Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by
When the time comes to purchase a motorcycle, riders debate whether they should buy a new or used bike. Many riders find purchasing a used bike is the best way to save money on an amazing bike. However, a person must take care when purchasing anything used, including a bike. What benefits and drawbacks come with each option?
The biggest problem when advising someone on buying a new or used bike is the variety of used bikes on the market. When a person buys new, they know they are getting a bike that is set to factory standards. If they purchase a used motorcycle, they cannot know definitively how the owner handled the bike. Furthermore, the location of the used bike plays a role in the asking price. For this reason, when choosing a motorcycle that is pre-owned, only the rider can determine if it is a good deal.
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Used Bikes Come at a Lower Cost
New bikes cost more than previously owned motorcycles. A new bike depreciates the minute the proud owner rides it off the dealer’s lot. Buying secondhand means someone else has been impacted by this depreciation. The subsequent owner benefits as a result. However, a used bike sold through a dealer comes with a higher price tag than a used bike being sold by the owner.
Buyers must consider hidden costs that come with buying used. For example, the new owner may find they must service the bike soon after purchasing it. Determine when a used bike will need servicing and factor the cost of this service into the purchase price if the service will be required in the coming months.
Financing also plays a role in the cost of a bike. Used vehicles come with higher interest rates when the purchase is financed. New bikes, in contrast, come with lower rates. In fact, a person might not pay any interest when purchasing a new bike through a dealer.
Consider the Condition
People buy new bikes because they want a vehicle nobody else has owned. They know the condition of the bike and typically get a warranty when they buy new. When buying a used motorcycle, the purchaser can’t know for sure how the motorcycle was cared for. The seller can claim anything, and it may be difficult for the buyer to verify these claims.
New motorcycles come with a warranty. Furthermore, the buyer knows the dealer will handle mechanical issues that arise. There are also lemon laws that protect a buyer if they get a bike with major issues the dealership cannot fix.
The Abilities of the Owner
Used bikes are more prone to breakdowns than new motorcycles. A person needs to determine what repairs they are qualified to make and which will need the help of a mechanic. When bike shoppers decide to buy used, they need to set aside money for future repairs or learn how to complete these repairs.
Is Technology Important?
Buying a new bike means the owner gets access to the latest technology and safety features. Used bikes may not have one or more of the features the rider wants, leaving them with limited options. Determine which features you consider essential in a bike and determine which model years have those features. This helps a rider determine whether they should buy new or used.
Consider all options when purchasing a motorcycle. Buying used allows you to get a bike you love at an affordable price. However, you may need to do without some of the latest features. Buying a new bike means you will pay more, but you also get a warranty. Each rider must determine what is most important to them and choose a bike accordingly.
Read More: How to Ride a Motorcycle for Beginners?
