The trade gives an average annual mileage of 3,000 for machines up to 90cc ad 5,000 for larger two-wheelers, dropping to 4,000 mile after the first year. But condition counts for a lot – you can trash a bike in 1,000 miles or cherish it for 50,000. Buying a year-old bike can save you a fortune and you’ll still have at least a year’s warranty left to run.

Where to buy

Franchised dealership: these have an agreement with a manufacturer to sell their motorcycles. You should be able to part exchange your old bike, probably get a decent test ride, and of course get top quality service. Some of the bigger manufacturers run ‘used approved’ schemes that offer bikes with a full service history, that are guaranteed and often have low mileages. You may not get a brand new number plate, but it’s a no-risk route to bike buying.

Independent dealership: some specialise in certain makes or types of motorcycle, others have a huge stock of anything and everything. Buying from an independent dealer gives you more protection than if you buy privately thanks to the Sale and Supply of Goods Act.

Private sales: buying privately can work out cheaper than going to a dealer, but you have less legal protection if things go wrong. A private seller has not got to do any of the checks that a dealer has to make by law. It’s great when you’ve found your perfect bike, but can you be sure the seller is the owner? If it is under a higher purchase agreement, the bike belongs to the HP company. You can check a bike’s history here.

Research

Check out our bike reviews on the motorcycles you are interested. Read road tests, talk to knowledgeable friends and do a bit of research on the web – key in ‘problems’ and the make/model you are interested in and see what you can find. Don’t worry too much if you find a few negative comments on an enthusiasts’ website. Some people just love to hate...

What bike to buy

For many people, buying a car is about as exciting as buying a new fridge. But most bikers are passionate about motorcycles – and that means ‘cheap’ and ‘practical’ are not always top of our wish list. But to help you decide what is right for you, take a look at the bikes in these categories. The categories do overlap, and there is nothing to stop you going touring on a custom, or commuting on a supersports.

All-rounder

Naked, Adventure, Commuter... They may not be as focussed on speed and handling as Supersports, or as comfortable as a dedicated long distance tourer, but these are bikes that can do it all.

• Triumph Speed Triple
• Kawasaki ER-6n
• BMW R 1200 GS
• Suzuki V-Strom 650X
• Honda CBF600 Hornet

View Bike Trader's bike reviews to read more

Custom

Laid-back style, lashings of chrome, low seat, forward footpegs... and a very big engine are all part of the custom look.

• Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones
• Suzuki Intruder C1800RT
• Triumph Rocket III
• Victory Vegas Jackpot
• Honda VT750C Shadow

Learner/lightweight

Learner riders under 21-years old are limited to a 125, but that doesn’t have to restrict the fun. Lightweight motorcycles and scooters make great commuters.

• Suzuki RZ125 VanVan
• Yamaha XV125 Virago
• Honda CBR125R
• Piaggio X9 Evolution 250
• Yamaha Majesty 125

Sport tourer

The best of both worlds wrapped up in one neat package. Sports Tourers fill the niche between full-on Supersports and full-spec Tourer.

• Kawasaki 1400GTR
• Triumph Sprint ST
• Honda VFR800
• BMW K 1399 GT
• Yamaha FJ1300A

Supersports

Fully faired, performance engine, top suspension, stunning brakes. Think race rep and you’ll get the picture.

• Suzuki GSX-R600
• Yamaha R1
• Ducati 1098
• Honda CBR1100RR
• Triumph Daytona 675

Tourer

Designed for crossing continents in comfort – and with an engine big and powerful enough to let you do it two-up and at any speed you choose. Comfortable seating position and dedicated luggage system is standard.

• BMW R 1200 RT
• Moto Guzzi Norge 1200GT
• Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Suzuki V-Strom 650X
• Buell Ulysses XB12X
• Harley-Davidson Road King Classic

View Bike Trader's bike reviews to find out more

Calling or visiting the seller

Print off and take this checklist with you when viewing a bike:

• How many owners has the bike had?
• How long have you owned the bike?
• Is there any outstanding finance agreement?
• What is the mileage (bigger bikes average 4,000 miles a year after first year)?
• Is there any crash damage?
• Has the bike been written off by an insurance company?
• Does it have a current MOT?
• How long is left on the tax disc?
• When was it last serviced
• Do you have a service history or old MoT certificates to verify mileage?
• Do you have the spare keys? Bikes with an anti-theft devise have an immobiliser ID chip in the key. Expensive to replace.

Bike check

• If you don’t know enough about bikes, take a mate who does
• A clean and tidy bike indicates it has been looked after
• Does the condition of the motorcycle match the mileage? A 6,000 mile bike should be almost mint; a 30,000 miler shows more signs of use
• Check the rear suspension for wear, rust and oil leaks
• Does the engine sound sweet, or rattle and clank?
• Check warning lights go out on starting the engine
• With the engine running, check for fuel, oil and water leaks
• Check speedo, rev counter, lights and horn work
• Broken clutch or brake lever ends indicate the bike has fallen over. Not serious, it happens... but expect a discount
• Scraped exhaust cans and fairing panels mean the bike could have been down the road.
• Check wheel alignment and frame and fork for damage
• Rusted or pitted fork tubes and corroded alloy indicate winter use
• Check exhaust header pipes and collector box for rust and holes
• Take out the dipstick. Oil level should be between max and min levels
• Oil should be a clean, golden colour
• Check chain and sprockets for wear
• Tyres must have a minimum 1mm tread across 3/4 of width of tyre
• Are the discs scored or warped? Are the wheel rims true?
• Has the frame or engine number been tampered with?

Road Test

• Bike should start easily cold or hot
• Gear change action should be sweet
• Clutch, brake and throttle controls should operate smoothly
• Suspension should work smoothly
• It should feel right for you 

Paperwork

Make sure you get three important pieces of paperwork before you buy a second-hand bike: the V5C Registration Certificate (logbook), MOT certificate and the service history.

V5C registration certificate

• Check all details on the V5C match with the motorcycle, especially the number plate, make, model and year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number or frame number) and engine number.
• Check the seller is the registered keeper on the V5C logbook
• Never buy a motorcycle without a V5C, even if the Bishop says it has been sent to the DVLA
• Hold the V5C up to the light. You should see DVL watermark letters
• Remember that the V5C only lists the registered keeper.  Make sure the seller has the right to sell the bike

MOT certificate

• All new MOT certificates are printed by computer to reduce fraud. Old certificates were embossed with the test station’s stamp.
• To check if a new-style MOT certificate is genuine, call the MOT Enquiry Line on 0870 3300 444.
• Remember that a valid certificate is no guarantee of roadworthiness, only that the vehicle was roadworthy at the time of test.
• Check the mileage stated on the MoT fits the bike

Service history

• Check the service book has garage stamps at relevant mileages – and check the last service tallies with the mileage on the speedometer. A full dealer service history (FDSH) is good news
• Conscientious owners keep a pile of receipts to prove what has been done
• Old MoT certificates are a great way of verifying mileage.
• Don’t forget paperwork and codes for things like alarms

Haggling

Every seller expects you to try and knock the price down so don’t disappoint them. If your bike check or road test reveals any faults, use them as a bargaining tool. Pitch your opening offer low – you can always increase it to clinch a deal. Ask a dealer to chuck in luggage or a helmet, or a new MOT. But be prepared to walk away. Remember that there are thousands of bikes for sale on Bike Trader. You’ll find the right one at the right price.

Paying

If paying by cheque, expect the payment to be cleared before you take delivery. If you need a loan, you can compare over 400 loans on Bike Trader. Make sure that you get a receipt for the bike, stating date, amount paid, make, model and registration, and both your names and addresses.