Difference between revisions of "Used Motorcycle Evaluation"

* Laws vary a bit from country to country -- for example, in some countries, liens are not listed on the title. (Canada is one example.) Check with the government's motor vehicle registration authority, your bank, your insurance agent, etc., to find out how to do a search for existing liens. This may cost extra money, and you may just want to have the seller certify (on the bill of sale, perhaps, but definitely in writing) that the bike is free and clear of liens.

* Laws vary a bit from country to country -- for example, in some countries, liens are not listed on the title. (Canada is one example.) Check with the government's motor vehicle registration authority, your bank, your insurance agent, etc., to find out how to do a search for existing liens. This may cost extra money, and you may just want to have the seller certify (on the bill of sale, perhaps, but definitely in writing) that the bike is free and clear of liens.

* Most sellers probably won't give you a test ride for liability reasons, but bring riding gear just in case. You can learn a lot about a bike from a quick test ride, things you'd never notice by even the most thorough inspection. Sometimes sellers that won't give you a test ride will let you ride the bike once you've purchased it, with a money-back guarantee if you don't like it. In Massachusetts, riding a bike that you just purchased is illegal (unless somehow you already have insurance & plates for the thing), but if you're willing to break the law, you can learn a lot from a quick, clandestine spin around the block.

* Most sellers probably won't give you a test ride for liability reasons, but bring riding gear just in case. You can learn a lot about a bike from a quick test ride, things you'd never notice by even the most thorough inspection. Sometimes sellers that won't give you a test ride will let you ride the bike once you've purchased it, with a money-back guarantee if you don't like it. In Massachusetts, riding a bike that you just purchased is illegal (unless somehow you already have insurance & plates for the thing), but if you're willing to break the law, you can learn a lot from a quick, clandestine spin around the block.