How To Buy A Used Motorcycle at RevZilla.com

Used Motorcycle Buying Tips
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Buying a used motorcycle is a great way to get the best deal on the best bike for you. It’s also a relatively easy way to procure a money pit that at best is a project, and at worst is illegal. As a beginner, the used motorcycle market can present both a high upside, and a deeply frustrating downside. Taking the right steps to ensure you buy a used motorcycle that is legal, in good working order, and that won’t require fat stacks of cash to get up-to-speed will go a long way to ensuring a successful transaction. In this video, Lemmy (who has bought and sold more used bikes than there are stars in the sky), highlights his checklist filled with the tips and tricks to guide you through the process.

[@beckganiev4434]

What bike is this?

[@RevZilla]

It's a Suzuki TU250X. -DrewZilla

[@beckganiev4434]

Thanks!

[@RevZilla]

You're welcome! -DrewZilla

[@rmtheg234]

Same bike I used for my MSF course a year back ago.

[@krissmith1909]

RevZilla there was rust on the chain the muffler, is that okay when buying a used bike? I’m looking at a tu250x myself and the chain is rusty and the muffler has some minor rust.

[@badopinionsrighthere]

"You can't load a new motorcycle into the bed of another motorcycle." That sounds like a challenge

[@itzwilliam5051]

I bet it already happened in India

[@BigJake]

My thoughts exactly.

[@shaggymotto8337]

Cant you haul a motorcycle trailer behind your motorcycle lol deffinatly doing this one day

[@slaxiscs881]

exactly

[@viewfinderjournal2801]

He obviously hasnt been to Vietnam either. Ive helped someone do it and have a video.

[@joheri85]

damn that paperwork. In sweden we have an app for that. Scan QR-code on registration papers. Punch in some numbers from seller and buyer’s driver’s license. done, effective immediately.

[@screemerbeemer]

Scandanavia is always ahead of the curve

[@johnlemberger5088]

What scanner do you use and what's a QR-code?

[@valtteri1520]

John Trollinger What is fire and cooked meat?

[@YNTGUNS]

Johan Eriksson nice

[@BassOutcast]

Johan Eriksson Here in Israel you just head out to your local post office and transfer ownership there, it is immidiately updated in the state's registry, plus - they can tell you if the bike is stolen/owned by a 3rd party for a small fee.

[@Roadstar1602]

Don't EVER let someone hold your money while you go for a test ride. NEVER!!!! Leave your car in their driveway instead. If that's not insurance enough for them, move on to the next seller.

[@coreystrawn4532]

That’s bs. I’m not letting anyone take my bike and possibly drop it. Then try to hold their car

[@breakaway7017]

@@coreystrawn4532 could always leave the cash in the truck

[@KaitouKaiju]

Yeah what if they try and keep the money and title then report it stolen

[@_MotoMatt]

Ive had two friends who got jipped this way. One of the bikes were stolen, so had to reregister it. There was something wrong as well with it, idr exactly what it was.

[@x-ray3431]

Hold deeeeeeze nuts!!! I wouldn't buy used unless it's from someone I personally know.

[@DunePanda]

wait a minute!!! you mean to say, you cant use an adjustable crescent wrench to loosen an Allen head bolt?! MIND BLOWN!

[@christians131]

don't be stupid, you need channel locks

[@ac3playzz871]

No you need a ratchet

[@John_Ridley]

All you need for everything is some rusty vice grips, side cutters, a hammer and chisel and some duct tape.

[@nehpetssaid]

None of you actually work on shit. And if you do... Eeek...

[@xrayzkat8198]

yeh, hammer and chisel best ..

[@ToastedBuns207]

It's also a good idea to bring someone with you and keep your money with them while you go for a test ride. There's a chance the seller could just keep the money and say you were never there or they could take some money out and say you didn't pay them enough. Plus the other person can be a witness if anything happens

[@SmokingCannon]

What MisterDoctorProfessor said. Always this.

