Buy Used Motorcycles - Watch Out For This Part

If this is the year you finally get to go look and or buy used motorcycles, then there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Most likely, you being a motorcycle lover, especially the older models, are going to know mechanically what to look for. But when you go to buy used motorcycles, the paperwork can be a nightmare.

This is especially so, with the older ones out there on the market. Many people just end up with used motorcycles, in their garage, backyard or in the side shed. They maybe got them from friends, or planned on rebuilding it, and it just never happened. So, now they put it in the local paper for sale, and here you are.

If this seller cannot produce any ownership or any paperwork, then your alarm bells should go off. This doesn't mean you can't still buy used motorcycles, but it does mean a little bit more work.

You can go to your license office, armed with the serial number, and for a fee they can tell you if it is stolen, and they should also be able to give you a form that you and this seller will have to fill out and get notarized by an official, to get a proper ownership.

If the seller gets twitchy when you start talking about him signing legal pieces of paper with his name and address. or he starts saying “I am selling this for a friend” type thing, then turn and walk away. Unless you are just looking for a parts bike, you are never going to get this bike on the road without the proper papers.

We went to look, and buy a used motorcycle, and the guy produced an ownership that had been signed over alright, but 4 owners ago!. So, be really careful when it comes to buying used motorcycles, no job is finished until the paperwork is done! (I love that saying!) Don’t let the excitement of the bike ruin your good judgment. Follow your gut feeling, it is usually right.