10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Intro

Shopping for a motorcycle can be an exciting but also an overwhelming experience. Especially to those who are new to the world of bikes. Just saying that you want a Harley-Davidson isn’t enough. Do you want a sport bike? A cruiser? Do you even know the difference? There is a lot to learn before you rush out and buy a bike. Choosing the right bike at the start can make the difference between becoming a devoted lifetime rider and someone who has a miserable experience and sells the bike within a year.

We want you to be a happy, lifelong rider, so we put together a list of the 10 motorcycles that you should never buy. But this list doesn’t include specific models. For example, we won’t tell you not to buy a Street 500. Instead, our list consists of the types of bikes that you should avoid buying. We felt that this list is more evergreen than listing specific models. Of course, your opinions and experiences may vary with the types of bikes we list. So, if you have others that you would like to add to the list, we would love to know about it. The following is our list in no particular order.

1. Too Much Bike

The first thing you want to avoid is buying too much bike for your skill level. If you are a new rider, buying a brand-new 800+ pound CVO Road Glide ST might not be the best idea. It is like handing the keys to a new Corvette to a 16-year-old that just got a driving permit. You want to start out small with your bike. A lighter bike that is easier to maneuver is usually a better choice for new riders. You can always trade it and move up in a year or two once you have more experience.

2. One With a Salvage Title

When you are shopping for a used bike always check the VIN to make sure there are no title issues. A service like CycleVIN is well worth the small fee to ensure you are not buying a bike with a troubled past. On top of that, give the bike a close inspection and check for things like uneven frame welds which could indicate damage repairs. If a bike has been repaired, be sure to get all of the repair records. If you can’t be sure of the history of the bike you are buying, move on to the next one. There are plenty out there.

3. Shoddy Modifications

There is nothing wrong with buying a modified motorcycle. A favorite pastime of HD owners is modifying their bikes. However, you want to be sure that the modifications were done using high-quality parts and were installed by someone who knew what they were doing. Shoddy modifications can mean not just poor performance and expensive repair bills, but they may even put your life at risk. Do your research here.

4. The First You Test Ride

Try to test ride as many bikes as possible before buying. We know that first ride can be exciting, but if you are unfamiliar with the Harley-Davison brand and their bikes, you may not know what to look for on a ride. You might think that vibration on the Fat Boy you are riding is totally normal. But then you ride three more and realize none of them vibrate like that. Shopping and test riding is half the fun. Don’t rush the process. Ride as many bikes as you can so you can compare and contrast them.  

5. One Without Maintenance Records

This one is universal no matter if you are shopping for a motorcycle, a car, a truck or an ATV. Get the maintenance records. If the records are not available, that is red flag number one. The seller might be very convincing when they tell you the bike was faithfully serviced. And maybe it was. But trusting a stranger selling a motorcycle can be a risky proposition. Trust but verify. Get the records.

6. Old or Incorrect Tires

Check the tires on the bike carefully. Are they old and dry rotten? Are they the wrong type for the bike? An argument can be made that the tires are the single most important piece of equipment on a bike. If the seller could not be bothered with keeping the tires in good shape, what else did they skimp out on? Don’t pay for someone else’s deferred maintenance.

7. One With Excessive Vibration

A Harley is going to vibrate; we all know that. But how much is too much? Excessive vibration could be a sign of frame damage or loose mounts. Does the bike pull to one side? Is the tire wear even? That fresh coat of paint might make the bike look great, but it could also be covering up signs of a previous crash.

8. Strange Noises During Cold Start

If you are going to see a bike from a private seller, demand that the bike be cold when you arrive. You want to hear that engine fire up from cold. If you hear any knocking or ticking sounds after the initial cold start, that could be an indicator of lifter or value issues. Is there excessive smoke coming from the exhaust? That could indicate an oil or coolant leak. If the seller warmed up the bike before you arrived, be suspicious.

9. A Bike Beyond Your Budget

Do you want a brand-new CVO Street Glide Limited? Of course you do. But that is going to cost you over fifty grand. Don’t overextend financially to get your dream bike. Because once you have it in your garage, that dream will quickly become a nightmare. You won’t be able to enjoy this beautiful bike because you will be too worried about making the payment next month. A used bike or a lower trim that is well within your budget is going to be a lot more enjoyable in the long run.

10. One With a Price Below Market Value

Buying a bike over your budget is a problem but so is buying one that is too cheap. If someone is selling a 2020 Road King Special for $5,000, your antenna should go up. Do you think you just stumbled on the deal of a lifetime? Well, chances are far better that you just stumbled upon a scam. People know what a Harley is worth. In some cases, sellers may offer it slightly below market because they need to move it quickly for legitimate reasons, such as buying a house. But if the price is just too good to be true, there is usually something nefarious going on. We advise due diligence on any used bike purchase, but be extra diligent when looking at a bike with a price that seems to be too far below market value.

Images: Harley-Davidson