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 10 of 28 ads found )
29 July 2010
Yamaha XVS1100 VStar Custom Motorcycle. Pre-register in..
Colour: black. mileage: 47,000 extra’s fitted: windscreen, sissy bar and rack. spotlight bar and lights. cigarette lighter (for sat nav etc). leather panniers, rack bag and tank bib. this bike is in sound condition with good tyres. .
£2,500
HG3
25 July 2010
Great black Vespa ET2..
Well maintained 50cc black vespa et2 for sale! it has been fully serviced each year, has had all the wiring checked, new battery, new spark plug, and a new exhaust. works perfectly and is in excellent condition, but has some of the typical london surface marks. tax and mot go ou. .
£800
NW1
24 July 2010
vespa px..
Black vespa px , great condition and excellent runner . 03 reg ,.
£1,150
WS11
22 July 2010
Hello Kitty Bicycle - MTB - 14,5(5-6 years)..
Hello kitty bicycle - mtb - 14,5(5-6 years), white hi-ten frame, aluminium rims and brakes, shimano gear (6 speeds). for 1,50 mt tall woman. .
£377
19 July 2010
2 x Brand New Direct Bikes 125cc Scooters Sports..
Company selling 2 excess scooters. both registered 2months ago. 0 miles - not been started. warranty and purchase receipts etc. must go in 2 weeks otherwise will be sold at auction. bought for over 850 inc delivery and registration etc.
£600
E14
15 July 2010
suzuki gsxr 1100 + kawasaki zxr 900(part ex for hayabus..
Both bikes are in perfect working order. the gsxr is a p reg, millage 26000, and the zxr is a n reg, milage 14000. both bikes are tuned and very fast. they ride perfect, with no rattles nor bangs and no burning oil. thye are taxed and moted. will part ex both bike for a hay. .
WS10
07 July 2010
For Sale 2003 DUCATI M620 Dark - Custom Retro Paint!..
3,813 miles orange 620 cc 03 reg (2003) 3,813 miles, excellent condition, custom paint (retro style orange with black stripe), 1 month mot, currently sorn, immobiliser, garaged, never dropped, lady owner, very low mileage, unique fantastic looking and sounding bike. brilliant to. .
£2,500
NE3
06 July 2010
Cagiva Mito Evolution 125..
Registered 2002 - body & engine in excellent condition, tax & mot, recently serviced, history available. reason for sale is to buy a car. logbook in my name and address. no swaps cash only on collection of bike. call charlie on 07729775732.
£1,200
E2
yamaha vino 50 (limited edition)..
Nice little bike that needs a little love which is unregistered but i have the forms to register it. the bike is deristricted and does 50 easily and has new handlebars and grips also has a nearly full take of petrol. i have all the paper that come with the bike and the reason wh. .
£460
WD6
04 July 2010
Yamaha YFM250 Raptor..
yamaha yfm250r for sale - good condition not used as much as i would have liked due to area. so its time to find someone who will have more use for it. back left has slow puncture but otherwise very good !. comes with helmet - various oils and lubes. and has a vapour spedo fit. .
£1,700
KY11
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