Looking to sell your motorcycle? If you plan on using the Internet to try and figure out your motorcycles resale value, be careful. By most accounts on the web, used motorcycle prices are determined by either a riders personal preference or inaccurate book values.

Finding A Motorcycles Resale Value Should Go Farther Than Looking Up The Motorcycles Book Value

As many already know, relying on Kelley Blue Book values can be misleading. Used motorcycle values from those and other books do not take into account the almost daily market changes, economic surges and dips, etc.

Add to that the often heated debates online between die-hard Harley Davidson owners andwell, pretty much anybody who owns a different brand, and youre still left wondering how to sell your motorcycle.

Your best bet is to either do your own research or bring it in to a professional appraiser to let them work their magic. Trying to sort through the brand-fueled noise on the Internet is a monumental task and relying on the services like Kelley Blue Book could leave you with a completely inaccurate motorcycle resale value.

Used Motorcycle Value Shouldnt Just Be In The Eye Of The Beholder

Take a look around the Internet to find your motorcycles resale value. Invariably, youll end up reading a conversation thread that devolves into a spat between people who ride Bike A and people who ride Bike B. That doesnt really serve your purposes very well, now does it?

In reality, the value of your used motorcycle depends on a very basic premise In what condition is your bike?

Sure, there are some other factors that determine you motorcycles resale value. For example, the resale value of a Harley Davidson had for years been remarkably high. These days, because they produced more bikes compared to years ago when Harley waiting lists were legendary, the resale value of a Harley is much lower.

But, if you want to read some really intense back-and-forth, take a look at the Harley Davidson vs. Crotch Rocket debate.

Bottom Line: Figuring Out The Value Of Your Used Motorcycle Can Pay Off

For better or for worse, motorcycle riders are generally fanatic about their bikes. Depending on what motorcycle you have, that can help or hurt your efforts to figure out the motorcycles resale value. At the same time, relying on motorcycle book values can be quite misleading. To solve the used motorcycle prices dilemma, youre better off taking your time, doing your research, or taking it to a quality, professional appraiser.

One is to enhance the performance of your machine. Since generally one of the items that restrict the highest performance on a bike is the exhaust. Once this is removed and replaced with a performance system you will have significant horsepower gains.

Now generally you will have to have your ride remapped in order to take advantage of the removal of the restrictive original system. The other reason stock gets replaced with a new motorcycle exhaust system is the sound. Due to restrictions the sound of your bike is really baffled so it does not have that nice aggressive growl that most of us really go for.

With a new aftermarket exhaust the motorbike will run and sound way better. Also lets not forget that these new exhaust will be much lighter then stock. For example when I replaced my stock cans on my Ducati with some Aluminum ones I dropped almost 20 pounds of my bike. That is a lot of weight to loose on a vehicle that weighed 500+ pounds stock. This was an older model so re jetting was in order. This modification combined with some race carburetors made a huge difference.

Most of today’s motorcycles exhaust are designed to give you a great sound as well as performance. The stock exhaust is usually top of the line but due to government restrictions the systems take all the oompf out of your machine, or at least restrict what it is capable of. With so many makers of exhaust systems these days its hard to figure out what is best for your bike.

Here are some suggestions if you have a sport bike. Scorpion motor cycle exhaust are a great choice for most sport bikes. They make many top of the line exhaust systems. A variety of materials are used to make these motorcycles exhausts. Scorpion uses aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is the chrome of the sport bike world so it is widely used. This material is highly durable and lighter then plastic so it is a great choice when you are looking to reduce weight on any type of vehicle. Carbon Fiber is not only popular in the sportbike world but also many car enthusiast are using this material to use heavy fenders and hoods on their vehicles. Not to mention that some of the top makers of sports cars make sports cars whose chassis consist mostly of this material.

Your other choices for a quality exhaust for a sportbike are going to be an Akrapovic, Yoshimura, or a Jardine system. All are of quality and made from quality materials.

For Cruisers like a nice Harley Davidson there are several choices available. Since weight is not a factor for motor cycles of this type most of your exhaust systems consist of a chromed stainless steel.

More important in this application is the look, sound and lastly the power increase. Samson makes some really nice pipes for these bikes as does Vance and Hines as well as Supertrapp. For your metric cruiser crowd you have Cobra, Jardine, Hard Krome, and Vance and Hines. All of these manufacturers make a great product that is designed to give you years of trouble free service.

One of the most recognized motorcycle service technician programs is offered at WyoTech (wyotech.com). Students are given the option to choose the motorcycle manufacturer of their choice to learn to diagnose, service and repair Harleys or other motorcycles. Wyotech offers motorcycle service and repair classes in Daytona Beach, Florida and Fremont, California.

