including labor costs in the back of your head for such things as ties & major parts, etc)

Other than that...just be patient, and like any vehicle purchase, don't get in a hurry. I could write several pages on this, but the main thing is to research what you want, and get educated on those type of bikes. Then just look carefully, and take your time. Make sure you know what you are looking at, and before buying, know what you are getting. After all, it's gonna be your butt riding on it.

I don't know about Canada, but in the US, in most markets and motorycle is considerably less to insure than an automobile. I could go out right now, and get a liability policy on a motorcycle (Say a 1,100 to 1,800 cc cruiser)for approximately $70 for the whole year. I could also insure the same bike, provided it wasn't too old, with full coverage for about $500 per year.

For motorcycle insurance, stateside, Progressive insures more motorcycles than any other company. Dairyland is second. Years ago, Dairyland used to be just about the only place you could get decent rates for motorcycle insurance. But now there are other companies that have jumped into the market. Now obviously a crotch rocket, such as a Ninja or something similar would cost more to insure, just a like a car with the "GT" label would.

As long as you stick with a fairly conservative motorcycle, (cruiser, or touring bike), you have a good driving record, and you have a decent credit score, the cost to insure that motorcycle is going to be minimal.

Racer, if you're in Florida, your rates shouldn't be all that bad. Check out
Progressive Insurance, or Motorcycleinsurance.net.

texxasco, speaking from experience. I insure my car for approximately $2700 per year. A similar policy on a conservative cruiser would cost me about double that and I have a perfect record on both bike and in car.

Insurance fluctuates wildly per market, so I was sort of jumping to a conclusion there, but all the same it's a point to keep in mind. A bike isn't necessarily the cheaper option.

And I'd say all that Japanese vs. Harley stuff is so much personal preference, just like domestic vs. foreign cars. I have never seen a Japanese cruiser that I like better than a good HD Dynaglide. I'm not going to begrudge the guy I pass on the street his Shadow, but it's definitely not my style.

Martian, I too am speaking from experience. In fact, before I posted anything, I had my best friend on the line, who owns an insurance agency. He and I discussed it at length and I also did some of my own samples across the country. I have also insured motorcycles in Texas, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan. Motorcycle rates have come up over the years, btu then so has the dollar value, performance, and risk involved in insuring a bike.

If you'll look back in my post, I started off with: "......I don't know about Canada, but in the US.". Are you living in Canada? According to his profile, Racer lives in Florida, and as I stated in my post, his rates should be minimal. But, even that is a guess, because unless I know his personal info and exact location I couldn't possibly say for sure what his rates would be. That's why I said what I did. I also realize that there are pockets in the US where rates for bikes are high too, but in most areas a motorcycle is less expensive to insure that a car. I also included links to website where you can get an online rate quite as well.

As far as Japanese versus Harley Davidson, you are right ...it is personal preference. I also stated my preference...and I meant it as nothing more than a preference. (".. I prefer Japanese bikes myself"). I spoke well about Harley's, but it is a fact that Japanese bikes outperform Harley's. Almost any Harley rider will tell you that. When you buy a Harley, you aren't buying the fastest, best maneuvering, best braking bike brand available.... What you are buying is a good machine, and along with it you are buying the mystique and nostalgia that goes along with the HD name. It is also a fact that Japanese bikes enjoy a higher reliability rating that Harley's do... HD is improving though, and so are Japanese bikes.

I would never, and nore did I mean to give the impression that I would begrudge another rider for riding something different than I would ride. I have ridden with Harley riders, and Japanese riders alike, and it's all fun. I will say that I have pissed off a few Harley riders by stopping to offer help, which in turn pissed me off that I stopped to help and then snubbed me.... I have also passed many a Harley rider since, and these days wouldn't stop unless they waved me down. I am glad it isn't your style to look down your nose at another rider if he isn't on a Harley, but there are a lot of HD riders out there that do.

Anyway... I stand by my post in regards to what wrote on insurance.... It is ungodly what you folks have to pay for insurance where you are...! Why are your rates so HIGH??? Is the accident rate high? or what?

Oh Martian.... I just read your profile, and I know now part of the reason your rates are so high. Your age. Under 25 drivers pay some of the highest rates anywhere...on a bike or in a car.

I looked at Racers profile again. It states he is retired Navy. So, I am guessing, but I bet he's at least 35, or older.. and therefore he is going to be able to ge a better rate than you just about anywhere, on any vehicle. :(

texxasco - I didn't mean to sound vehement or defensive. I had kind of a rough day and my back's still up a bit.

And yeah, my age plays a big part in it. Also just the area. I don't know why we get steamrolled for wanting to own a bike, but we do. I didn't realize that bikes nationwide are so cheap down there. Maybe I'll have to cross the border...

I will say that as a rule Japanese bikes do outperform Harley's. That's a big factor if you're looking at numbers and that can play a big role in the decision. It's my personal preference to choose a bike with a lot of character and I think Harley Davidson builds bikes that could definitely be described as having character. I read your post as bashing HD bikes and responded a bit quickly, but I'm willing to meet in the middle ground and forget it over a beer if you are, in true biker spirit. ;)

Martian,

No problem..... I have been riding bikes for 25 years, on and off.... and some of the best times in my life have been whiel riding, or hanging with my friends that do. Check out this little video...


It's a bike trip my buddy , his girlfriend and I went on about 12 years ago.. We covered something like 8 states in 9 days...had a blast.. Check it out.

We're cool..... I will admit that I do like to rattle the occasional Harley rider though....for kicks :thumbsup:

Japanese rider have lrarned to stick together over the years due the the BS we have always caught for not riding Harleys.... But really when you think about it...a bike is a bike...http://www.epoodles.com/test/moto.wmv

All, thanks for the great input. I'll let you all know when I make a buy.

Ok Racer..... Good luck on your purchase... And don't forget the pics! :thumbsup:

Hey texxasco, great video.

A further note--I'm old enough to not give a shit what anyone says about the kind of bike I might ride.

I kinda figured you were.... Me too....