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Motorcycles - what to ask before you buy

If you're thinking of buying a motorcycle, but you're not sure what to ask before you buy, the questions here will help you decide which motorcycle is best for you. Many of the questions listed under buying a car will also apply to motorcycles.

Click on a question below for more information.

Licence: Do I need a motorcycle licence?
Use: How will I use the motorcycle?
Check: What should I check before I buy the motorcycle?
Cost: What does the motorcycle really cost?
Inspection: Who can do the motorcycle inspection?
Buying: What do I have to do if I decide to buy the motorcycle?
Safety: What about motorcycle safety?

1. Do I need a motorcycle licence?

You'll need a motorcycle licence or L-plates; you'll have to learn how to ride; and know the road rules.

Ask about rider training classes - for example, in NSW motorcycle rider training courses are compulsory if they are available in your area. Find out how much it will cost.

Note: If you're over 30 with a gold driver's licence you can move straight from a learner rider's licence to an unrestricted rider's licence. You still have to attend both parts of the compulsory rider training course (if it's available in your local area) but you don't have to wait three months on the learner's licence before you take the pre-provisional training and/or the rider test.

All riders (over 30 or not) must have held their full licence for 12 months before carrying a pillion passenger.

2. How will I use the motorcycle?

Decide if you want a road bike (for paved roads) or a trail bike (if you want to go off-road).
Will you be riding locally or over long distances? Reliability will be a real issue if you travel far.

3. What should I check before I buy the motorcycle?

Has the motorcycle had a hard life? If the body has been neglected, maybe the mechanical side has been ignored too. Check if there is a service history with the vehicle.

How far has it been ridden? Traditionally, a motorbike loses value once it has over 10,000 kms on the clock.
How old is it? If it's over 10 years old, it may be hard to find a service outlet - of course, this isn't a problem if you do it yourself.
Has it done a fair bit of bush-bashing?
How much registration is left?
Does it have rust?
What about the tread on the tyres? Good tread is essential, especially in the wet. A high performance bike tyre can cost over $500.
Do the brakes work effectively? Are they ABS?
Does it handle predictably?
Does it have automatic transmission?
Is its noise level acceptable?
Does it have sufficient power? Or too much? (check the limits on engine capacity and power/weight ratio for new riders)
Has it been involved in a serious accident?
Is it too heavy to pick up if it falls over?
Can I manoeuvre it when I'm not riding it?
Will it still be comfortable after a long ride?
Does it have sufficient storage space - carry racks, panniers etc.?
What other accessories does it have - fairings, windscreen, mufflers etc.?

4. What does the motorcycle really cost?

Determine what the total cost of the motorcycle will be including:

registration (and any transfer fees)
stamp duty
green slip
insurance - the cost of this will depend on age, riding experience, capacity fo the bike and where it's usually garaged, amongst other things.
maintenance and repairs (especially those that must be done immediately)
fuel
accessories (e.g. helmet, protective clothing, fairings to reduce wind and improve the aerodynamics, and even heated handlebar grips...)
interest on money borrowed to buy the motorcycle
any other fees or charges
motoring association membership (e.g. RACV, NRMA)
storage gear

Note that the more expensive bikes usually hold their resale value better than the great looking but cheap versions.

5. Who can do the motorcycle inspection?

If you don't have the required skills (or a reliable mechanic) to inspect the motorcycle yourself, motoring associations (such as the NRMA) provide vehicle inspection services. Contact your local motoring association for more information.

6. What do I have to do if I decide to buy the motorcycle?

If you are a new rider, does the motorcycle comply with regulations in your state? For example, in NSW new riders are limited to a 660 cc engine capacity limit and a power to weight ratio of up to 150 kilowatts per tonne. Check the latest rules.
Check the registration and CTP insurance details of the vehicle with the relevant authority (for example, in NSW, it's the Roads and Traffic Authority).
Find out if you need a roadworthiness certificate (for example, this is compulsory when selling a vehicle in Victoria).
Transfer the registration into your name within 14 days of the vehicle coming into your possession or management.
In Victoria, you need a transfer of ownership certificate when you buy a vehicle.

7. What about motorcycle safety?

You're very exposed on a motorcycle. To reduce the chance of an accident:

Know and obey the road rules
Wear a helmet
Don't drink (or take drugs) and ride
Don't speed,
Slow down in the wet
Wear protective clothing
Take an advanced driver training course
Correctly adjust your mirrors to see behind and to the side
Check your headlight (high beam and low beam) and brake lights
Regularly check tyre wear and tyre pressure - good tread is essential, especially in the wet.

Nearly half of crashes that cause injury occur in the first year that the person has held their licence. Driving experience gradually reduces the risk.