[@ethanstrydom7331]

Nay. It doesnt work that way.

[@hershfam]

I’ve seen people letting them hold their license while on the test drive

[@jeffgosselinclassicalguita4955]

I was selling my TU250X. A potential buyer rode in on another TU250X. He wanted an identical bike for his wife. Needless to say that dude was more than welcome to take mine for a spin.

[@GothJedi]

Smart

[@boxingfan5742]

That was a very well-presented and well-produced video. I'm a 51 year old that never had enough disposable income or time to stop working long enough to pursue my life-long dream of owning or even riding a motorcycle. Looks like you have an excellent channel for guys like me. Thank you very much for putting these videos together.

[@thearousedeunuch]

Ask a friend or a dealership to give you a test-drive. :)

[@Gixsir]

I hope you’ve gotten a ride since your post if not take a safety class they usually provide the bike you can learn and cruise a tiny bit

[@Youngsoldier93]

Always bring at least one person with you just in case you get kidnapped or something xD but seriously do it

[@BassOutcast]

youngsoldier93 Yeah, and leave your cash and I.D with that person rather than with the owner of the bike. I've had instances the owner tried to scam me and took some cash out of the stash saying I didn't pay enough while I was out on a ride

[@kitty051299]

Someone who is a 6'3 226 lb, albino dude in his 40's with a terminator haircut, packing a AR15 with a OCP, will though. Dumbass.

[@stufoo]

Me and my best friend glock

[@rockyp3917]

Need to make some friends

[@ItsJustShortsBro]

wrong: You DO NOT hand the man the money before the test ride. when you get back he could just keep your money and say you were never there. if u try to keep his bike he will say you stole it. now you're out of money and facing charges. record, and make sure he says you can record, the collateral you are leaving and say why you are leaving it with him. then you can go on the test ride knowing you'll get your money back or the title when you return.

[@mastardesi]

DuckDuckDeuces ur dumb

[@Mytwistedvoices]

I have left a deposit with the seller, never the full amount.

[@mastardesi]

ok

[@xissue9242]

kvvp_ on loser

[@mastardesi]

lol are you angry every day you wake up or something?

[@markwalters1584]

I don't know, I'd hate to give someone the money and go for the test ride come back and he says " man you didn't give me no money".

[@firstlast8703]

Mark Walters lmaoo yea

[@focusedmessagemarketing958]

Mark Walters When checking out a bike bring a 2nd person as a witness and as backup.

[@law1469]

@Alexander Leblanc This seems to be a good idea.

[@rockyp3917]

Record a video and also bring in a test ride contract and make them sign it. Check signatures

[@Mr.M1STER]

You can always ask the seller to test ride the bike for you. Tell him/her to ride it around and go through the gears, use the breaks etc while you watch them. It is just another option if you feel weird about handing over cash without actually making a decision on the bike yet.

[@Cornflak3]

You guys go out of your way to make free, informative, and even comedical content for us. Seriously, thank you RevZilla.

[@GHOS7v]

Spent half a year waiting for the perfect bike at the right price, ended up finding a buyer selling an 2000r6 with 25k miles for $1500. With little wear and tear, no dents, good pants, no mechanical issues. The guy was an old Asian in his 40's who has a family and no longer wanted to keep a sports bike around with his age, while he already owns a cruiser.

[@birddaddydetta]

GHOS7v Nice!

[@LeroyRifkin]

did he have a hot asian milf wife?

[@josephchen920]

Did you just say "old" and "in his 40's"? Those two are not equivalent lol

[@nielsnielsen9013]

Alex A gf big tits?

[@slothmarathonpromotions2470]

old 40 year old Asians 🤔

[@Foxy_proxy]

So many sellers don't even wash the motorcycle before posting it.... I never understand that. I skip those instantly. If they can't even put the effort in when they want to sell, they certainly haven't looked after it. On top of which, you can't see damage on a dirty bike.

