How do I buy a motorcycle?
Before you shop
Decide how much you can spend on the bike, the insurance, the gear and the first year of maintenance. Choose a style, such as cruiser, sport or dual-sport, based on how you plan to ride. Pick a size you can comfortably reach the ground with, since fit affects control and confidence.
Check your license status before buying. Many buyers need a motorcycle endorsement to ride the bike home legally, so plan how you will get it home if needed.
- Set a total budget, not just a purchase price
- Choose a style that fits your riding
- Check that you can reach the ground
- Confirm your license situation before buying
Buying safely
Inspect the bike in daylight and look for leaks, cracks, rust and uneven tire wear. Check the title, confirm the VIN matches the paperwork, and ask for service records. Test ride the motorcycle on a route with varied speeds, and pay with a method that creates a clear paper trail. Before you pay, ask the seller about any recent repairs and whether the bike has been ridden in rain or cold weather often.
- Look for fluid leaks and cracked parts
- Match the VIN to the title
- Ask for service records
- Test ride before paying
Common mistakes
- Buying a bike that is too large or powerful for your current skill level.
- Paying before checking the title and the VIN against the paperwork.
Related questions
- How much should I spend on my first motorcycle?
- What should I look for when buying a used motorcycle?
- Is it better to buy a new or used motorcycle?
- How many miles is too many on a used motorcycle?
- Should I buy a motorcycle with a lien on the title?
- What questions should I ask a private motorcycle seller?