Another option is a class at the Baran Institute of Technology (baraninstitute.com). You’ll receive hands-on training with various brands of motorcycles. As a Baran Institute student, you’ll get up close and personal with the intricacies of motorcycle service and repair. From the engine to the exhaust system, and clutches to electrical systems, this 75.5 quarter credit hour program is designed to prepare you to enter the world of motorcycle service and repair. Class size is limited to 20 students and the program can be completed within one year.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (uticorp.com) offers a unique program especially for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. MMI’s Motorcycle Technician program addresses the basics of motorcycle repair and service on a full range of motorcycles. Students not only learn in a classroom environment but also through hands-on training. After completion of the prerequisite training, students choose 12 weeks or more of elective course training.

Harley Davidson course electives at MMI include:

– Harley Davidson Early Model Technology – focuses on repair and restoration of motorcycles dating back to 1936.

– Harley Davidson Late Model Technology – Training to become an entry level Harley-Davidson motorcycle technician.

– Screamin’ Eagle – Focuses on the Screamin’ Eagle performance motorcycle.

– V-Rod Motorcyle – Focuses on the award-winning VRSCA (V-Rod) motorcycle.

– Buell – Focuses on design, technology and engineering of Buell motorcycles.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers the only certificate course in the nation that’s officially sponsored by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Classes are offered in Orlando, Florida.

Another great option to become a Harley Davidson Motorcycles Service Technician is the Penn Foster Career School (pennfoster.edu). The institute offers online learning classes and classes through print publications. Students have access to instructors and a toll-free instructional support hotline. If necessary, Penn Foster can help potential students earn their GED. Motorcycle technician training can be completed in nine months and financial assistance is available.

Professional Career Development Institute is a nationally accredited correspondence school founded in 1987. PCDI does not require any educational prerequisites to get started as a motorcycle service and repair technician. Students learn about each part, each system and how the entire motorcycle works. Courses can be completed in a matter of months. Upon completion of training, graduates receive a nationally accredited diploma.

Harley Davidson is and always will be a legend when it comes to motorcycles. Over the course of the next decade, more and more people will be riding a Harley so the need for service technicians will increase.

Regardless of your choice of learning institution, becoming a certified Harley Davidson motorcycle repair and service technician can provide you with an exciting and rewarding career.

If I get a new one, I will be guaranteed that it will be warranted and for the most part safe and steadfast.

However, if I buy a pre owned motorcycle, I will save thousands off the cost of a shinny new one. I will not have to ride like an old lady throughout the brake in cycle and I will shell out a bundle less for excise charge.

The additional assessment I must formulate is, do I require an American standard harley davidson or do I desire to pick up a metric motorcycle.

A new Harley Davidson in the class that I want will be around $18,000.00 low, to $22,000.00 on the high side.

If I settle on a metric motorbike, the same class motorcycle will cost me hundreds less at just about $8,000.00 low to $16,000.00 on the high side.

If I purchase new, I won’t have to fear about components falling off or braking down. Then again, I will be paying out a lot more specially if I finance it.

That brings up another question I must to mull over. Do I need to barrow money for my new or used motorcycle, or can I afford to pay cash?

Forking over cash is ideal for the reason that I will not have month-to-month payments and shell out elevated interest charge that will increase the over all charge of my motorcycle.

If you have the cash to purchase new, I would extremely suggest it. Then again, if you are like me you don’t maintain $20,000.00 laying around. So a pre owned bike it is.

Now that I have determined to make my next bike a used motorcycle, here are a couple different vastly important things I need to consider. Firstly am I going to purchase a Harley davidson, or a metric?

Although a used Harley is going to be more affordable then a new Harley Davidson, a used Harley Davidson is going to cast more then a used metric motorcycle.

Even though buying “Made in the USA” is significant, in the real world, cost is the determining aspect for me. And moreover, I have never discriminated against any motorbike brand, type or style. I have road just about every type of bike you will find and I have owned nearly all of them.

So I have come to a decision. I am going to find a used motorbike also it is going to be a metric motorcycle.

I’m going to get a late model Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic, the Suzuki C50-T, or a Yamaha Road Star Silverado. I am able to pick up any one of these 2007 – 2008 models pre owned for about $8,000.00 to $9,000.00.

Another thing I have to to consider is, am I going to purchase it from a privet person or from a dealer.

If I acquire my next used motorcycle from a motorcycle dealership, by law there has to be at least a thirty day warranty and a safety inspection completed on the bike before it’s sold.

