Buying Your First Motorcycle? Here's Everything You Need to Consider

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Although money might be part of why you choose a used bike on Craigslist or one straight off the showroom floor from a local dealer, you definitely don't want that to be the only reason.

If you're experienced at DIY automotive stuff, such as oil changes, and you already have a bunch of tools, you're in better shape to choose either a used or a new bike. A used bike, by definition, is probably going to require more TLC immediately than a new bike. Although some used bikes might come with a full service history and might even have just recently had a full service, that won't be the case with all (or even most) of them.

It also depends on what you're interested in. Although a lot of riders like getting grease under their fingernails, there are also plenty who just like to whip out their credit cards and have a mechanic (or a mechanically-skilled friend or family member) do all that stuff for them. If you don't want to do it yourself, scope out your service options in the area before you commit to any bike, new or used. Getting an exotic Italian bike is nice, but if you ride home with the Aprilia of your dreams and you aren't planning to do DIY maintenance, you'd better be sure there's someone around who knows what they're doing. Otherwise, you could be spending a lot of time parked, if something major happens.

Look at the general condition of the bike.

Does it look like someone took care of it, or like it got thrashed and dumped repeatedly at every track day from your house to Laguna Seca? Yeah, we know the CL ad said certain things, but it's up to you to make sure they're all true -- not the seller. (And if it's obvious that the seller's blatantly lying about anything, just walk away -- you don't know what else they might be hiding, and you're putting your life in that seller's hands if you buy that bike.)

How about that chain?

Does it look well-maintained? Dirty? Obviously too loose or too tight, even without taking it for a test ride? Does that rear sprocket look good, and not like it has too much wear? Is it missing teeth, or bent? Chain condition is a good indicator of how well the bike's previous owner has been taking care of the bike.

Ideally, you should clean and wax the chain at regular intervals -- and replace it and the sprockets as needed. (You can also change the chain and sprockets for performance purposes, but that's a separate issue.) If the chain is filthy, obviously not properly adjusted, and/or that rear sprocket looks questionable, you have to ask yourself if you're willing to address those issues right at the start of the riding season. Since you probably just want to hop on and put some miles on your bike, you might want to keep looking. The same goes for a belt on a belt-driven bike. Check that it isn't cracked, missing teeth, or otherwise looking horribly tired and worn.

Is the tool kit intact?

Most bikes come with some sort of factory-issued toolkit onboard, usually tucked under the seat somewhere. It's good to have for chain adjustments, spark plug changes, and general loosening/tightening of various bits around the bike. If your bike has a fairing with some of those annoying plastic rivets, the tool kit may also contain a special tool to help you get those off more easily -- something you don't want to lose, or have to buy a replacement for from the manufacturer. If the tool kit is missing, or doesn't have everything it should (and you can find out what it should have by trawling forums for that specific year, make, and model), there's always eBay. Cult bikes tend to have both forums and existing secondhand parts networks, so those are good places to check for information, too.

Check the rep of the dealer you're buying from. How do they treat their customers? Are existing customers satisfied with their work on bikes that go in for service? You're going to get very friendly with that dealer, so you'd better make sure you'll be happy. This is one area where customer service is definitely more important than money spent. You want a good deal, but you also want good service.

Are you only going to do off-road/dirtbike riding? Do you want an adventure bike? Do you want a road bike?

• If a road bike is the answer, what kind of seating position do you prefer: aggressive sport, straight-up standard, or relaxed cruiser?


•  Something in between, like a power cruiser or a sport touring bike? 


• Is lots of space in luggage (or an ability to add big luggage in the future) very important? 


• Do you just want something sleek and cool, with no bags to weigh you down?

Your height and comfort level are also important.

Some people are fine with always being on tip-toes at stop lights, but some people prefer to flat-foot any time they come to a complete stop. If you're a short rider, keep that in mind -- and also keep in mind that you CAN alter the bike of your dreams to make the seat height lower. (Within reason, guys.) Things like switching out the seat (or having the foam inside reprofiled) can make a big difference. Some bikes have adjustable seat height, as well. None of this helps if you want to test-ride a too-tall bike before you buy, but if you're in love, you're not seeing reason anyway and probably already have cash out.

Do you plan to ride with a passenger?

If you're always going to be giving your significant other a ride, you might want to think about a comfortable pillion seat. If you're planning to ride solo, a world of cool solo saddle options is available.