Tips For Buying A Motorcycle At Auction

Buying a motorcycle at an auction

While many folks use online auctions to find their dream cars at an affordable price, there’s a growing trend of motorcycle enthusiasts who are turning towards buying a motorcycle at an auction, and it’s easy to see why. Similar to vehicle auctions, where those looking to find an affordable car have the luxury of sifting through a plethora of options, motorcycle auctions also allow enthusiasts or first-time buyers to find the perfect motorcycle that suits their taste and budget.

That being said, just like it’s advised to be cautious when using vehicle auctions, there are some things that new buyers need to know about buying a motorcycle at an auction. You can use the following tips to make sure you get the motorcycle of your dreams at a bargain when using online auction sites.

Always Know What You Want

Like you would research a product or any other thing you were about to purchase, it is important to make the same effort when buying a motorcycle at an auction. Nowadays, auction sites have all the information you need on the types of motorcycles, models, year, and any other information that makes it easier to choose the best option for you. If you are interested in a particular brand, then you will easily find it at an online auction.

But you must first know what you want. Once you have selected a few options, compare them by going online to look for any defects or issues that are particular to that model or the common problems that owners of those motorcycles face. This will allow you to select the best option at the motorcycle auction.

Inspect the Motorcycle Up Close

One of the many advantages of buying a motorcycle at an auction is that you will get to inspect it prior to the auction. This gives you the perfect opportunity to thoroughly inspect the motorcycles that you are interested in. When inspecting the motorcycles at an auction, it is best not to judge them based on their appearance alone. While aesthetics is one of the main features for motorcycle enthusiasts, it is important to choose one that is also fully functional so that you won’t have any issues down the line.

As a rule of thumb, it is best to always ask for the maintenance report of the motorcycle from the auction site. Reputable auction sites should not have a problem sharing the history report of the motorcycle that you are interested in. Since auction houses are legally obligated to provide you with the correct history of the motorcycle, you will find out all there is to know about the motorcycle, as in if it has undergone extensive repair work, or if it has been in an accident, along with information on the motorcycle’s prior owners. Some auctions also allow participants to start the engine of the motorcycle to look for signs of engine damage or oil leaks.

All Motorcycle Sales are Final

Buying a motorcycle at an auction is going to be a significant investment that you would want to get right the first time. That’s because when going the auction route, it is important to note that all bike sales are final once you ride them out of the auction’s lot. This is why it is necessary to make sure that you have inspected the motorcycle thoroughly before making a decision. Also, ask the auction house about their return policy or if they have one. This could give you some time to return the motorcycle if you find any major issues after you’ve bought it.

Know What You’re Buying

More often than not, you will find salvaged motorcycles at the auction lot. It is important to note that a motorcycle is declared salvage because it requires a fair amount of repairs, which can decrease its resale value but does bump up the overall cost since you will need to make additional repairs. This is one of the reasons why more expensive motorcycles found in auctions have been damaged significantly to be labeled as salvage.

However, you can also find cheaper or older motorcycles at the salvage auction that may have been dropped once but have been labeled as totaled by the insurance company. When choosing a salvaged motorcycle, make sure that the repairs that need to be made are purely cosmetic, or else you will end up paying a lot more.

Finding a Reliable Mechanic

Sure, you may be fishing for your first motorcycle, in which case, you might not be a gear head or familiar with a motorcycle’s engine. This is where knowing someone who does can come in handy. If you don’t know a mechanic, you can always ask friends or family if they know of a reliable motorcycle mechanic who can guide you when it comes to choosing a good motorcycle at an auction.

Set a Budget

This one is a no-brainer. One of the main factors to consider before buying a motorcycle at an auction is, of course, going to be your budget. This is the amount of money you are willing to pay to get yourself a motorcycle at an auction. While it is easy to get carried away when you see all of the available options on the used motorcycle auction site, it is wise to keep your budget in mind and stick to it.

When participating in an auction, the one thing that you need to remember is that the auctioneer is going to want to get the highest price for the motorcycle that’s going under the hammer. While other bidders may be willing to pay a pretty penny for a particular motorcycle, exceeding your budget will only lead to more problems for you as you will then need to take out a loan, or worse, borrow the additional cost.

Motorcycle auction sites such as RideSafely.com offer potential motorcycle buyers and enthusiasts to find the motorcycle of their dreams at a bargain price. Reputable auction sites also offer access to a larger inventory of motorcycle brands and models, making it easier for you to find one that suits your personality, as well as your budget.

Another advantage of using a reputable motorcycle auction site when buying a motorcycle at an auction is that they offer an easy and straightforward registration process and a plethora of options, allowing you to find the motorcycle you have always wanted without much hassle. It also allows you to find out more about the motorcycles that you are interested in by providing you with the bike’s history so that you are able to make a more informed decision.

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