6 Steps To Buying A Secondhand Motorbike
Motorbikes are not only thrilling to ride, but they also look cool and will get you to your destination in a fraction of the time of driving. There are many reasons as to why you might want to buy a motorbike – and no matter what the reasons are behind your purchase, it’s important that you know what to look out for before you buy. If you are buying a secondhand motorbike, there are a few steps that you should take before purchasing.
Do your research
Before heading to see a motorbike, make sure that you do thorough research. You will also want to make sure that the bike is priced correctly for what it is, that it’s in a good condition and that it is in a location that’s easy to get to. If you are a bike fanatic you will know what bikes are good and bad, but if you are a novice, read up on motorbike brands and read reviews before searching for the perfect bike for you.
Check the logbook and service history
This is incredibly important when buying a secondhand motorbike – you don’t want to purchase a faulty bike after all. By checking the logbook and service history you will discover what work has been done on the bike over the years, how many owners it has had and if it has been in any accidents. You can also find out when the MOT expires, the registration date, etc. from the DVLA website.
Examine the bike yourself
Before getting a second opinion, make sure that you carry out a thorough check yourself. Query any damage to the foot pedals, exhaust or any other areas of the bike that worries you. You should also check the electrics (before taking it out for a test drive) and check the tyre tread (the legal minimum is 1.6mm).
Get a second opinion
By asking an expert to inspect the vehicle before you buy, you can ensure that the bike is worth the money. They could also point out any potential issues, which you could mention to the seller to see if they could knock some money off of the asking price.
Check the important documents
After checking the bike yourself and getting a second opinion, you should ensure that it has all of the legal documents. Make sure that it not only has the V5C registration certificate (with a DVL watermark on it) but that the VIN (vehicle identification number) matches all of the details in the book.
Take it for a test drive
After you have seen the documents, ask the seller if you can take the bike out on a test drive. If they aren’t comfortable with you taking it for a test drive, ask if you can leave your car keys/I.D with them so they know that you won’t steal the bike. A test drive will show you whether or not the bike is suitable for you.
So, there you go! There are the key 6 steps on how to buy a secondhand bike! When you have purchased your bike, before heading out on the road, make sure that you have motorbike insurance. You can find the perfect insurance for you by doing a quick search – ensuring that it covers everything that you need it to.
