If you are looking for an easy, hassle-free way to find and buy barely used bikes and motorbikes online, you should take heed of the following tips and advice on how and where to buy second hand motorcycles and bicycles. Buying something as expensive as a vehicle, even if it is second hand, can be stressful and difficult.
It may seem overwhelming to find the perfect second hand motorcycle or bicycle that has had very little use, that suits your needs and wants and that suits your budget, but it is possible if you keep a level head, conduct the process properly and ask all the right questions.
Where to find and buy barely used bikes and motorbikes online
- Online classifieds
There are many online classifieds that list advertisements for all sorts of items including second hand vehicles. Often, some of the vehicles are barely used. All sellers, including private sellers, motorcycle and bicycle companies, second hand dealerships and auctioneering houses, have been known to list motorcyles and bicycles that have had hardly any use on classifieds websites. Some of these websites include Gumtree, Bid or Buy, OLX and Junkmail.
- Websites of second hand dealerships
There are a great many dealerships that specialise in second hand motorcycles and bicycles and you will undoubtedly find a vehicle that is right for you if you peruse the websites of some of these dealerships. Many of these businesses sell both new and used vehicles. Some of the websites that list motorcycles and bicycles for sale include Bikefind.co.za, Autotrader.co.za, Vehicletraders.co.za, Motorcycles.co.za, Automart.co.za, Autoworld.co.za, Cars.co.za and many more.
- Social media
Many private sellers and second hand dealerships list barely used motorcycles and bicycles for sale on their social media accounts. To search for used vehicles through social media, you must first have your own Facebook and Twitter accounts. On Twitter you can search the keywords ‘motorcycle for sale’ and you will be able to view all the latest tweets from anyone who has mentioned those words in real time.
On Facebook, you could simply write a status about the fact that you are looking for a second hand motorcycle or bicycle and ask your friends if they know of anyone who has anything. You could also ask them to ‘share’ your comment so that more people will see it.
Likewise with Twitter, you could post a status asking for anyone who knows of a barely used motorcycle of bicycle for sale and ask your followers to retweet your tweet. This way, you will be sure to stay up to date with any discussion about second hand motorcycles or bicycles on Facebook or Twitter.
What to remember when buying a second hand motorcycle or bicycle
- Decide and stick to your budget
It is very important to set a budget that you can afford and to stick to it. If you find a motorcycle or a bicycle that you really like you may be tempted to go over your budget but it is never a good idea. Set a reasonable budget and be firm with yourself.
- Decide what you are looking for
You should have a very clear idea of what you want out of a motorcycle or bicycle, how much you will use it, what sort of vehicle will suit you size, strength and ability, and whether you want to ride for pleasure, sport or transport. You will then have a better idea of what to look for and you will be able to avoid the wrong sort of motorcycles or bicycles.
- Find an expert and conduct a thorough inspection
Make sure you conduct a thorough inspection of any vehicle you are thinking of buying and consider taking a motorcycle or bicycle expert with you to check it out.
- Take into account all the extras
When you add up the price, add in any repairs that may be necessary as well as any motorcycle gear you will have to buy, for example a helmet or boots.
- Find a reputable seller
Find a reputable, honest seller who will be fair.