A Brief Guide on Buying a New Motorcycle
Welcome to our step-by-step guide on how to buy a new motorcycle. When it's time to buy your next two-wheeled ride, you'll appreciate having Bartels' Harley-Davidson to point you in the right direction. For more information, visit our location in Marina Del Rey, California, serving Malibu and Santa Monica.
Your Needs as a Buyer
Before you buy a motorcycle, you should have an idea of the bike you're looking for. Do you want something with a lower seat height? Or are you planning to take your long-distance trips further than ever before? Make sure to do some research before starting your hunt so you know what features to look for.
Finding a Dealer You Can Trust
It would help if you found a reliable dealer near you. The dealer should be well-versed in different types of bikes. Luckily, good dealerships have an advantage over private sellers: they rely on your positive experience to spread the word and keep repeat customers. That means they’ll put in the extra effort to make sure you get what you want.
The Dealer's Inventory
A good dealership will have full inventory in their showroom. That will allow you to explore the options you have on hand, learning from the dealer about features, models, and brands that you may not be familiar with.
The Test Ride and What to Watch For
When possible, test ride a motorcycle before you even start paperwork. When you're test riding, you must keep an eye out for red flags. Make sure the bike starts up on the first or second kick. Pay attention to how it shifts between the first and second gear.
Also, observe how the bike gets out of gear to go to neutral when it is not running. If it struggles with shifting, you may want to look at an alternative model.
Rock the motorcycle forward and backward as you examine how the front suspension responds. If the suspension feels loose, ask your dealer to check it.
After the Test Ride
After getting off the bike, take some time to think about how it felt. How did it handle on different terrains? How was the acceleration? How would you rate its braking capabilities? Consider these factors before concluding if the bike meets your needs.
The Purchase Price
Before you buy the motorcycle, negotiate a fair price. You may also want to consider financing options or learn about your warranty options from the dealer.
The Paperwork
After you've negotiated a buying price, it's time to sign some papers! Double-check everything on the contract, including any warranty options, before signing.
At Bartels' Harley-Davidson, we offer quality motorcycles. We have a location in Marina Del Rey, California, serving Malibu and Santa Monica. Contact Bartels' Harley-Davidson for more information.