Buying a Used Motorbike? Here’s What I’d Tell a Friend
- bigmotouk
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A few years ago, I found myself hunting for a used motorbike. I didn’t have a big budget, and honestly, I didn’t know much about bikes at the time. I just knew I wanted one — badly.
What followed was a mix of good luck, rookie mistakes, and some solid advice from people who had been there before. So, if you're looking to buy used motorbike, here’s what I wish someone had told me before I got started.
Be Honest About Why You’re Buying
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement — the idea of owning a motorbike just feels cool. But one thing I learned early is that not all bikes fit all riders.
Are you commuting? Touring? Riding weekends for fun? Different bikes serve different needs. You don’t want to end up with a sports bike if you're going to be stuck in city traffic every day.
I almost bought something way too powerful for my comfort level, just because it looked great. In the end, I went with something lighter — and I’m glad I did.
Take Your Time With the Search
Don’t jump on the first bike you see. Scroll past the flashy ads. Look past the polish. Some of the best bikes I found were from low-key sellers who just took care of their stuff and wanted a fair deal.
Check for:
Service records
MOT history
Any warning signs in photos (like mismatched paint or oil stains)
Also, read between the lines in listings. If it’s all hype and no details, that’s usually not a great sign.
Meet in Person — And Bring a Second Pair of Eyes
I made the mistake once of going to see a bike alone, in the evening, without really knowing what I was looking at. The seller was in a rush, and everything felt… off.
Lesson learned.
If you’re not mechanically inclined, bring someone who is. Or at least someone who’ll help you think straight if the seller gets pushy. And always, always check the frame, tyres, brakes, and lights. Surface scratches are no big deal. Rust and leaks? That’s another story.
Ask More Questions Than You Think You Should
It’s your money. Ask about how the bike was used, where it was stored, what kind of riding it did. Ask if it’s ever been dropped — people don’t always volunteer that.
You’d be surprised how much sellers will tell you once you get them talking.
Trust Your Gut More Than the Price
I’ve walked away from bikes that were listed way under market value. They looked decent, but something didn’t sit right — maybe it was the seller’s attitude, or how fast they wanted to close the deal.
If a bike sounds too good to be true, there’s probably a reason. A slightly more expensive bike in good condition is almost always the better choice long term.
Don't Forget the Extra Costs
The bike is just part of the story. Factor in insurance, new gear, maybe a lock or security system. I also had to replace the battery and tyres within the first few months — which I didn’t plan for.
It’s not about spending more. It’s about not being surprised later.
Final Word
If you’re ready to buy used motorbike, go in with clear eyes and a bit of patience. Ask questions. Check the details. Walk away if it doesn’t feel right.
I’ve made a few mistakes, but I’ve also ended up with bikes I genuinely loved — the kind that make you look for excuses to take the long way home.
And if you don’t want to deal with sketchy listings or vague sellers, there are reliable places out there. I found BigMoto to be one of the few where things actually felt straightforward, and I knew what I was getting into from the start.
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