Motorcycle Traders & Classifieds
Essential Money Saving Tips

Checking out the motorcycle traders & classifieds? Looking into buying a motorcycle via a trader or classified... but what do you do once you find an interesting bike for sale? What do you need to know. Work from my super useful list of questions to ask about motorcycle traders & classified ads.

Give the person a call. I suggest you avoid asking the questions via email but instead ask for the phone number. You will get to know much more via a phone call. Use the email to have extra pictures sent.

What is the general condition of the motorcycle?

What is the history of the motorcycle?

How has the motorcycle been used?

How have you had the motorcycle stored?

Do you have all the documents of the motorcycle?

What repair and maintenance have been preformed?

What modifications have been made?

What repair does the bike need right now?

What "extra" come with the bike?

How many miles / km are on the motorcycle?

What is the selling price?

Why is the bike being sold?

Getting info over the phone is very useful and will of course give you a more clear picture of the bike. However it's also essential to get to know the person who is selling it. Try some small talk about where he/she rides, what conditions, how often, etc. This is great stuff in judging if your bike and seller are trustworthy.

Talking about the price on the phone is tricky. Giving / negotiating a price before seeing the bike is stupid. But – you can ask what he/she is willing to do with the price mentioned in the motorcycle trader! This is a great money saver. The offer might go down on the phone and you can say "great, I would like to come and inspect it" When you are inspecting the bike you might come across stuff which might need to be repaired. Then you deduct that from the price mentioned on the phone!!

If the seller is too willing to negotiate / drop the price be aware. That uncommon behaviour for a normal bike sale.