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

You forgot 1 most important thing before you buy - do a check to see if the bike is owned by a 3rd party such as the bank or a financier !!!!

[@surrealchemist]

Harley Davidson Breakout Ducati Panigale 1299 I think that would be obvious when you looked at the paperwork. The actual owner would be holding the real title

[@alancuriel123456]

how can you check this? I'm in California btw.

[@EliteMuppet]

Yeah for sure! If a bank has a lien on the bike and the previous owner doesn't pay off his loan... The repo men will be at your door step to take your bike away. Best way to check this (in Ontario) is to get a used information package from the MTO (DMV). It'll tell you if there is a lien and if so, which bank. I bought a bike that had a lien. We both went to the bank together and I transferred my money to his account, which was then used immediately to pay off his loan and remove the lien.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

It would be shown on the Title and Registration. As well as the Insurance Card as to who the Payee would be. I purchase a new car. Dealer forgot to put down part of the Wells Fargo name as the Payee when the sent the paperwork to the Insurance Company. I drove home. A week or so later I received a letter from Wells Fargo. That I was "In Violation" of the Loan agreement. Why? Dealer Services was not on the Insurance paperwork. Just Wells Fargo. Had to call my Insurance Company. Correct it. Send a letter to Wells fargo Dealer Services to prove it was fixed.

[@johnlemberger5088]

This is the crooked English speaking world way of doing things. The system you have is designed to make the public unsure about buying used vehicles privately which means people end up buying from a dealer with a finance deal. The better approach would be to have to documents with every vehicle. An ownership document and a smaller day to day registration document. Whoever owns the vehicle will hold the ownership document in the hand. If you're selling a motorcycle but the bank owns the bike then a potential buyer won't hand over the money as you won't be in possession of the ownership document. No ownership document, no sale. Can't the North Americans figure that out?

[@PACKERMAN2077]

Step 1) gotta make sure there's gas in it Step 2) make sure the keys are next to it Step 3) wait until the owner turned his back

[@PACKERMAN2077]

*_Only the parts that matter._*

[@davidhenry1142]

PAKTRA PRODUCTIONS Savage 👅

[@Fosi94]

+1

[@brianshaggy]

make sure he doesn't know who you are or you didn't contact him via social media with your real name

[@mohata605]

@@PACKERMAN2077 are u giving a tutorial how to steal a bike?

[@ivanstrong6354]

RevZilla I have to admit your videos are part of what talked me into riding

[@BigJake]

Same.

[@JoHnSapla7LordSapla9]

This video helped me find the issues of a bike. The point that I should turn on the bike and let it run for a while unveiled the fact that it turned off by it self. It literally died after 8 minutes. Saved me 2K lol. 🙂

[@AntiParallali]

I love that you guys do awesome videos like this! This was really helpful.

[@nuknuk2sexy]

Anti_Parallali b L

[@DA2THFA1RY]

"Cover your ears, she's loud" -Later on in the video it putters along nice and quitely

[@Steve-vm1fi]

Lemmy for president

[@paulaus]

I find this video quite amusing as I bought a used TU250X as my first bike and did about 50% of these things. I was dropped off by my partner and did about a 100 meter test ride before handing over the cash and riding home in the rain across town on Saturday morning. I had done all the licence and encumbrance checks beforehand though and we have a roadworthy inspection requirement when selling.

[@jasondiaz6858]

The pony tail guy looks like the huskier version of Jason Momoa (Aquaman)

[@bodieb1233]

Lenny, I've got to say that each and every video is delight to watch and listen to. I find I don't watch or enjoy TV as much bot am always thrilled to come across another one of Revzillas videos. Oh also I learn so much. Seriously. I'm waiting for a NEW reality series to come about staring Lenny and the Rev Zilla team. Seriously. Ride safe and as always you're the best.

[@AntisepticHandwash]

The production quality, and quality of presentation in RevZilla videos is through the roof!

