Now that the weather is warming up and summer is just around the corner, many people have motorcycles on their brains. Riding a bike is far more enjoyable than being stuck in a car listening to the radio. You get to live in the moment and have more freedom on the road, plus save on fuel costs.
If there’s a spot in your garage for a motorcycle, now is a great time to make the investment. The good news is that you can pick up a bike for a relatively low cost when you shop for repossessed and salvage bikes. Most online repo sites are still in full operation amid the coronavirus pandemic because everything is done online.
To ensure you don’t get burned by a bad bike deal, here are some tips to follow.
Know Who You’re Buying From
To ensure you’re looking at true repossessions, be sure to shop with a legitimate seller like RepoFinder.com. We maintain an active list of banks, lenders and credit unions selling repossessions. Dealerships and other online sites claim they sell repos, but usually, they purchase them at the discounted price and resell them to you for more.
RepoFinder.com is great for do-it-yourselfers who aren’t afraid to hunt for a great deal. You’re cutting out the middleman and getting low prices, as well as the ability to negotiate a better deal. This is why we always recommend asking the banks for better loan terms and rates, as they’re often willing to incentivize repo buyers.
Be Clear about What You Want
As you shop for repo motorcycles, it’s helpful to know what you are willing to splurge on and what you aren’t. If you’re a beginner, you probably don’t need a new bike. Eventually, the bike will hit the pavement, so it’s best to get more comfortable riding before buying an expensive bike. For now, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How do I plan on riding? Are you intending to use the bike for relaxing rides in the country? To get to and from work with less fuel? To show off to your bike-loving friends?
- Will anyone be riding with you? If so, you’ll want a motorcycle that has an extra seat.
- How much am I willing to spend? Motorcycles range in price from $500 to $25,000+. Decide how much you are comfortable spending. Keep in mind that repo bikes often require maintenance, so leave some room in your budget to cover it.
Things to Watch for with Used Motorcycles
When shopping for repo bikes on a site like RepoFinder.com, you’ll find all the information you need to make a decision. Narrow your search based on the features you’re looking for and the price you’re willing to pay.
We always recommend doing an inspection or hiring someone to do an inspection before signing anything. Here are the things to look for in pictures and in person:
- Check for rust and scratches on the bodywork, tank, fenders and footpegs. Oxidized paint and a cracked seat indicate that the bike has been through a lot of use.
- The chain should be clean and tight. A rusty, grimey chain indicates a lack of maintenance.
- Inspect the engine and transmission for signs of oil seepage or leaks. The brake discs should also be smooth and clean.
- Start up the bike (if possible). It should emit little smoke. Beware of blue smoke or blue brake discs, as these are signs of abuse.
Ready to ride off in style? Get yourself a motorcycle this summer with a budget you can afford at RepoFinder.com.