Why you Should Buy Your Used Motorcycle From a Dealer

Are you in the market for a used motorcycle but not sure where to start? Buying a pre-owned bike can be a daunting experience, especially with so many options available. Luckily, we have the perfect solution for you: purchasing your used motorcycle from a reputable dealer.

With a unique blend of expertise, professionalism, and convenience, dealerships offer distinct advantages over private sellers.

Buckle up as we dive into the world of used motorcycles and break down the key reasons why a dealership should be your go-to choice for finding your next ride.

Buying a Used Motorcycle from a Private Seller vs. a Dealership: What to Consider

When you’re on the hunt for a new-to-you motorcycle, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is whether to purchase from a dealership vs. a private seller. And even though it might be tempting to try to score a deal from a private seller, this route comes with more than its fair share of risks.

Is it Better to Purchase from a Dealership or a Private Seller?

Let’s look closer at the perks of buying a motorcycle from a dealership and how they stack up against the potential drawbacks of working with a private seller.

Advantages of Buying a Used Motorcycle from a Dealership

When you choose to work with a dealership, you can reap benefits that include:

1. Reputation and Accountability: Dealerships are regulated businesses with a reputation to uphold, ensuring a higher level of accountability and professionalism than private sellers.
2. Wide Selection: Dealerships typically offer a diverse inventory of used motorcycles, allowing you to choose from various makes, models, and price ranges to find the perfect fit for your needs.
3. Warranty Options: Many dealerships provide limited warranties on used motorcycles, giving you added protection and peace of mind in case of mechanical issues or defects after the purchase.
4. Flexible Financing: Dealerships often work with multiple lenders and provide in-house financing options, making it easier for you to secure a loan with favorable terms and interest rates.
5. Expertise and Knowledge: Dealerships employ knowledgeable staff who can provide accurate information about the motorcycle’s history, maintenance, and potential issues, ensuring you make an informed decision.
6. Trade-In Options: If you want to trade in your current motorcycle, dealerships can streamline the process and apply the trade-in value towards your new purchase, saving you time and effort.
7. Inspected and Serviced: Dealerships often perform thorough inspections and maintenance on used motorcycles before listing them for sale, ensuring the bike is in good condition and reducing the likelihood of hidden issues.
8. Reduced Fraud Risk: Dealerships are less likely to engage in fraudulent activities, such as selling stolen motorcycles or those with altered odometers, providing a safer buying experience.
9. Convenience: Purchasing a used motorcycle from a dealership is generally more convenient, as they handle all the paperwork, registration, and title transfer processes on your behalf.
10. Legal Protection: In case of issues with the motorcycle, you have better legal recourse when dealing with a dealership, as they are regulated businesses with established customer service channels and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Disadvantages of Buying a Used Motorcycle from a Private Seller

While it’s true that private sellers might be willing to negotiate a rock-bottom price, there are some major drawbacks to this option:

1. Lack of Accountability: Private sellers are not bound by the same regulations and standards as dealerships, which means they may not be held accountable if the motorcycle has undisclosed issues or if the transaction goes awry.
   
2. Limited Selection: When buying from a private seller, your options are limited to what they have available, whereas dealerships usually offer a wider variety of makes and models to choose from.
   
3. No Warranty: Private sellers typically do not provide any warranty on the motorcycle, leaving you responsible for any repairs or issues that may arise after the purchase.
4. Limited Financing Options: Private sellers usually require full payment upfront or a personal loan from a financial institution, while dealerships often offer flexible financing options tailored to your needs.
5. Less Expertise: Private sellers may have a different level of knowledge about motorcycles than a dealer, making it more challenging to get accurate information on the bike’s history, maintenance, and potential issues.
6. No Trade-in Option: If you want to trade in your current motorcycle, private sellers typically do not offer trade-in services, whereas dealerships can facilitate the trade-in process and apply the value towards your new purchase.
7. Hidden Issues: Private sellers might only disclose some existing problems with the motorcycle, either intentionally or due to a lack of awareness. This can leave you with unforeseen repair costs and a compromised riding experience.
8. Fraud Risk: Scams are more prevalent in private sales, with unscrupulous sellers attempting to offload stolen motorcycles, bikes with tampered odometers, or those with outstanding liens, posing potential legal and financial risks for the buyer.
9. Time-Consuming Process: Buying from a private seller can be time-consuming, as you may need to contact multiple sellers, arrange meetings, and inspect each motorcycle individually before deciding.
10. Limited Legal Recourse: In case of disputes or issues with the motorcycle, your legal recourse against a private seller may be limited, making it harder to seek compensation for any damages or losses incurred.

How to Buy a Motorcycle from a Dealership: Top Tips

Buying a used motorcycle from a dealership can be a rewarding experience that saves you money while still getting you a reliable ride. To make the process as smooth as possible, use these tips to ensure you get the best deal and have a positive shopping experience:

• Do your research: Begin by researching the makes and models that interest you. Read reviews, join forums, and consult fellow riders to gain insights into various motorcycles’ performance, reliability, and quirks.
• Figure out a budget: Set a realistic budget for your purchase, considering additional costs like taxes, registration fees, insurance, and any necessary modifications or repairs. When you’re shopping for pre-owned bikes, you’ll have a wide range of price points – so it’s definitely possible to find something great on a budget!
• Take advantage of the test ride: Request a test ride to get a feel for the bike’s performance and handling. Listen for unusual sounds, check the clutch and gear shifting, and ensure the brakes work smoothly.
  
• Ask about a warranty: Inquire about any available warranty options, especially if the motorcycle is a recent model or has low mileage. A warranty can provide peace of mind and protect you against unforeseen repair costs.

Check Out Fay Myers’s Great Selection of New & Used Motorcycles

Here’s the most important thing to know when it comes to finding your perfect pre-owned bike: the best place to buy a used motorcycle is a reputable dealership that values integrity, customer service, and quality.

At Fay Myers Motorcycle World, we’ve been committed to our customers for over half a century – so you can trust us to help you purchase a motorcycle, you’ll love for years to come. We have a huge selection of pre-owned motorcycles for sale in Colorado, featuring an impressive variety of features, price points, manufacturers, and more.

Plus, we offer our customers something that no other Colorado motorcycle dealership can: an estimated trade-in value for your current bike in less than one minute! In just 30 seconds, you can know how much your trade-in is worth so that you can get the best bang for your buck.

Browse our inventory of pre-owned motorcycles now, then contact our team to start the purchase process when you’re ready!