How To Choose The Right Used Motorcycle

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Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are built to last, which is why buying a used motorcycle is a strategic option. Used Harley motorcycles have lots of life left—and a much lower price tag. Below we cover strategies for exploring used Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale. If you want more tips or want to look at models, visit Doc's Harley-Davidson in Kirkwood, Missouri. We proudly serve those in St. Louis and St. Charles as well.

1. Decide What You Need

There are many viable used Harley motorcycles on the market. You'll want to narrow your search to a more manageable number of choices.

First, think about the type of motorcycle you want. Maybe you prioritize style and power, so you look only at cruisers. Maybe you enjoy long-distance riding, so you seek out touring motorcycles. Pick a category of motorcycles that suits your riding style.

Second, consider your experience level. Newer riders will want to focus on lower powered motorcycles that are easier to control. More experienced riders will want heavier, more stable models to tackle tougher routes.

2. Pick A Used Motorcycle Seller

Once you have an idea of what you want, you can start looking at options. Here it helps to decide whether you want to purchase from a used motorcycle dealership or a private seller.

Used motorcycle dealerships offer a few key advantages to consider:

Their reputation is at stake, giving them incentive to give you a fair deal.
They put used motorcycles through an inspection process which helps them catch (and fix) issues so you don't need to deal with them.
They allow you to compare used motorcycles in one visit, rather than going all over town looking at multiple options from private sellers.

3. Inspect The Motorcycle

A used motorcycle may appear in good condition, but contain many problems. Always thoroughly inspect any used motorcycle you are considering. Here you are looking for issues that will cost you in repairs or replacement parts down the road.

Look over everything from the tire tread to the headlights. You may even want to hire a professional inspector because they can catch things that average buyers miss.

4. Ask Questions About The Motorcycle

Find out everything you can about the used motorcycle, such as:

Why did the previous owner(s) sell?
How was the motorcycle ridden?
Are there any red flags on the maintenance report (such as repeat issues or previous accidents)?

Gather information about the model so you can better predict its lifespan and ensure the price matches the motorcycle's quality.

5. Take The Motorcycle For A Test Drive

The last step is to go on a test drive. Here you are looking for two things. First, make sure the motorcycle runs well. It should start up normally and drive normally. Make sure it doesn't have jerky gear changes or veer to one side.

Second, make sure the used motorcycle fits you. Ask yourself questions, such as:

Do you feel comfortable sitting on it?
Can you reach the controls?
Do you feel able to control all of its power?
Does it offer enough storage space?

Some parts of the motorcycle can be tweaked, such as changing out the seat and handlebars to better fit a short or tall rider. But be sure to plan those alterations into your budget.

Ready to shop used motorcycles for sale? The experts at Doc's Harley-Davidson can help you find the best match for your lifestyle. It's always a party at St. Louis' premier dealer, so stop by and visit us today. We are based in Kirkwood, Missouri, and serve those in St. Charles and St. Louis as well.