I recently completed my local Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, passed the test, and I am currently looking to purchase a used motorcycle (starter bike) to toodle around in my neighborhood and get experience riding. Something in the 500-600 cc range, maybe like an older Honda Shadow.
I’m looking for what your experience is with used motorcycle prices. Everything I’m seeing on Craigslist around here (Chicago area) is priced anywhere from 200 - 1000 dollars or more over the listed kelley blue book retail value.
Can I expect to negotiate down to the blue book value or below? Or is this the reality of this area and the fact that we are in the middle of riding season?
This is the worst time of year to buy a bike. Peak demand and all. I bought one of my last bikes in January.
I think the blue book is a loose guide on average prices across the country. Once upon a time is was semi secret and meant something. Now with computers and info everywhere it doesn’t mean as much.
Buy the way, good on you for taking the MSF course.
I’ve noticed that dealers that sell used bikes usually price them obscenely high and I hope no one really pays that much for them.
A private seller who wants to sell “now” will usually price their bike to move.
I guess the private sellers right now aren’t that motivated to sell now. Oh well, I can always use the blue book value as a negotiation tactic.
Anything short of getting popped in the nose is a good negotiation session.
Thanks! It was fun, but harder than I expected. Couldn’t ever get that figure 8 quiiite within the box.
Anyone have advice on buying used? Anything I need to do besides checking that the title is clear and getting it signed over to me?