Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm looking for a little advice about buying a first bike. This is about the process not about figuring out which bike to buy. I read the Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles and while it talks a lot about buying a used bike I have one big question.

I want to get it from a good dealer (which I need to find) so that I can rely on them later when I need it. I'm taking an MSF in January and want to get a bike shortly thereafter so I can practice. Now, if I tell a dealer this is my first bike and I don't really know what I'm doing am I going to get ripped off?

My instinct says yes, of course. But I really want an ideal world where I can say that and someone will actually be helpful, and get me a good deal on a good bike. I don't want to pretend like I know it all, since I don't and it could hurt me later on, so I really want to be upfront about it so I can get quality assistance while I'm starting off. Is this possible and should I let them know I'm a newb or should I study uber-hard until I know everything to look for (except that I don't have experience looking on a real bike) and not let on?

Thanks so much

Just my opinion, but id avoid buying a used bike from a dealer. You have no idea where the bike is coming from, what kind of owner last owned the bike, the maintenance history, etc.

start hanging around different shops and asking a lot of questions... you'll get a feeling of which are reputable dealers and which aren't. you have time, so look around and learn. if a dealer is pressuring you to buy, maybe they aren't the dealer from you. a good dealer will steer you straight. good dealers realize there's more to it that just selling you a bike - they'll be interested in making you a long term customer.

If I didn't know much about fixing up a bike, or finding the problems I'd rather buy a used bike from the dealer, where they're more likely to fix any problems with the bike before it's sold then from a random guy who would be far more likely to disguise the problems.

Dealers are Stealers! You can't rely on any motorcycle dealer, they will rip you off any chance they get. I agree with most of the guys in this forum, ur better off to buy a used bike from a private sell, a private guy would be honest, the Dealers lie!

Most dealerships give a short warranty when buying a used bike from them. This gives you the oppurtunity to bring it back to the dealership for them to fix any issues you find with it. Also some states allow you to return a vehicle to the dealership within a specific amount of time if you are not satisfied with it. I doubt a private seller would do any of the above.

Of course you'll pay more, but that's how the cookie crumbles

Get a used bike before the MSF class if you have not ridden before from a private owner. Get a small bike that you can practice on. a 250 to a 500 cc. It should retain it's value. By the time you want to move up, you will have learned a lot more about where and what to buy. You can go to Craigslist.com, = Ebay, Want Ads, Cycletrader, etc. to get an idea. Unless you can trust the dealer upfront, very wary.

MotoF150 wrote:Dealers are Stealers! You can't rely on any motorcycle dealer, they will rip you off any chance they get. I agree with most of the guys in this forum, ur better off to buy a used bike from a private sell, a private guy would be honest, the Dealers lie!

Wrong.
It is the dealers resposibility to make sure the bike you are buying from them is safe to ride. They will not risk their company or their reputation for one lousy bike.
They must inspect a lot of components and change out the brake pads, change the oil, etc.
Don't give me that. I used to work at one.

My experience with bike dealerships is that they are much more honest and helpful than car dealerships.

yes there are thieves out there...but like one of the above posters stated...hang out and talk to them....they will stand out as such.

as always ignore everything MOto150 says...he is occasionally right but wading thru the crap just isnt worth it.

MotoF150 wrote:Dealers are Stealers! You can't rely on any motorcycle dealer, they will rip you off any chance they get. I agree with most of the guys in this forum, ur better off to buy a used bike from a private sell, a private guy would be honest, the Dealers lie!

there's probably some truth to what you're saying. i'm sure there are dealers that are stealers and lie. but there are plenty that are honest. there are plenty that want your business and will be straight with you. if you hang around the dealers, talk to them, and ask questions, you'll quickly learn which ones are honest and which ones want to rip you off and lie to you.

and just because someone sells privately doesn't mean they're honest.