Things You'll Need:
- Flash light
- Motorcycle savvy buddy
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Step 1
Go to the Yamaha dealer to check out motorcycle types and styles available. You are just looking so don't give in to the salesperson. This way you can see which motorcycle fits you best and what options you can and cannot live without. Some dealers will let you go for a test drive.
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Step 2
Look for used bikes in your model online. Search auction sites such as eBay.com, traderonline.com, your local classifieds and Yamaha dealer inventory lists. Many riders quit riding in the first few months of buying their motorcycle, so almost all types of used motorcycles are always available.
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Step 3
Check the blue book value of the motorcycle make and model. This way you will have a place to start negotiating price and you will also know if the asking price is reasonable for a used motorcycle.
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Step 1
Pick out a few local Yamaha motorcycles you are interested in and go and kick the tires. Bring a critical bike savvy friend with you so there are two sets of eyes looking at the motorcycle.
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Step 2
Scour for rust on the bars and foot pegs which may indicate the motorcycle that the bike has been laid down. Look for broken turn signals and a faring that is askew. This could indicate the bike has been crashed. Be wary of new paint jobs that might be hiding old damage.
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Step 3
Check light switches, lines and wheels. Make sure the brakes lights work. The brake cables should not have any damage and the brake pads should have at least 1/8 inch thickness left on them. Inspect the rotors for cracks, grooves and other deep wear.
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Step 4
Look at and smell all the fluids. Make sure the brake fluid is light amber and the oil is light colored. Any variation of this and you might be looking at an abused motorcycle.
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Step 5
Start the motorcycle cold and listen to the engine. If the owner has it warmed up for you, it may have trouble starting cold. Bring your riding gear for a test ride if the owner will allow it. While riding the motorcycle look at the forks to see if they are twisted or bent. If you are pointing the bars straight and the bike isn't going straight, the forks are twisted.
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Step 1
Negotiate a price. Tell the buyer you saw the blue book price and evaluated the bike's condition and offer a fair counter price to the asking price. If the asking price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Step 2
Factor in a large margin of error if you are not able to do a pre-purchase inspection on a used motorcycle. Check the feedback of the seller if you are using an online auction and avoid buyers who have negative feedback.
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Step 3
Work out payment arrangements and change the title. Consider using a reputable escrow service so that and your funds are secured until you get the bike.