[@garyjaurique5028]

You guys are awesome!!!! Keep em coming. Could have used you guys back in the 80s when I bought my first bike . Still riding

[@mdsf01]

Wow! One of the best KZbin channels around. So helpful and professionally made. Thank you!

[@younghex9577]

This is the KZbin channel I've been looking for. Thank you for all the tips and tricks. I subscribed after I saw your video about how to find a bike the is best for you

[@Enonymouse_]

Good tips Lemmy, one that I would add is sometimes a dealer or private seller may be willing to deliver it to your house if you live near by and haven't gotten your license sorted out yet. My first bike was delivered to my apartment fully fueled up and ready to ride.

[@mchristr]

Never, never buy a bike without a title. Some people will gladly write you a bill of sale when they've already defaulted on the loan and it's in collections. They will tell you the title was lost because they don't want you to see the lienholder on the paperwork. If it's truly been lost have them reapply for a new title.

[@focusedmessagemarketing958]

mchristr TITLE IS KING!!!

[@adriamillasluque]

Great video, great explanation, funnily explained, entertaining. Always coming back to RevZilla‘s channel.

[@headrush1657]

lol i just bought a new (starter) bike a couple weeks ago...... did all this except a couple things happy with my purchase very good video :D BTW fountain pen collector so love the pen!

[@Dracomarine]

You guys really know how to make a high quality video, great production values!

[@khawmmung864]

I know this video is three years old, but I'm about to buy my own motorcycle after contemplating on it for over a year. So excited and the information in this video, I think, will be of use.

[@Potato-mu7nu]

Always take an experienced motorcyclist friend when buying, because while you are a giddy school girl who just wants a motorcycle, your friend is calm and collected enough to notice potential damage and red flags about the bike.

[@reimanntobias4172]

It helps me a lot!! Thanks for uploading. More power to your show! GREETING HERE FROM PHILIPPINES

[@georgeklimes7604]

Very helpful work, guys. Also, the video quality is excellent! Doing research into a first-time bike now...

[@jahonethebarber1705]

Best Motorbike channel on KZbin hands down. Entertaining and super informative 😁

[@mattwilliams8733]

Fantastic job on this video. You guys get straight to the point and keep it there. Ive bought and sold a handful of vehicles in my 27 years and yall nailed everything i look for and more, Keep up the good work! P.S. yall earned a sub

[@rico1142]

Another amazing video, Thank you Revzilla!

[@dr3m4n]

Just gonna quickly shout out the TWSBI Eco used to sign the paperwork. Love a good fountain pen!

[@darwincuhady9934]

Thanks for the tips dude, really help me for choosing my first bike!

[@nervouswreck2473]

revently got a 2004 zx12r with 3,500 miles. I replaced the tires, changed oil/brake fluid and coolant. runs/rides great!

[@randombuilds8336]

I recently bought a triumph tiger for about 3k under blue book. Had paperwork for recent service, oil and filters, new gasket to fix a seep, battery, relatively new tires, valve check etc. Also has about 3k in factory extras. Selling due to lack of time to ride. Well taken care of, but cheap because it has 100k miles. So far I've put 500 miles on it and love it.

[@cesarcintron87]

I am definitely going to put this in use for my first bike thank you so much for the great knowledge

[@HelloMrTaylor]

Great video, Lemmy! I have bought I think seven used bikes, but this is all stuff I learned along the way. My favorite tip is asking the seller to meet you at a motorcycle shop. Yeah, you might spend $100 to inspect something you don't end up buying, but it is certainly better than missing it completely and ending up with a big bill. Besides, if you use the same shop, they are likely to cut you a deal if you explain your situation. The last used bike I bought was over $10K, and the seller was more than willing to do that for me and even offered to pay for the inspection if I agreed to the asking price.

[@jimwilliams3517]

Quite good. Thank you. I am, in fact, shopping for my first bike. I'll be sure to watch all your pertinent videos. Again, thank you. For guys like me who are just starting out, this info is quite valuable!

