Lease Motorcycle

Tips For Test-Driving A Used Motorcycle

When you are looking to buy a used motorcycle, I firmly believe test-driving is an absolute prerequisite to the handing over of money.

Be careful if the owner doesn't want you to take it for a drive. They could be hiding something. It should be an honorable experience all-around - the buying and the selling of the motorcycle in question.

Take time to do an inspection before you even get on the seat of the bike.

1.) Make sure, if you plan to travel with passengers, that the bike meets your state's regulations. Also, check to find out if your state requires a special training course and license in order to legally drive.

2.) Check the drive. If it has a shaft drive (rather than a belt drive) it's cheaper to repair, and can't be cut.

3.) Check out the basics like turn signals, headlights, brake lights, and function of the brakes. Look to make sure there is no rust, and that the frame is in good alignment. Check inside the fuel tank with a flashlight to rule out rust, and make sure the tires are not dry and cracked. If they are, they will need to be replaced immediately upon purchase, so make sure the purchase price reflects sub-standard tires.

4.) Make sure the bike starts easily. If it smokes too much, it could be an indication of internal problems.

5.) Once driving, get a feel for the bike and then start to push it a little. Take your time getting to know the machine.

6.) Take a route that offers a variety so you can see how the bike handles in different situations (i.e. curves, pavement, dirt, driveways, stoplights/idling).

7.) Make a note of physical defects, however minor, and make sure the salesman knows you see them before you take it for a ride. (I wasn't careful once with an apartment I rented which had existing holes in the walls, and at the end of my lease, I lost my security deposit, because the dishonest landlord blamed me for the damage.)

Remember: When buying used, it is your responsibility to make sure the bike is up to code. Do your research pertaining to the bike you are inspecting. As with anything, actually, if you are not an expert, bring along a friend you trust who knows enough to give an honest opinion.

Understand as much about the bike as possible so that you know what it's characteristics are supposed to be. Don't compromise your standards. If it doesn't feel right, don't buy it.

By Laura Lee McDermott - Laura Lee is a writer, musician, and teacher who loves people and believes in the power of connections. She's been writing and singing since before elementary school, and now spends her time trying to make t...

can i trade in my leased motorcycle
I've got a Street Legal dirt bike that i had financed and was wondering if the dealership would allow for me to 'trade' in for a newer sports bike ?

Get the answers...

Can you lease motorcycles?
Can you leas motorcycles from honda, kawasaki, or suzuki? Is it a good idea for a short term situation? I plan on only for this summer, but i wont need it this winter.. Live in Kansas.

Get the answers...

Do I need to pay tax for buying someone else's leased motorcycle?
Ok I'm buying a motorcycle from someone who has leased it. So were planing to go to his bank and pay off the money and the bank is supposed to put the title under my name. He said that I dont need to pay the tax. Is that true?

Get the answers...

Lease Motorcycle News

Austin's source for local news

Car enthusiasts enter the VFW's car show Saturday afternoon. — Photos by Bob Dunfee

Diagnostic Marketing Association Names Cepheid 2011 Marketer of the Year

INDIANAPOLIS, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Diagnostic Marketing Association (DxMA ), serving marketing, regulatory and medical affairs professionals in the diagnostic and device market segments, today ...

Land Trust wins right to buy Borreo building

The long-vacant Borreo building on the Napa River at Third Street and Soscol Avenue will be sold to the Land Trust of Napa County, the city announced Thursday.

Decommissioning of old Nevada prison bittersweet

CARSON CITY (AP) — If its walls could only talk.

5 New Not to Miss Shops in Los Angeles

From Venice to downtown, these five new retails destinations feature the best in modern designs for men, women, the home, and even for the open road.

Mennonites hold annual Festival & Sale

UPLAND - The 15th annual Southern California Festival & Sale is this weekend at the Pacific Christian Center, 800 W. Arrow Highway, Upland.

Longboat Key police chief dies in motorcycle crash

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. — Officials in Longboat Key say Police Chief Al Hogle was killed when his motorcycle crashed while he was vacationing in North Carolina. He was 63.

Community news

Two Republican candidates for Montana Attorney General, Tim Fox of Helena and Jim Shockley of Victor, will speak at the Glacier Pachyderm Club’s luncheon at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Kalispell on Friday, May 18, from noon to 1 p.m. They will also take questions from the floor as time permits.