Buying a bike over the winter months

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Rossxxxxx said:
Yes mimico_polak.

I agree a bit of commonsense and judgment seems to be called for. I suspect there are more reasonable people than jerks out there. What I described was rhetorical and would be a worst case situation.

I am thinking that it is best to leave a test ride till the very last, after I have had a chance to get to know the person and verify maintenance and title issues.
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I have to say buying and selling in the cruiser market is different than the sportbike market. Since the demand for hot cruisers is pretty low (people don't really steal and part out cruisers or track them) you will most likely have an easier time getting a test ride without handing over the full amount in cash.

Your best time to start looking around is right now. Some people would rather sell than store. Some people are also looking to purchase new in the spring so they have (want to) dump their current ride.
Familiarize yourself with the type you want. Watch Auto-Trader, Criaglist and Kijiji for price fluctuation.
Be clear on what you want and what you are willing to spend. Be patient and. It is a buyers market come fall. Sellers market come spring. Market is pretty stale for used bike in the winter due to reasons listed above.
 
+1 as above. This is a good time to start looking as people will be unloading soon.

However....a deal is subjective. What's a great one for me may be horrible for you. Find a bike you're interested in, pick a budget and stick with it. You may get so focused on saving a few hundred $ that you may miss out on a gem of a bike. Personally I'd prefer to pay a bit more to a seller where I'm comfortable with them and the bike then get a 'steal' from someone just to save a few bucks.
 
mimico_polak said:
+1 as above. This is a good time to start looking as people will be unloading soon.

However....a deal is subjective. What's a great one for me may be horrible for you. Find a bike you're interested in, pick a budget and stick with it. You may get so focused on saving a few hundred $ that you may miss out on a gem of a bike. Personally I'd prefer to pay a bit more to a seller where I'm comfortable with them and the bike then get a 'steal' from someone just to save a few bucks.
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Hi - I agree

I want to narrow things down a bit but be flexible to pick up a real plum for a fair price. I am not bottom feeding on the price thing. I am willing to pay good dollars for a good bike maintained by a classy owner. Anything i get will have to be very good if not excellent condition. After that, aside from 2-6 models I am willing to consider, the main thing will be the ergonomics and fit of the bike to me.

I will be doing a few sit tests at some dealers over the coming weeks to narrow things down. If I can get a good deal at a dealer, even if I pay more it will be worth the peace of mind. If I go private - well I've done my homework and I should be able to get the right deal.

Ross
 
I keep my bike in a heated garage. For me "winterizing" means taking the key out.
 
dirtbag said:
I keep my bike in a heated garage. For me "winterizing" means taking the key out.
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Make sure you don't store it with fuel that has ethanol in it or you could be in for a world of hurt come spring :(

-Jamie M.
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