[@havoc010101]

This was a great video into the process of buying a used motorcycle. Keep the content coming!

[@lisabelincalicali5407]

Where r you?

[@trvf7053]

This video covered everything and answered all my questions. 💯💯💯💯💯💯👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@TheSoulMan11]

I've bought two motorcycles on Craigslist, almost had the ninja 300 a bought a month ago for my wife. 14 ninja 300 abs with 3k miles for $2850 was a hell of a deal. I got him on his desperate to sell and chain was rusted a little with more than likely coolant and brake fluid hasn't been changed. I never did get a real mechanic, I test rode it and it was smooth. I would never buy a bike with custom paint or chiness fairings Also, For test ride dont negotiate on price until after you test ride it.

[@bostonmassacre508]

You just earned my subscription this video was amazing it's so helpful thank you so much 😀... Ride safe!!!!!

[@michaelaaronw]

Stumbled across this vid, I just bought my first bike and it happens to be a Suzuki 250x, fancy that!

[@xxZaCh667]

Damn this is really well made. All of these concepts can be applied for buying used cars too, so this vid is doubly useful since I'm sorta looking into both.

[@jriver64]

Lemmy, you are the man! Thank you for this video!

[@Youngsoldier93]

MY BOY LEMMY, WHATS UP BROTHA!!?!?I hope all is going well over there!!! Solid video as always!!!

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Love this series guys. Keep up the good work! :)

[@themidsouthcyclist8880]

8:23/8:24 "foreshadowing": this is pure gold!

[@primetime_21_]

Awesome video!

[@natesilva3232]

well I failed miserably and for that I paid dearly lol thanks guys I know next time

[@TehKneegrowplease]

Nate Silva what did you buy

[@chantalvandijk9623]

Your vids are the best! Good info and fun to watch Thanks you guys 😀

[@psihocentarpsihocentar6773]

That's what I call a quality video. Love ReZilla,

[@joshjohnson1604]

This video is so hilarious and perfectly informative. Big thanks!!!

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Excellent presentation gentlemen, thank you very much. U R GOOD U.

[@AdamSVT]

great video and great advice guys

[@joshkreuzer1285]

Great video! Im just starting out, I’m looking to get myself a bike in the near future and this helped a lot!

[@neverstopinthemiddleofahoedown]

One thing id like to add is not only is it very important to check the tire tread it is also extreemly important to check the age of the tires themselves as the rubber will harden up after 5 years or so and lose its grip, I have been stung personally before with this, also id like to add that the underside of the engine being clean could just mean the seller has given the bike a good clean i know myself when i sell a bike i clean it meticulously top to bottom underside of the engine and all

[@raglanheuser1162]

This is actually a fortnine level quality video

[@ber0h]

"bike has never been down" Always scares me away, I remember being new

[@FaithisKey792]

Amazing video guys, very helpful. Cheers. Thank you.

[@trustmedood780]

I think your acting was pretty good actually Lenny. I’ve purchased a used car and scooter in the past but it’s been a while and to be honest, I don’t remember exactly how they went down. Thanks for the refresh!

[@sammyb7134]

I've never ridden a motorcycle before but I want to buy one

[@iMr.Jetpacks]

Do it!

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

This is possibly the most useful video ever posted for prospective riders...EVER. Thank you, Lemmy. I take some things for granted though...new tires are a must. A tire that looked good, but is just waiting to fail because it's ancient could be a death sentence. Flush the fluids and do the brakes. Period. You'll have the money from a used bike versus buying from the dealership. Just about any bike is worth 2/3rds on the used market the moment it's been driven off the dealership lot. Don't pay for people's addons. Less tinkered with bikes are worth more for a reason. Sellers like to think that bikes are worth more as soon as the sun comes out after spring, but oddly, the reverse tends to be true. For those of us who hang around Craigslist like vultures adding to our bike collections, we know that fewer people are selling in late fall/winter, and the competition isn't there. Wait til about April/May, and the market will be bursting and prices start to drop fast as sellers realize they've listed their bike in a swamped market.

