When is the best time to buy a used bike?

There is no fixed best time to buy a used bike, but there are a couple of trends you should be aware of. New bikes are released in March and September, with many buyers trading their current bike in. This means there tends to be more choice of used bikes around this time, and there can be reduced prices as sellers compete. Less in-demand models may have a further price reduction in April and October when sellers are keen to shift their unsold bikes.

Can I test drive a used bike?

Test driving is a great way to make sure a bike meets your needs, and that it is in a good condition. You can arrange a test drive when you contact the seller on Autotrader. Make sure to check inside and outside the bike, and be aware of any strange noises, vibrations, or warning lights when you're driving.

Can a used bike be returned?

If you buy a used bike from a dealer and discover a fault within the first 30 days, you can return it under the Consumer Rights Act. You will also have some protection under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states the bike must match its description and be fit for purpose. If you buy a used bike from a private seller, then legally the seller must be allowed to sell the bike, and it must match its description. If you can prove either is untrue, you can return the bike. Due diligence is important, as you will need to prove any faults or inaccurate descriptions were in place when you bought the bike and not caused by you.

Used bikes

Meet your perfect bike

Postcode

Make

Model

Carousel slide 1

Scooters

Scooters are a great option for your commute to work.

Adventure Bikes

Start your next adventure on the road with one of these bikes.

Sports Bikes

Want to get from A to B quickly? A sports bike is perfect for you.

Cruisers

Want to get out on the open road? Go cruising on one of these bikes.

Browse by brand

Carousel slide 1

Honda

View 2,617 bikes

Yamaha

View 1,910 bikes

Suzuki

View 1,323 bikes

Triumph

View 2,394 bikes

BMW

Harley-Davidson

Ducati

KTM

Top picks from the experts

bestOf

Top five first bikes under £5,000

Just because you’re operating on a budget as a rookie rider it doesn’t mean there aren’t some sporty, stylish and fun options for your first bike

Published 3 years ago

bestOf

5 Best first bikes for £2500

Choosing your first motorcycle, especially when you’re an inexperienced 16-17-year-old and operating on a tight budget, can be one of the most exciting – but also daunting – experiences involving two wheels. Here’s our pick of the best first bikes for £2500 to help you choose…

Published 3 years ago

bestOf

5 Best ATVs in 2021

What’s out there? What do you get for your money and which is the best? So, to help you decide, AutoTrader’s experts have looked at the five main categories of ATV and picked out one of the best current offerings in each… here’s our pick of the crop.

Published 5 years ago

Find deals on popular models

Carousel slide 1

Harley-Davidson Touring

Kawasaki Z900RS

Honda CB1000R

Yamaha Tracer 700

Need a second opinion?

Check out the latest bike reviews from our team

Moto Guzzi Stelvio (2024 – ) review

This car has a rating of: 4.5 out of 5

Adventure bike based on all-new V100 Mandello combines GS-rivalling versatility and equipment with classic Guzzi character

QJMotor SRK 921 (2026 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

QJMotor’s latest boasts MV Agusta style and attitude for a fraction of the cost – what’s not to like?

Suzuki GSX-8T (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

Retro twist on the GSX-8S looks good, goes well and has plenty of charm but is pushed hard by cheaper rivals

Norton Manx R (2026 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 4.5 out of 5

Norton’s rebirth roars into reality with the thrilling, 206 horsepower Manx R sports bike

18,751pre-owned bikes
ready and waitingFind yours

Your questions answered

There is no fixed best time to buy a used bike, but there are a couple of trends you should be aware of. New bikes are released in March and September, with many buyers trading their current bike in. This means there tends to be more choice of used bikes around this time, and there can be reduced prices as sellers compete. Less in-demand models may have a further price reduction in April and October when sellers are keen to shift their unsold bikes.
If you buy a used bike from a dealer and discover a fault within the first 30 days, you can return it under the Consumer Rights Act. You will also have some protection under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states the bike must match its description and be fit for purpose. If you buy a used bike from a private seller, then legally the seller must be allowed to sell the bike, and it must match its description. If you can prove either is untrue, you can return the bike. Due diligence is important, as you will need to prove any faults or inaccurate descriptions were in place when you bought the bike and not caused by you.

Used bike experts since before the internet

For over 40 years we’ve helped millions of people find used bikes for sale. From life as a used bike magazine, to the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, we evolve to make bike-buying easier.

Autotrader Trustpilot rating: Excellent

Autotrader has a Trustpilot score of 4.6/5

4.6/5

Score is based on 107,134 reviews

Autotrader Classified AdvertAutotraderClassified advert listing on Autotrader

4.65107,134

About Autotrader

Used bikes

Scooters

Adventure Bikes

Sports Bikes

Cruisers

Bike history checks

Browse by brand

Honda

Yamaha

Suzuki

Triumph

Sellers you can trust

Top five first bikes under £5,000

5 Best first bikes for £2500

5 Best ATVs in 2021

Moto Guzzi Stelvio (2024 – ) review

QJMotor SRK 921 (2026 - ) review

Suzuki GSX-8T (2025 - ) review

Norton Manx R (2026 - ) review

addWhen is the best time to buy a used bike?

addCan I test drive a used bike?

addCan a used bike be returned?

Used bike experts since before the internet

Send me great Autotrader offers and the latest vehicle reviews.