After making the decision between buying a used or new motorcycle, the decision has been made to purchase a new motorcycle over a used one. There are a lot of advantages to buying a new motorcycle: it should include a warranty, there hasn’t been any damage from usage, and of course it has that new motorcycle smell. Still, there are some things that a buyer should keep in mind when shopping for a new motorcycle.

Visually Inspecting the Motorcycle

Since it is a new motorcycle a buyer can be assured that it hasn’t received any damage from usage. But, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any physical damage at all. A buyer should still do a visual inspection. Has the paint been damaged, either during its build, or while being moved around in the shop. If so, this might be a negotiating point for the sale price.

A buyer should also check to make sure it was put together correctly. Some motorcycles are put together in the factory, and some are put together after shipping and on site. Either way, people are the ones doing the work, and people do sometimes make mistakes. Check and make sure all nuts and bolts are in place, that the chain it’s too loose or tight, and that the wheels don’t wobble.

Just like doing a pre-ride check before each ride, a buyer should do the same check before taking the bike out on a test ride. Do all the lights work correctly and are the tires to pressure? If it’s been sitting the tires might have gone down a bit.

Doing a Test Ride

Some motorcycle dealerships aren’t very good about offering a test ride, but a test ride should always be taken. The motorcycle might look perfect, and be the exact bike a buyer wants. But when taking it out for a test ride, the rider gets a feel for the bike. Maybe the seat height is too high for a short rider. Or, maybe it’s too short for the taller riders. Do the handlebars feel right and are the switches easily accessible? Just like test driving a car, test driving a motorcycle will give the buyer an opportunity to decided if it’s the right bike for them

In the End

There certainly are not as many visual checks and inspections that need to be made when buying a new motorcycle over a used one. Yet, that doesn’t mean the bike shouldn’t be inspected. Take a look at the bike, walk around the bike, and most importantly ride the bike. If it all feels and looks good, it’s the bike to get. If it doesn’t all feel or look right, move on down the aisle until the right motorcycle is found.