Motorcycle Buying Guide
How to get the Best Motorcycle!

Motorcycle Traders Tips

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

Questions to ask when buying a motorcycle via motorcycle traders or motorcycle classified ads...

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 for the motorcycle?

What repair and maintenance have been performed?

What modifications have been made?

What repair does the motorcycle need right now?

What "extras" come with the motorcycle?

How many miles / km are on the motorcycle?

What is the selling price?

Why is the motorcycle being sold?

Getting info over the phone is very useful and will of course give you a clearer picture of the motorcycle. 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 motorcycle and seller are trustworthy.

Talking about the price on the phone is tricky. Giving / negotiating a price before seeing the motorcycle 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 motorcycle 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 beware. That's uncommon behaviour for a normal motorcycle sale.