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This Page: Buying A Bike

The advantages of buying a new a motorbike are pretty obvious:

1) Almost by definition, you're buying a reliable machine-it's not going to leave you stranded miles from
home on a dank winter's night.

2) There's no need of an MOT for three years.

3) Any bills for the next couple of years are likely to be small to cover things like regular servicing; and
repairs, if any, are unlikely to break the bank.

4) Dealers may very well include some additional extras like a top box, lock or even a helmet for you!

5) Look after your new bike and in a year or two you can sell it or trade it in for another model without
losing too much money.

So what, if any, are the disadvantages?

1) Well, first and foremost, there's the cost. Not all of us can go out and buy ourselves a brand spanking
new machine. HP can help lessen the burden but you've still got to stump up a hefty deposit, which
sometimes just isn't feasible. ("When I win the lottery...." etc.)

2) A new bike needs tender loving care. As much as you may want to get out on the open road and
thrash the nuts off it, it's definitely not advisable. A new engine needs to be run in, which means taking it
gently for the first 500 -1,000 miles, taking care to keep your revs down, at least until that crucial first
service.

3) If you're new to the world of motorcycling there's perhaps more chance of you dropping the bike, and
when it's new and shiny, that hurts all the more!

4) New bikes depreciate rapidly in the first year-as much as 25% of their value, but after that, depending
on the model you've chosen, they'll hold their value for the next couple of years.

While buying a new bike is a lot more affordable than shelling out for a new car, for many of us
buying new is simply not an option. So what are the things to bear in mind when considering a
second hand purchse?

Here are a few pointers:

When buying a second hand bike you have two immediate options: to buy from a dealer or to buy
from a private individual.

BUYING FROM A DEALER

The advantage of going to a reputable dealer is that you have somewhere to go back to if anything
is not as it should be.

The chances are that the bike won't be stolen, for example, or have any unpaid finance
outstanding on it or have any serious faults hidden for the sake of a quick sale!

You are also likely to be able to get some kind of servicing deal or warranty for the first six months
to a year.

You will still need to be aware that the bike has had one (or more) owners, so you cannot afford to
be as complacent as you might be if it were new. Have any modifications been made to it, such
as a paint job (which could conceal crash damage) or different exhaust pipes fitted? Such
changes could well affect your insurance and you will have to notify the DVLA of any modifications
you or previous owners have made.

Bear in mind as well that dealers may also be unaware of such changes having been made! This
is particularly true where a non-standard exhaust has been fitted...loud pipes may save lives (as
the saying goes) but they are also illegal in many cases!

BUYING PRIVATELY

To buy from a private sale you are likely to get a better price than that offered from a shop but the
risks are greater.

It is advisable to take a second party with you-not just from a security point of view but also to
offer a second opinion on the machine. If you yourself know little about bikes, it is essential to get
some advice before you part with your hard earned cash.

And talking of cash, don't go armed with loads of the stuff to twilight meetings in car parks or back
alleys. The very least you can do is check where the vendor lives and arrange to meet them there.

Perhaps the best advice anyone can give when buying anything, new or second hand, is to be
cautious and careful. Let the buyer beware...and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

WHICH STYLE OF BIKE?

Different bikes have different features which, naturally enough, appeal to different riders. With pictures
courtesy of Yamaha, here's a crash course (no pun intended!) in the different styles on the market today.

Technically, a moped is a bike of up to 50cc with a top speed of 30mph.
Mopeds have certainly come into their own in recent years and
manufacturers today offer a complete range of styles to suit everyone. They
are reliable, cheap to run and as automatics with an electric start they
couldn't be easier to ride. For a 16 year old with a CBT certificate this is as
big as it gets but these nippy little run-arounds are extremely popular with the
fashionable city commuter set. One of these bikes could be de-restricted to
reach a top speed of about 45mph, but this is only legal for over-seventeens.
Other mopeds to check out are the Gilera Runner SP50 and the Aprilla SR50
to name but two.

For 17-21 year olds, or anyone not wishing to handle a larger, heavier
machine, a training course can be done on a 125cc bike. Yamaha's TDR
125 offers a great little learner bike that doesn't actually look like a learner
bike! Its raised seat height makes it a good choice for the longer-legged
learner. Having passed your test on such a model you will be restricted to
riding a bike of no more than 33bhp for the next two years. Other good
learner models which are worth a second look are Yamaha's SR 125,
which has a lower seat height, and Kawasaki's KMX 125 with its more off
road styling. Whichever model you opt for, the benefits are an economical
run-around that is relatively cheap to insure.

The XV650 pictured left typifies the custom style bike, which is becoming
increasingly popular in Britain these days. Typically these bikes are longer
and lower than their sporting counterparts and are designed more for
comfort and style than excessive speed. The relaxed, feet forward riding
position makes them incredibly comfortable for lengthy journeys for both
rider and pillion. The longer wheel base, however, can make them slightly
more awkward to slot into bike bays or U-turn, but not enough to put you
off. They all offer bags of style and attitude. If this appeals to you, have a
look at the models offered by other manufacturers as well, such as the
Suzuki VL800 Intruder Volusia or the Honda VT750C Shadow or
Kawasaki's VN800 Classic, and not forgetting the Godafathers of custom
bikes-Harley Davidson.

Sports bikes are characterised by a powerful engine, aerodynamic
fairing and screen and good ground clearance for cornering ability. The
most popular models are the Kawasaki ZX/ Ninja range, Suzuki's GSXR
range and Yamaha's YZF range. While they may be great fun to ride on
twisty roads at the weekend, the downside is that they can be
uncomfortable for long distance riding, especially two-up and your
insurance could be pricey!

Trials bikes are light weight, many designed for on and off road
riding, with a taller seat height and deep tread tyres. The high up
riding position gives you a good view of the road ahead and their
nimble handling can be ideal for town riding as well as green-laning
at the weekends.

These tourers are some of the biggest and heaviest bikes and
they often appeal to older riders or anyone planning on doing
plenty of miles out on the open road. They are designed for
rider and pillion comfort, ideal for you and your passenger to
just sit back and let the bike take the strain. If this appeals to
you, have a look at Honda's Pan European or Goldwing and
also the bikes in the BMW range.

THE ADVANTAGE INSPECTION SERVICE

Here at Advantage, Wimbledon we can try and make things a little easier for you when it comes
to buying a bike. Why not give us a ring before you hand over loads of loot? We'll arrange for a
qualified technician to accompany you to the point of sale and go over the bike to check that
what you're thinking of buying is not a complete lemon!

This service is provided courtesy of 911 Motorcycles.
Prices start from as little as �40 for consultations within the
local area. Ring our office on 020 8687 2233 for more
details.

Advantage customers are currently enjoying a 10% discount on clothing
and accessories at Bikesmart UK LTD, 256-264 Mitcham Road, Tooting!

Want to buy a bike but can't get finance? Give them a call on 020 8767 5222
or pop down to see them and mention this web site!

Further clothing discounts are available to our customers at Frontiers
Motorcycles Ltd., 363 Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase. Any CBT/ full
licence bookings made with us and we'll send out a discount voucher straight
away. And ladies, Frontiers are particularly good when it comes to women's
clothing...pop along and see for yourself!