Used Motorcycle Buying Guide

While not everyone can afford to pay top dollar for a brand-new bike, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy to perks of being a proud motorcycle owner. Whether you’ve just recently found yourself fascinated with motorcycles or you’re a veteran rider who’s looking for a different style of bike, there are plenty of affordable options out there.

Here at Road Track & Trail, we’re happy to offer a wide variety of pre-owned motorcycles for sale. If you’re on a budget or simply looking for a great deal, visit our dealership today to start browsing! You’ll find us conveniently located near Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Kenosha, Wisconsin. We also proudly serve Chicago, Illinois.

Select A Style

This first thing you should do is decide what style of bike you prefer. The best way to go about this is to think about how you plan to use your motorcycle. Do you intend to cruise down the streets in style for the fun of it? If so, consider a cruiser. On the other hand, if you’re looking to shorten your commute and make it more enjoyable, you might be better suited with a touring bike. If you want to hit the track or go off-roading, look into sport bikes.

If you’re wondering why choosing a style is so important, it’s because most motorcycles are geared toward a specific type of riding. For example, you don’t want to tire yourself out on a long commute with a cruiser when you should have a touring bike instead. When you take the time to figure out what it is you want in a bike, you’ll be able to narrow down the options more easily.

Establish A Budget

Next, you should figure out how much you’re able to spend on a used motorcycle. Of course, you don’t want to hoard your money and end up with a lemon, but if you are specifically buying used to save money, then you want to be diligent with your budget. This is critical because the cost doesn’t stop after you’ve purchased the bike. You still need to consider all the necessities that a motorcycle requires, like insurance, licensing, safety gear, and so on. Be sure you account for these expenses as you establish a budget, too.

If you don’t have the cash you need readily available to buy the pre-owned motorcycle of your dreams, you can look into financing options at the dealership. Financing allows you to pay a down payment so you can hit the streets sooner. As a matter of fact, we’re proud to offer financing options right here at Road Track & Trail. Don’t forget to ask for more details when you visit our dealership.

Narrow Down Sellers

Once you’ve decided what type of bike you’re after and how much you can spend on it, it’s time to check out the seller options. If you’re a beginner, it might be best to avoid online posting services as many private sellers haven’t been vetted and can’t be held responsible for selling you a piece of junk that breaks down after a couple rides.

Your best bet for scoring a pre-owned motorcycle will be choosing an established dealership with a good reputation such as Road Track & Trail. Do your research and make sure you check around before you decide on one seller. You can compare prices and reviews to determine the best option for you. You can take notes so you know what questions to ask about the vehicle history and previous maintenance or repairs that the bike has had.

Go For a Test Ride

Last but not least, you absolutely need to take your bike of choice for a test ride. Even when you’re shopping with a trusted dealership, it’s essential that you try the bike out to ensure it feels comfortable for you and that it handles and functions properly. Before you go for a test ride, make sure the used motorcycle has been left cold with the engine off, so you can examine it as it starts up.

Look at the oil and check the fuel tank for signs of leaks or corrosion. This will work best when you use a flashlight. Check the tire treads for signs of excessive or uneven wear. Look over the body of the bike and check for any rashes or bent levers that indicate a collision. You don’t want to overlook important details, so take your time and be as thorough as possible.

When you’re ready to start browsing used motorcycles for sale, stop by Road Track & Trail! Our dealership is located near Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Kenosha, Wisconsin. We also proudly serve Chicago, Illinois.