Purchasing a motorcycle is a big decision. Actually making the purchase should be fun and unforgettable. But, choosing which motorcycle to buy is difficult. Men tend to purchase motorbikes impulsively while women undertake more research before buying. Doing some research before you choose a motorcycle is good advice for everyone.

Researching the Purchase
Before choosing a motorcycle to purchase, compare various models and consider the following:

1. Specifications
  • A. Weight � Sports models are popular because of their light weight.
  • B. Seat Height
  • C. Wheelbase.
2. Comfort
Sit on each motorbike model and make sure that you feel comfortable and at ease.

3. Contact Points
There are three main contact points on a motorcycle. Your hands, feet, and rear should all feel comfortable when on the motorbike. Your arms should be slightly bent at the elbows when sitting on the motorcycle with your hands on the handlebars. Your heels should be on the ground. When in this position, your knees should be slightly bent as well.
  • A. Consider the rise and width of the handlebars. Wider handlebars give you more leverage.
  • B. Your rear needs to feel comfortable on the motorbike even during long trips, on hot days, or as a passenger. There are many accessory seats available. Some have a low profile that looks �cool,� but may not have a lot of padding for comfort. If you have short legs, you may need this type of seat, as it can lower the seat height up to two inches. For long distance riding, a thick, wide seat is recommended, preferably shaped like a chair! Suspension lowering kits can lower the seat if needed when purchasing this type of seat.
  • C. While a floorboard is very comfortable as a footrest, some motorcycles have only foot pegs. You can purchase aftermarket foot pegs that are wider and have rubber insets to increase foot comfort when riding. Wider pegs also provide better control of the motorbike.
4. Accessories
You can add accessories to your motorbike to suit your style of riding. Compare products from various manufacturers. Ask friends for suggestions. Read some motorcycle magazines to get information about accessories. Some accessories you might consider purchasing are:
  • A. Windshields
  • B. Saddlebags
  • C. Wet Weather Gear.
Buying Used Motorbikes
Most dealers have second-hand motorbikes or part exchanges for sale. You can also find used bikes for sale here at classifieds. Dealer prices will be a little higher than if you bought a motorcycle privately. A a reputable seller or dealer will allow you to test ride the bike (always be sure that you are insured to do so). Dealers of course may offer a warranty and / or service contract but check the small print carefully as many of these have so many exclusion clauses they may not be worth the paper they are written on! Always make sure that the bike is not stolen using an HPI check and by ensuring that the selller has the log book and can prove their identity. Also make sure there is a current MOT (if the age of the bike requires it); and a full service history.

Whether you purchase your motorbike from a dealer or privately, check the specifications carefully. Ask if any modifications have been made, as these are frequent on older motorcycles. Modifications are likely to affect your insurance and the motorbike may not be able to pass an MOT if they have not been made to the appropriate standard.

As with the purchase of any vehicle, unless you are a mechanical expert, take someone with you who knows what they are doing and what to look for. Check for exhaust smoke, untoward rattles or noises from the engine (listen to several bikes of the same type to get a feel as to the way they should sound); make sure that lights, horn, brakes are all working and check for wear (a ridge around the outside) on brake disks plus the thickness of the brake pads. When riding, check that the gear changes are smooth; that there is no pulling to one side, particularly when braking. Also check that there are no signs of distress around the ignition barrel (a possible sign of theft or attempted theft in the past). Check that there are keys for ignition and fuel filler cap. Are the wheels buckled? Does the exhaust sound OK or will you be buying a new silencer in the near future? Tyres can be surprisingly expensive so check tread depths - if nothing else this alone can be a good negotiation tool. Ultimately, if something doesn't 'feel right' it probably isn't!

