When it comes to buying a motorcycle, you have a lot of different options. One of the best places to buy a motorcycle, especially a used motorcycle is Craigslist.
If you want to buy a motorcycle that’s for sale on Craigslist, then you’ll need to know a couple of things.
Here’s what I think anyone searching the classifieds on Craigslist needs to know.
Be Ready for the Motorcycle
This means getting your license or motorcycle endorsement, learning the riding skills and knowledge you need to ride safely, and purchasing the proper gear.
If you have the gear, knowledge and skills, and the legal authority to ride a motorcycle, then you’re set to start the buying process.
The reason I say to wait is that if you buy the bike first, you’re just going to want to jump on and ride, forgetting all of that other stuff. Get that stuff first and then buy your motorcycle.
Choose a Motorcycle That Suits You
You need to think about the kind of bike that’s right for you and your skill level. Also, make sure to search for bikes within your price range.
If you’re a new rider, leave the 1000cc sportbikes to the experienced riders. Forget the huge heavy cruisers. Go with something sensible with an engine size somewhere between 150cc and 600cc.
Navigate Craigslist Properly
If you go to Craigslist.org, what happens is you’re automatically directed to your area’s classifieds listings. If this is where you want to shop for a bike (in most cases it is, then you can start your search.
Here’s how:
- Locate the “For Sale” section.
- Click on the “Motorcycles” category.
- Within that category, search for the name of the bike you want or the defining characteristic of that bike. (Examples: 250cc, sportbike, Harley Sportster) This will narrow your search.
- Narrow your search even more with the sidebar. You have the ability to narrow your search by miles from a zip code, price, make and model, engine displacement, model year, and odometer. There’s also an option for street legal as well as the following:
- Type
- Condition
- Fuel
- Paint Color
- Title Status
- Transmission
- If you find a bike you like, you can click the “reply” button right in the posting. Also, many people leave contact info in the description of the post.
Meet the Seller in a Public Place
If you’re buying a motorcycle off craigslist, do not go to someones house or invite them to yours.
You should meet in a public place, like the parking lot of a grocery store or a park. This ensures nothing nefarious happens. And if something does, then you have people around as witnesses.
Never Pay Ahead of Time
If someone requests cash ahead of you seeing the motorcycle, decline. There is no reason to have to do this. If they say it will hold the bike for you, I’d tell them you’ll take your chances.
Not paying ahead of time helps ensure you won’t get screwed. This is often a scheme that some sellers will do. They get you to pay before you arrive and then they just never meet you. Always wait.
Always Pay Cash
My last bit of advice is don’t make things complicated. Pay cash. Everyone should be willing to accept cash. If you find a seller on Craigslist that doesn’t want you to pay cash, simply tell them it’s cash or nothing.
The only exception is when there’s a trade involved. If you’re trading on bike for another or trading some other item for a motorcycle, then you should be good, but avoid anything that requires credit card payment or some other type of payment. Just go to the bank, get cash, and take it with you when you go to see the seller.
