Topic: Used motorcycle dealerships

[Davidov]

I've a handful of used car lot type places that have "used" or older motorcycles for sale. Mostly outside the city.
More populated downtown areas usually only have name brand, new bike dealers.

Most of the people I know personally will either buy a used motorcycle in good condition, or buy a project. Usually from an individual.
I started thinking about how well these businesses work. First question, do you think they get much business?
I figure most of the assumed liability is the same as buying a used car. It will need repairs, and always has the possibility of breaking down until a number of repairs are made.
Second question, do you think a used bike from a (competent) dealer will safer and more reliable than buying a bike from Joe Schmo that "ran when parked" or "has all maintenance records".

[rb550four]

  Do you think they'll get much business? Location,location,location is key in any business. Condition of vehicles , price , and terms of warranty also important. I would guess that most of the machines are sold in "as is " condition with no warranty implied, also no responsibility for poor workmanship.
   Are they registered motorcycle repair/inspection stations? Is the machine safe? Who knows, I've seen professional mechanics that take shortcuts all the time, I've seen some that are so anal that what ever it is, it's gonna take some time.
   I would guess that they'd do alright if the machines are decent, priced right, and sold as is.  You don't think a big dealership will offer any better on  an "old" bike,why should they , they are there to sell you a new bike.
  Your second question : Sounds to me that Joe Shmo took his bike to the dealership to have maintenance records. I have found that most bikes did run when they were parked but , there's no tellin what could have happened between then and now. Used anything is always risky. 

[Gordon]

You're buying the same quality of bike whether you get it from a dealership or a private seller.  The difference is the dealership has overhead to cover and they're better at covering up problems.  There will always be exceptions, but that's my experience.

They wouldn't take on a bike that needed major work, so any extra you pay for repairs they did will include their mark-up for parts and labor charges, and is something you could do yourself for a fraction of the cost. 

[Davidov]

I know most custom shops build bikes to order. For example, a customer wants a Harley hardtailed.

So how about a shop that builds bikes, and creates a stock out of bikes they have personally built?
Seems more legit than, "Here's a really nice looking bike we just got in yesterday."

[Xnavylfr]

Here's something else to consider!
If you purchase that hardtailed bike from a DEALER, they take on the liability to cover any and ALL cost if the frame falls apart from shaky welding.  If they especially say it's SAFE to ride. Just by posting a sign on the wall JO SHOMES M/C REPAIR AND SALES , License# XXXXXX says they KNOW??? what is safe!!

Even a private seller can be help responsible in the same situation, just harder to prove!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)