[@notacooldudewithanattitude2731]

There is not to love with Lemmy. Im subscribing!

[@ClutchFirst]

I'm really digging this new series. 👍🏽

[@jay36963]

I got to say extra money is great. I've riden 20 out 25 years and dropped my 1st big road bike more times than I've crash, ever. PS ebay search mirrors and indicators, saved me loads.

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Great video. I think you could add a few more tips on the mechanical inspection and I disagree with needing a pro. That can be a huge pain to coordinate and hard to do if you’re looking at multiple bikes.

[@sambeatty2312]

rode that bike at msf, great little machine. my first love.

[@gabeb967]

Absolutely on point! Great video

[@MythicMoto]

I love the Added ST3-RX in the background for added flavor 😜😎😆

[@benjaminheaney6341]

Right, seeing the TWSBI Eco at 10:38 has officially convinced me to get a motorbike.

[@rms1034]

omg huge props on the TWSBI ECO fountain pen used in this video for document signing. LOL. good pen = good taste.

[@isabelladiaz6547]

I’m checking out a CBR 250 2012 this will be my first bike I’m excited!

[@shirool1142]

did you get it lol?

[@tylertorres7708]

I just bought a BMW s1000rr and I love it

[@Vtard1]

They prob wont be nominated for an Oscar any time soon, but this was a great informative video. Good job guys!

[@Siper2]

Great series, fellas!

[@ACKSDAWG]

This is so educational, thank you for this!

[@dicungDon]

Thanks RveZilla, subbed!

[@Swilton100]

Hahahah this was a great vid you guys, wish I'd a seen this before I bought mine. Although I was lucky I did get a nice little ride from a reputable guy. thanks for sharing this. Very Helpful.

[@terr256]

just what I needed haha thanks!!

[@coastaku1954]

I bought a GIO Brand 250cc Dirt Bike for $900, it had a lot of trouble starting... but it was also -10C outside. We spent a while getting it to start, thank god I brought my licenced mechanic friend along, we got it started with a couple of bumpstarts. Even if the bike was in perfect condition, I was still going to take it to a Motorcycle shop so they can have a look at it. My mechanic friend says it needed some fresh gas and a tuneup, also the Throttle cable needs to be lubed since the throttle was a little bit sticky. Carb clean wouldn't hurt and the clutch lever broke when bringing it back home (Our mistake, accidentally had the bike resting on it, no worries, that can be fixed). The owner was very upfront and agreed to take $350 off of the cost (Originally $1250) so I could have it. I'm so happy I have it, I still need to get it fixed up and need to wait till Southern Ontario warms up though~

[@tannawannavannabittannawan7138]

Damn, you’re videos are educational and you are one hot bear! 🔥

[@peanutpirate4622]

Respect for openly stating that it was aweful acting. got my upvote.

[@WS-gw5ms]

I watched my buddy selling a banshee. A state trooper showed up with his son to buy it. The trooper ran it into a tree and left. My buddy was afraid to sue. I would never let anyone test drive without such an agreement as he mentioned. And get it in writing or video. That's good enough for small claims. It's very informal.

[@stanislavtymchyshyn6938]

2:25 LOL

[@Towert7]

Great video guys! Thanks.

[@JazzQuasar]

Ask for a clear title before even heading out there. I repeat. Ask for a clear title and verify the VIN just like the video said. I have gotten screwed before and the last thing you want is to own a bike you cannot ride legally.

[@user-bw8ny2ig7s]

That was cool. Stay upright mate

[@parsar.k.p1337]

THANK YOU that is the exact bike i wanted to buy(suzuki tu250x). just in time

[@paganpoetprophet6441]

Good info, y'all make good videos that help.people , for that thanks

[@pjdiver3]

That money and test ride...is why I will always go through a dealer or consignment shop, even if I have to pay a little bit more