Used Motorcycle Buying Guide

A motorcycle is parked on the road, the mountains in the background.

Used Motorcycle Buying Guide

As you start shopping for a bike, you’ll encounter a plethora of options, including a vast selection of used motorcycles. You don’t have to be a budget shopper to be drawn to the benefits of pre-owned inventory! Anyone can enjoy the perks of buying a used motorcycle. With that being said, there are some important steps to take as you begin the buying process. Read our guide, then stop in and see us to explore our inventory near Henderson, NV.

Set a Budget

When making any major purchase, the first thing you should do is set a budget. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on a used motorcycle. These models are significantly more affordable than new ones, but there are still many different price points to consider.

Setting a budget helps you narrow down your options to a specific price range. You’ll automatically eliminate models that are beyond your budget, which makes it easier to find the right used motorcycle for your intended purpose.

Do Your Research

Buying a pre-owned model allows you to read plenty of reviews from current and previous owners. This will provide you with valuable insight into how a model functions and performs. If there are any red flags to be found, you’ll likely hear about them in these reviews. When you’re ready to visit a used motorcycle dealership, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect from a particular model.

Ask Important Questions

Before you start actively shopping around, consider compiling a list of questions to ask the dealer or seller. For starters, you’ll want to know how well the previous owner kept up with regular maintenance and why they’re selling the bike. Carefully review previous maintenance reports and make a note of any red flags such as prior accidents or repeat issues. All of these little details will help you determine if the price tag matches the quality of the used motorcycle.

Perform an Inspection

Reading reports is certainly useful, but you should still perform a thorough inspection of the bike. Confirm all the controls are functioning properly. You’ll also want to make sure there’s nothing out of the ordinary that needs to be addressed before you commit. Some people hire professionals to handle the inspection to ensure nothing is missed.

Go For a Test Ride

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a test ride. After all, this is one of the best ways to determine if a used motorcycle is a good fit for your needs. Pay attention to how the bike performs. Does it start easily and ride smoothly? You shouldn’t experience any jerking motions when you switch gears.

Additionally, the used bike shouldn’t swerve to one side when you ride. Don’t forget to consider your comfort level. All riders should be able to reach the controls without straining. Think about whether you’ll need to make any alterations so you can add that to your budget.

Visit Carter Powersports and browse our used motorcycles for sale in Las Vegas, NV, today! We also proudly serve Boulder City. Our team would be glad to assist you in your search.