Get a mechanic to look over a used bike before you buy it
Anyone who was out Saturday or Sunday will confirm that the roads are full of motorcycles. Spring is officially here and the sunny, warm days confirm it. Never mind that it may snow tomorrow.
If you're not riding yet, but you've made up your mind that this is the year, there is no better time to buy that bike than right now. It's still a little early, so prices are low and the selection will never be better. And especially if you're new to this, you really ought to be looking at a used motorcycle. You're going to need to learn to ride and you really don't want to dump a brand new bike you just paid big bucks for.
But how do you know if the used bike you're considering is in good shape. Again, especially if you're new, you probably don't even know what to look for. Well, what would you do if you were considering buying a used car? You'd probably take it toa mechanic and pay him a few bucks to look it over for you.
Guess what? You can do the same with a motorcycle. I wasn't really sure about this so I called a bunch of shops and asked. And you know the best part? Depending on how detailed a check-up you want, many shops will do the basic once-over for free.
Here's what I found. The shops I called were pretty much at random, so you'll want to check with someone close to you for their particulars. If there is a general rule that emerged it is that smaller repair shops will do more for less than big dealerships, but they're all close. In all cases it is best to call ahead and let them know you're coming in.
Mark's Motorcycle and Snowmobile
My first call was to Mark's Motorcycle and Snowmobile at 2331 W Hampden #182. Mark is open Monday to Saturday and can be reached at 303-761-3273. Mark said he'd be glad to "take a peek" and he wouldn't charge anything. He'd check out the tires, make sure the bike runs and doesn't smoke, and whether the engine leaks oil. Basic stuff.
Vickery Motorsports
Then I spoke to Rick at Vickery Motorsports, at 2231 S. Parker Road. Rick said they would charge $44.50 to check all service-related items that did not require disassembly. If you want a compression check -- not a bad idea -- the charge would be $89. That said, he told me that if the bike was pretty new and in good condition he'd be happy to eyeball it for free. "They can come on down and I'll take a look, no charge. I'd do that for anybody," he said.
Rick said it would be best if the buyer could drop the bike by in the morning and leave it so they can give it a good check. "We want to make sure the buyer understands what's going on with the bike." He also noted that the older the bike is the harder it is to give a solid appraisal of its condition. You can reach Vickery at 303-755-4387.
Sun Enterprises
Sun Enterprises, up at 8858 Pearl in Thornton, sells Harleys, Buells, and Hondas. Girard told me they would charge half an hour's labor, $42, to check the bike out.
"We look it over and take it for a test ride. We check for the condition of the oil, loose or stripped bolts, lights, horn . . . There's a big long checklist, the same as when we take a bike in for a trade."
Girard said you ought to call ahead to let him know you're coming. The phone is 303-287-7567.
Faster Motorsports
Mike at Faster Motorsports, 2625 W. 8th Ave., said he would be glad to do a quick check of the fork, brakes, etc. at no charge. If you want an in-depth examination from front to back, to make sure the bike runs and rides safely, that would be $72. You definitely want to make an appointment, at 303-825-0975. Get it in in the morning and they'll have it back to you by the end of the day.
Sportique Scooters
Finally, not to overlook you scooterists out there, I called Sportique, where I spoke to Josh.
Josh told me a full head to toe check would run half an hour of labor, or $40. Dropping by is fine but he recommends you call ahead to make sure it is a brand they work on and would be familiar with.
The most important thing in buying a scooter, Josh said, is just to get a good name brand. A lot of no-name scooters are available for cheap but there's a reason for that, as Danny Wright, the Seattle Alternative Transportation Examiner, can tell you from first-hand experience.
The number for Sportique is 303-477-8614, and they have shops at 3211 N. Pecos, 4346 S. Broadway, and 2506 Spruce in Boulder.
This is the time to be buying. Make sure you don't end up with a money pit that makes you rue your decision.
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