Let's see. What I look for in any used vehicle is first and foremost is it owned and driven by an adult? Sorta eliminates stoppies, wheelies, burnouts, redline night on main street, crap like that. #2) Look at and talk too the owner. Well dressed, speaks intelligently, nice home, nice cars? You can probably expect a nice bike. The last used Goldwing I bought the guy answered the door in a shirt and tie and the rest of his house, garage, cars and affairs were just like him...professional and up front. #3) How does the bike look when you first see it...well cared for, beat all to hell, somewhere in between? First impressions tell you a lot. #4) If original owner, does he have the invoice and maintenance records for it? It's nice to get this stuff as you know the history on the bike and if it's been maintained. Look for reg. oil and filter changes, stuff like that. Does it need an expensive service check as soon as you ride off or has he been keeping up on that? #5) Is this guy a bike nut that's been riding all his life? Chances are if he is he's taken care of the machine and has had many over the course of his lifetime and know how to care for them.
The more you shop used vehicles the better you get at picking the keepers and the junkers. Know what you're looking for, know what it's worth and shop with cash in your hand...it's a powerful motivator. Don't be affraid to respectfully and politely walk away from a bad deal. I ALWAYS sleep at least one night on a deal to make sure it's what I'm wanting to do and help avoid buyers remorse or wallet robbery.
Be patient and don't buy something that's "almost" what you want. Once you spend your dough it's gone so don't compromise unless you can truly live with your decision (this is where the sleep over comes in handy.) I have in the past only to see exactly what I was looking for appear in the ads 2-3 days later and for less money than I paid !!
