Buying a Used Motorcycle

When you look at used motorcycles for sale, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the many options. There are just so many out there! You need some way to narrow down your options, but where do you start?

We created the following guide to help you pick your next dream motorcycle. When you are ready to visit a used motorcycle dealership, visit Freedom Cycles. You'll find us in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pick Your Style

Before you set foot onto a used motorcycle dealership, you'll want to narrow down your options. Otherwise, it's all too easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of used motorcycles for sale! You can start by pair down your search to one style of used motorcycles.

First, there are cruisers. As their name implies, these are designed for cruising around the city. They pack the power needed to keep up with other motorists on the road and often boast engines surpassing 1,000ccs. They also offer plenty of style. Their aesthetic is taken from motorcycles built between the 1930s and 1960s, which gives them a vintage look.

Second, there are touring motorcycles. These are designed for touring, which is also known as long-distance riding. Comfort is king with these motorcycles. You'll enjoy an ergonomic riding frame and other features so that you can ride for hours on end. 

Third, there are sport bike models. These are designed to conquer the race track, but they can also conquer the city streets. High speed capacities and responsive handling are key features of this style.

Decide on a Budget Beforehand

Before you start looking at options at a used motorcycle dealership, you'll want to set a firm budget. It's all too easy to get persuaded by a charismatic used motorcycle dealer to buy something beyond your price range. You want to limit your used motorcycles searching to only models you can afford.

Remember that your budget needs to include more than the asking price of the motorcycle. It also needs to include the cost of any riding gear and motorcycle insurance.

Shop with Trusted Dealers

When you search for used motorcycles for sale, you have two options: go with a private seller or go with a used motorcycle dealership. Sure, you'll find cheaper used motorcycles with an individual seller. But the lower price can be deceiving. Oftentimes, you'll end up with mechanical issues that cost you an arm and a leg to fix!

A used motorcycle dealer is incentivized to give you a fair deal. They have their reputation and Yelp reviews to worry about after all. Look for a used motorcycle dealership with favorable customer reviews (such as Freedom Cycles) to get a good, honest deal.

Inspection and Test Ride

When you shop for used motorcycles, it's important to inspect your options. You'll want to look for red flags that could manifest into expensive mechanic bills down the road. Make sure to inspect the motorcycle cold. You don't want to let the seller hide issues by starting it up before you arrive!

After you give the vehicle a thorough inspection, you'll want to take it for a test drive. Practice accelerating, turning, and braking. See if you can spot any performance issues. If you can't find any, then you may have just found your next motorcycle!

Ready to look at used motorcycles for sale? Visit Freedom Cycles. We offer a range of used motorcycles for sale that fit all budgets, riding levels, and riding abilities. We are a used motorcycle dealership proudly serving those in Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, and Lee's Summit, Missouri.