If I buy it from a exclusive individual, I’m more likely to get a greater deal price wise, but the motorcycle will most likely be sold as is.

This being said, it is no doubt a good idea to thoroughly test a pre owned motorbike out before you get it.

The first thing I always examine if I am going to buy a used bike is the general outer shell. I check to see if the motorcycle has signs of mistreatment or has been laid down. I look for stuff like dings and scrapes, oxidation or worn metal, leaks and tint of the exhaust. I also inspect the frame and suspension. By browsing down the middle of the motorcycle from the front you are able to distinguish if the frame is bent or if the front forks are correct and if there is any seepage from the seals.

Inspect the brakes, the clutch, linkage, throttle and brake cables. I always learn at what time the motorcycle was last serviced. One thing I don’t do is believe any sellers word for repair details. Ask for evidence. Get the seller to show you all of the service records.

Wheels and tires are costly so examine them carefuly. In the end you are putting out a bundle up front to get your ride on. Why should you have to fork out still more money a few months down the road to purchase new wheels and tires.

One other detail to bear in mind is the wireing system and the battery. Check for any loose-fitting connections or stripped wires. On the battery check to notice if there is any corrosion and if the connections are not stripped. Turn the bike on to see if the head lamp comes on. Also examine the tail light, break light, turn signals and the horn.

Wow! Now start the used motorcycle. Notice if it fires up straight away or if it takes a few cranks to start. Additionally, how does the starter sound? Does it clang or disengage and just spin or does it drag or just click?

Okay, now that it’s fired up, how does it sound, good? Does it hesitate and ping? Is there dark blue smoke coming from the tail pipes? Does the engine rattle or produce a ticking clatter? If so, there is something incorrect that I wouldn’t want to get myself into.

At this point take it for a test ride. Observe how it rides. If it rides well and stops fine then odds are its all good. So now I’m ready to buy the bike.

By the way, it is always a good practice to take any used motorcycle you are thinking about purchaseing to a specialized motorbike mechanic and have them test it out before you get it. If for any motive the seller has difficulty with this, I wouldn’t pay money for that used motorcycle.

Looking to sell your motorcycle? If you plan on using the Internet to try and figure out your motorcycles resale value, be careful. By most accounts on the web, used motorcycle prices are determined by either a riders personal preference or inaccurate book values.

Finding A Motorcycles Resale Value Should Go Farther Than Looking Up The Motorcycles Book Value

As many already know, relying on Kelley Blue Book values can be misleading. Used motorcycle values from those and other books do not take into account the almost daily market changes, economic surges and dips, etc.

Add to that the often heated debates online between die-hard Harley Davidson owners andwell, pretty much anybody who owns a different brand, and youre still left wondering how to sell your motorcycle.

Your best bet is to either do your own research or bring it in to a professional appraiser to let them work their magic. Trying to sort through the brand-fueled noise on the Internet is a monumental task and relying on the services like Kelley Blue Book could leave you with a completely inaccurate motorcycle resale value.

Used Motorcycle Value Shouldnt Just Be In The Eye Of The Beholder

Take a look around the Internet to find your motorcycles resale value. Invariably, youll end up reading a conversation thread that devolves into a spat between people who ride Bike A and people who ride Bike B. That doesnt really serve your purposes very well, now does it?

In reality, the value of your used motorcycle depends on a very basic premise In what condition is your bike?

Sure, there are some other factors that determine you motorcycles resale value. For example, the resale value of a Harley Davidson had for years been remarkably high. These days, because they produced more bikes compared to years ago when Harley waiting lists were legendary, the resale value of a Harley is much lower.

But, if you want to read some really intense back-and-forth, take a look at the Harley Davidson vs. Crotch Rocket debate.

Bottom Line: Figuring Out The Value Of Your Used Motorcycle Can Pay Off

For better or for worse, motorcycle riders are generally fanatic about their bikes. Depending on what motorcycle you have, that can help or hurt your efforts to figure out the motorcycles resale value. At the same time, relying on motorcycle book values can be quite misleading. To solve the used motorcycle prices dilemma, youre better off taking your time, doing your research, or taking it to a quality, professional appraiser.

Maintaining proper oil temperature is important because if the circulating oil is too thick, it will not flow and do its lubricating job correctly. If the oil becomes overheated, it will cause excess engine wear and it will destroy the properties of the oil that do the necessary lubrication. Excess friction from lack of proper lubrication will cause unnecessary engine wear. The UltraCoolFL motorcycle oil cooling system can help keep your motorcycle engine running at optimum levels of performance at all temperatures.

