Buying A Used Motorcycle
Purchasing a used motorcycle makes sense for a variety of reasons but it can be a bit overwhelming to select one from the many models out there! We at Cowboy Powersports want to make things a bit easier for you so we’ve put together some information to help you narrow down your options. When you’re ready to check out used motorcycles for sale in Beaumont, TX, contact us to see our wide selection. We’re proud to be the leading used motorcycle dealer for our friends from Lake Charles and Pasadena!
Consider Your Budget
To make the selection process a bit easier, have a budget in mind before you start shopping for used motorcycles. This way you won’t spend time testing out a bike you can’t afford or end up with a very basic model when you could have something better!
When you start making a budget, don’t just include the cost of the pre-owned bike, also account for insurance and any gear you’ll need. You can also look into financing options to make it easier to pay for a bike since you won’t have to pay a lump sum.
Consider the Type of Motorcycle
Motorcycles come in various types, and these categories aren’t just superficial. Each different type of bike is designed for specific purposes. To make sure you end up with the right model, you have to first consider what you want to achieve with the used bike. Once you know your needs, you can check out bikes that fall within that category.
Do you like motorcycles with a lot of oomph and style? If you like to turn heads and grab eyeballs, you’re going to love cruiser bikes. These models sport a vintage, retro look and take you back to the rebellious rider images from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Perhaps you prefer bikes that have endurance capabilities. If your idea of a good time is to ride for hours on end, you should check out touring motorcycles. These are designed to provide maximum comfort as you enjoy long rides soaking up new sights and experiences! They’re also equipped with ergonomic frames, padded seats, and plenty of storage for all your traveling gear.
If you’re the kind of rider that’s always chasing adrenaline and loves the idea of thrilling adventures on a rugged bike, you might prefer sport bikes. These models are built to race and have speedy acceleration, high speeds, and responsive handling. On or off the race track, they’ll leave other riders eating your dust!
Consider Your Riding Level
Once you’ve decided which motorcycle category you prefer, it’s time you looked at individual models. You’re in luck, because the used bike market is truly vast with all kinds of new and vintage models. Think of your experience level when checking out the models because a newer rider has different needs than a seasoned one.
For new riders, we recommend motorcycles that are lighter and easier to handle and steer. For veteran riders, there are a number of heavy bikes that come with increased stability and better performance. Don’t overreach and get a motorcycle you won’t be able to handle. Shop according to your experience level.
Consider Dealers
There are a number of reasons why dealers are better than private sellers. For one, dealers have to keep their reputation in mind and want to turn clients into loyal customers. When an individual sells you a bad bike, all you can do is vent to friends or send them an angry email. A dealer usually has online reviews that affect their brand and business so they have greater incentive to keep you happy.
Second, dealerships have professionals who thoroughly inspect and fix the used motorcycle so they can assign it a price. Individual dealers may not take the time to fix minor bugs that can develop into big problems or they may not have the technical skills to do so. Dealerships parts replacement options are also often cheaper than taking your bike to a mechanic.
The last but not least great reason to choose a dealership is that you get to see a variety of models in one place. When you’re dealing with individual sellers, you have to go to multiple homes all over town to check out the bikes, which is both time consuming and spendy. It’s easier to drive to a dealership and see multiple models at one stop.
Inspection and Test Ride
Once you’ve narrowed down to one option, you have to inspect it to make sure all its parts work properly. You also will be looking for any red flags that might make you change your mind about that motorcycle. Always inspect used motorcycles when they’re cold. Some issues crop up during that first startup. A sneaky seller could start up the motorcycle before you get there so you don't notice those issues. Make sure this doesn't happen!
When you're looking over the bike, check for any possible issues. Inspect the tire tread, the frame, the fuel tank and so on. It also helps to head out on a test drive. Practice accelerating, turning and braking to see how it handles. You are looking for any performance issues. But you are also looking to get a feel for the motorcycle and see if it fits well for you!
We hope you’ll find this information useful during your selection process! To check out top-quality used motorcycles for sale in Beaumont, TX, get in touch with the sales department here at Cowboy Powersports and have a chat with one of our friendly staff! We’re also the preferred used motorcycle dealer for our clients from Lake Charles and Pasadena!