Conclusion
There are many models of motorcycles available on the market, with a myriad of features and accessories. Harley-Davidson alone sells 31 motorbike models in five 'families'. Take some time to research various models of motorcycles; their fit to you; relevant accessories; the bike's paperwork; the identity of the seller; an HPI check (even when buying from a dealer!) and its service history. Make sure you have someone with you who knows what they are doing unless you yourself are a bike expert. With a little research and a sensibly cautious approach when making a purchase, your motorbike should give you many years of enjoyment and thrills when you �hit the road�! Above all, ride safely!
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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 20 of 25 ads found )
06 January 2009
Raptor replica 200cc good condition for the price works fine might need new tyres pretty soon though.
£300
LS12
04 January 2009
Bmw , 2003 (03), 20,000 miles. r 1150 gs, excellent condition, full bmw service history, abs, heated grips,hand shields engine bars, belly pan, and full bmw luggage. .
£4,995
30 December 2008
Swap my bike for somthing mo sporty not botherd of tax mot any con but must run or a garden shed 10 by 60 or biger but must bring it to me my bike as tax and mot 8 of 09 thanks shaun can send pic to your email .
26 December 2008
I have for sale a yamaha xtr 125 nearly new all in black and has been very looked after displaying on the clock is 4900km so its only done 1800 miles very clean and very nice bike full service history and mot certificates and tax it has tax till 03/09 and has a m. o t f. .
£1,600
TS24
14 December 2008
Harley davidson 883 xl custom lowrider sportster 2003 anniversary model with full anniversary kit , including gold anniversary key screamimg eagles pipes , it also has a restrictor kit on for those who have just passed test it has mot may 09 & tax sept 09 very low . .
£3,500
MK10
11 December 2008
Honda cr 80 motor cross (off-road) 1995.
£400
TN13
05 December 2008
I have a very nice honda cbx 750 d reg 1987 with an excellent engine starts first time on the button low mileage this is a very fast bike this bike just needs a little cosmetic tlc as some sad get painted it purple. .
£495
WN4
03 December 2008
Black & copper. full 12 months mot. new battery, full carb rebalance, new rear shock, new rear brake disk & pads. 31562 miles on clock. comes with additional viper race can. £1450 ono. .
£1,450
BH15
02 December 2008
An exellent condition kawasaki pit bike works fine starts first time jst had loads of new parts for it. 140cc 4 gears - manual clutch power band alond with quik twist throttle. £350 and its yours cash on pick up of item.
LU7
29 November 2008
Kawasaki zx-9r ninja 1995 green only 16865 miles full mot standard bike apart from ixil race can very good con superb bike £1500 ono may px for a cheeper car + cash tel 07890089090 01263768895.
NR27
25 November 2008
this is a great little starter bike its road taxed until end of feb 2009 and was fully serviced in may 2008. it has appx 6438 miles on the clock. it had a brand new chain professionally fitted in may as well. this bike has never let me down and starts every time. i . .
£1,450
E13
This is a great little starter bike its road taxed until end of feb 2009. it has appx 6538 miles on the clock. this bike has never let me down and starts every time. i have just passed my test so now i want to buy bigger bike. the bike has a couple of minor scratches. .
£1,450
IG4
This is a 2006 honda cbr1000 rr in like-new condition. some of the mods include: chrome wheels, two brothers undertail exhaust, chrome puig windscreen, chrome mirrors, chrome bar ends, flush mount front blinkers, l. e d brake light / turn signals and collapsable licens. .
£2,000
LE65
24 November 2008
ghost mx model no. gmx125 pit dirt bike specifications: engine: 125cc lifan 4 stroke (alloy cylinder head) cooling: air cooled carb: mikuni pz26 start: kick start gearing: all up gearing – n-1-2-3-4 power: 8. 7 bhp suspension: dnm mt-ar250p a. .
£370
M22
Ghost mx model no. gmx250 pit dirt bike specifications: engine: 250cc loncin 4 stroke cooling: air cooled carb:mikuni pz30 (30mm) start: electric & kick start gearing: 1-n-2-3-4-5 power: 17 bhp suspension: fast ace 66rc / 280mm 1200p adjustable. .
£370
M22
21 November 2008
I have a very nice honda cbx 750 d reg 1987 with an excellent engine starts first time on the button low mileage this is a very fast bike this bike just needs a little cosmetic tlc as some sad get painted it purple. .
£495
WN4
07 November 2008
Yamaha ybr 125cc 08 plate silver 3 years warranty just been serviced 3 years m. o t taxed til august 09 low milage excellent condition if you are interested contact me on 07541648813 .
£1,700
HU7
24 October 2008
Suzuki gsf 650 bandit (abs) - first owner, 6800 km, first registration 25/04/2008. no scratches, no defects - like new. .
£2,850
EC3N
22 October 2008
Im selling a 07 plate moped really good condition, had all its electricals done in last month. reciepts as proof. would be a gd run around. needs some small tlc!!. .
£300
LU7
17 October 2008
Suzuki gsxr k1 600 in corona colors it has done 6800 miles has 11 months tax 1 year mot . its very very good condition . has carbon can and co exhaust and original ,bmc filter and original , yellow screen and head light cover and original , led mirrors, and lots of lit. .
£3,400
ME8
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