This special Harley oil cooler is easy to install, and no special tools are required. The kit can be assembled and mounted on the motorcycle in under an hour. The unit has a plain black cover, which is also suitable for decoration, but it’s main function is to prevent road debris and rocks from damaging the oil cooler. It also prevents over cooling of the oil while the motorcycle is moving fast. The UltraCoolFL motorcycle oil cooler kit contains everything you will need, and all parts have a 90 day warranty.

A high output, thermostatically controlled fan is the heart of this unit. It forces air through the motorcycle oil cooler any time temperatures exceed 210 degrees. When the oil temperature is below 190 degrees, the fan automatically turns itself off. This new technology is patented because it is so unique. These oil cooling systems will be one of the most popular aftermarket kits available to motorcycle owners.

We feel this product ushers in a new era of motorcycle oil coolers, and Harley Davidson and Custom V-Twin motorcycle owners will find their engines will run cleaner and last longer by using our Harley oil coolers.

Wipe any grunge off the terminals of the battery and battery box. Spray on protectants to the connecting hardware and on the batterys terminals. Keep your battery plug into a charger like Battery Tender. If a Battery Tender is not yet on your budget, incrementally charge the battery overnight every other week. If your battery is the kind where it requires fluid to be added, fill it up to the brim before storing. If your battery just goes blah during winter time, a Harley Davidson maintenance-free battery is one favorable replacement if you can find one that is compatible with your model motorcycle.

These days a lot of gasoline they are peddling at the pumps contain ethanol. Ethanol absorbs water from the atmosphere. If you ride your motorcycle regularly during summer, a few tanks of gasoline burn and its accompanying by-product which is water will go straight out to the exhaust.

But when it is winter and the bike is inactive, the water just settles in the tank and fuel system. That results in all kinds of maintenance problems. The fuel and water will mix,creating gum-like deposits in the fuel nozzles and carburetor. Although adding a few drops of gas preservative or fuel stabilizer (Stabile and Sea Foam) into the tank before each fill up, might prevent gas tank corrosion.

Changing oil and filter at proper interval during cold months will prevent unwelcome by-products we call gunk from mixing into the oil. In warmer season the gunk just burns off when the engine starts to warm up.

But during winter, ambient frigid temperature wont help the engine to warm up enough to evaporate the gunk. So drain the the old oil and filter,replace it with new oil. Ride your bike around the block to be sure fresh oil has diluted the nasty by-product. Slosh it around and coat everything inside the tank.

Tires are also another thing to consider. Traction during winter is dodgy. So check tire pressure and tread depth. Use a reliable tire gauge. At least fifty percent of the tread left is minimum, before venturing out on a slimy slurry winter roads. Inflate tires at suggested maximum pressure.

To avoid developing flat spots on tires, get your motorcycle blocked up off its wheels by using a work stand. Roll the motorcycle or rotate the tires every other wheel if you cant get them off the floor. Store tires away from compressor,washing machines, freezer etc. away from all source of ozone.

If the brake fluid changes from its amber color to a darker hue, it means the brake fluid has absorbed that much water. It should be also be replaced. Same with hydraulically operated clutches wherein accumulated fluid impairs clutch dis-engagement particularly when engine is hot. Before storing the bike or right before riding it again, either way, old brake fluid should be replaced.

If a weekly rub-a dub on your motorcycle is not convenient, hit the do-it-yourself car wash. After that, make sure your motorcycle is thoroughly dry by taking a long fast ride. An effective way to get all the nooks and crannies dry out.

Apply wax to painted parts and chrome polish the chrome components. Replace the lubricants of cables,chain,control lever,drive shaft,locks,linkages,saddle hinges etc. Move it in a circular motion as you apply the lube just to get it into mechanism. Buy a variety of lubricants like WD40,LPS3 or S100 corrosion protectant, Maximas chain wax and other smaller components can be lube with with vaseline. Exhaust pipes could be sprayed with WD40. Keep the lubes away from tires,grips and foot pegs.

Dirt, dust,road salt absorb moisture and are corrosive. It will eventually damage paint and metal. So to forestall rust, corrosion and aesthetic damage to your motorcycle, bucket wash and wipe clean your bike regularly.

So in conclusion, any moisture, water,gunk,contaminants or whatever you may want to describe the corrosive compounds that can invade your carburetor, fuel tanks,exhaust pipes, fuel nozzles etc. will send many motorcycle owners to their mechanics every spring and the repair costs is often quite enormous. So thoroughly prepare your motorcycle for long months of inactivity so that when riding season starts again, you wont need to have your bike checked by your mechanic.