Buying a New Motorbike

If you opt for the new bike route, there are two guarantees: the first is a paper document, and the second is that your bike will depreciate alarmingly during the first year. If you plan to keep the bike for years rather than months, this isn't a problem - the piece of mind afforded by the warranty will no doubt make up for the machine's loss in value. But, if you reckon on changing bikes fairly soon, it's best to look in the pre-owned section.

If you do choose to buy from a dealer, always phone around. Deals vary from shop to shop, and it's sometimes worth playing one off against the other. Remember, if you're not happy with something, walk away. Unless you're buying some seriously specialist kit, there'll always be somewhere else that'll sell to you.

Also ask about after-sales care. A decent service team at a dealer just down the road from you could be worth more than a cheaper bike from a dealer further away with a shoddy service team.

Buying from a Dealer Franchise

For:

  • Generally excellent service/parts back up
  • Likely to take your existing bike as part exchange
  • Bikes will be 'official' UK-market models
  • Low-rate finance deals
  • Full manufacturer warranties

Against:

  • Premium prices (but these are falling thanks to competition from import dealers who ship in cheaper bikes from abroad)
  • One-on-one sales tactics might be intimidating for some
Buying from an other Dealer or Supermarket

Dealers will supply you new or used bikes, from various sources, at decent costs. Make sure you know where the bike has come from, as some sell both unofficially imported and UK-spec bikes.

For:

  • Varied selection and large stocks of bikes
  • Likely to be treated as a customer, rather than a walking wallet, thanks to competition from other dealers
  • More likely to take your bike in part exchange
  • Good prices

Against:

  • Check small print on warranties, ensure the bike has 'unlimited' cover for at least £1500 of work
  • Confusion over where bikes are sourced. If they are unofficial imports, follow advice below
  • Don't always stock the latest models, although this can be a 'for' as dealers often sell previous year models at bargain prices
Buying from an Import Dealer

These dealers import bikes in bulk from wherever in the world they can get them cheaper. Most are UK-specification, but check the speedo reads in mph (stickers will do - they are legal!) and the headlights dip to the left.

For:

  • Generally excellent service/parts back up
  • Likely to take your existing bike as part exchange
  • Bikes should be 'official' UK-market models
  • Low-rate finance deals
  • Full manufacturer warranties

Against:

  • You may need to be proactive about recalls and warranty work, as the manufacturer may not necessarily know that the bike has been exported
  • May require speedo and headlight conversions
  • One-on-one sales tactics might be intimidating for some
Buying over the Net

Manufacturers have been slow to offer their bikes over the net. Many believe going to a dealer and establishing a relationship is the best way, for now.

For:

  • Quick and easy for those who know exactly what they want
  • Avoids face-to-face negotiations

Against:

  • Very few manufacturers sell online - and those who do generally offer scooters and special editions
  • Exchanging large amounts of cash over the net may put off some
  • Little or no chance of negotiating a discount