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There are plenty of reasons to opt for a used motorcycle when you are looking to buy. The newer models might not have that classic look that you want, or you might prefer to have something a little cheaper than a brand new bike. That being said, there are some years for motorcycles that just weren’t the factory’s best and you’ll want to avoid them.

Choosing the right vintage or used motorcycle could help you not only get a cheaper bike, but you could even double your money in a few years, as vintage motorcycles become less common. It’s certainly something to think about as you shop around.

Motorcycles depreciate rapidly in value once they are put into use, which means that buying new just isn’t worth it most of the time. As soon as that front tire hits the street, the bike drops 30% or so in value. That means used bikes are a far better investment, particularly if you can find one that is practically new.

Vintage Bikes: It Depends On the Brand

When it comes to vintage motorcycles, not all brands are truly classic. The ones that have the cleanest lines and are the truly sought after bikes are the ones you want. For example, a Kawasaki isn’t going to be nearly as exciting as a vintage bike, not when you look at the early Harley Davidsons, at least!

For vintage Harleys, looking way back, the 1953 model is a popular one these days among fans of the classic look. In fact, this look was so popular that Harley made a newer Sportster that uses the same lines as the original.

Another great year for vintage was 1928, with the BMW Indian Scout. This bike features one of the early V-twin engines and is still a great looking bike if you can find one in good condition. Since this motorcycle is so old, chances are you won’t find one, but if you should, you’ll know it’s worth every penny.

Coming in as just barely a vintage motorcycle is the Suzuki 500 Titan. This bike doesn’t really have the looks that we aim for in a classic bike, but there’s no denying its popularity. The motorcycle uses a two-stroke engine that is quite large for the time period and features clean, smooth lines.

Modern Used Motorcycles

Again, it depends on the brand name when you are looking at which year was best for used motorcycles. Many people will give you different answers if you ask, so it’s also a matter of personal taste. However, some years were simply better than others all around, so we’ll be focusing on these here.

Most people find that more recent years are the best option since they aren’t too used. A fairly recent model will be less likely to have serious problems than much older models. In addition, you will be able to find parts for more recent models easier, as well. In general, the previous 5-10 years would be a good time period to look at.

2001 – Yamaha

The Yamaha YZ426F was the Bike of the Year in 2001. This off-road version of the Yamaha motorcycle is a good choice if you are looking for a used bike for more adventurous riding. It features titanium valves and a four stroke engine for some heavy duty power. The bike is light and well-built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding.

2005 – Harley Davidson

2005 was a good year for Harleys. The Road King, in particular, is the best model from this year and has been a favorite of many bikers to date. It was considered to be the smoothest running of all the bikes built in the new millennium and has a reputation for being very reliable, as well as looking great. The Road King is often recommended for use on longer road trips.

2008 – Honda

Despite technically being a 2009 model, Honda’s “Big Red” model was released in 2008, which is why it’s featured under this year. Big, bold and beautiful, this motorcycle was originally designed for comfortable long distance travel. Since it’s such a new model, chances are you won’t find many used, but if you do, they should still be in excellent condition.

There are plenty of different models in different years that will be excellent investments, as well, but these are some of the absolute best.

What to Look for in a Used Motorcycle

No matter what the make or year, it’s important that you take a careful look at any motorcycle that you are interested in buying used. Even the seller might not realize what the problems with the bike are, so you’ll need to check everything. The best used motorcycles will only have a few minor issues, such as scratched paint or loose bolts. These can be easily be fixed. It’s the bigger problems that you really need to watch for.

Here is a quick list of what to check:

Battery: Does it hold a charge? Check by starting and turning off the bike a couple of times.

Lights: Check all lights, front and back. Bulbs can be replaced, but smashed or flickering lights will need a little more work, which can be expensive.

Engine: Does it start up easily? The bike should be able to run without having to constantly use the throttle.

Gauges: Make sure the gauges all work, since these are important for the information they give about your speed and the amount of gas left.

Feel: When you take the bike out for a test run, does it make odd noises or vibrate more than it should?

Buying a used motorcycle is about more than just saving money, you’ll be getting a bike that has a special feel to it, particularly if you opt for a vintage or classic model. This is something that more and more people are moving toward since it is far more cost effective and a better investment to go with a second hand bike, as opposed to brand new.

A decade ago motorcycles had speed, looks, and style. They have certainly improved with each passing year. Year after year motorcycle manufacturers get more innovative, produce faster, lighter and more comfortable motorcycles, and learn what works and what doesn’t. What are the favorites from 2007?

- Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer.

These motorcycles have a V2 engine with an electric starter and a liquid cooling system. The seat was 28.1 inches and the dry weight was 668 pounds. It was made with a double cradle frame and a telescopic fork front suspension with a swingarm rear suspension. These motorcycles had single disc rear brakes and double disc front brakes. They have a fuel capacity of 4.88 gallons.

- BMW R1200GS

These motorcycles have a two cylinder boxer engine. They also have an electronic fuel injection with an electric starter. These motorcycles had oil and air cooled engines and a 6-speed gearbox. At 438 pounds, they were meant for speed. These off road motorcycles came in desert yellow metallic, rock red metallic, ocean blue metallic, or granite gray metallic. Though the fuel capacity is a whopping 5.28 gallons, the consumption is 1.45 gallons for every 6.2 miles.

- Yamaha WR 450 F

These are also off road motorcycles. They have a single cylinder engine, with a liquid cooling system. At just 246 pounds, it is nearly two-thirds the weight of the BMW R1200GS motorcycles. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, the rear a swingarm. The fuel capacity on these motorcycles is a mere 2.10 gallons. These motorcycles had single disc brake systems for both front and rear.

- Yamaha FZ1 Fazer

These naked motorcycles had in line four engines with an electric starter. They also had a liquid cooling system, a final drive chain transmission, and digital ignition. Like the BMW R1200GS, these Yamaha motorcycles weighed 438 pounds. The frame was aluminum die cast and the front suspension was telescopic upside down forks. The rear a swingarm suspension. These motorcycles had double disc front brakes and single disc rear brakes. Fuel capacity on these motorcycles is 4.76 gallons.

- Harley Davidson VRSCX

These custom or cruiser motorcycles have a V2 engine. They have an electronic sequential port fuel injection system and liquid cooling system. The seat is a mere 27.1 inches high and the weight 637 pounds. These motorcycles are 5-speed with a final drive belt transmission. The front and rear brakes are both single disc four piston. These motorcycles came in two tone mirage orange pearl or brilliant silver pearl. It has a 5 gallon fuel capacity.

- Victory Vegas Jackpot

Like the Harley Davidson VRSCX, these motorcycles are also custom or cruiser motorcycles. With a V2 engine, an air cooling system, and final drive belt transmission, it has many of the same features as the Harley Davidson VRSCX motorcycles. It has an electronic fuel injection system and a 6-speed gearbox. These motorcycles had an even shorter seat at 25.7 inches high. Though the seat was lower, they were a bit heavier weighing 659 pounds. The fuel capacity was 4.5 gallons and colors included black, orange crush, or sunset red.

Lots of people like motorcycles and riding motorcycles is one of an adrenaline junkie’s biggest thrills in life. Unfortunately though, motorcycles (like automobiles) may break down under constant use and then need to be repaired. If you are thrifty and want a good deal on the spare parts you need, you may need to contact Motorcycle Salvage Companies.

The Motorcycle Salvage companies you contact should be scrupulous about providing the best Motorcycle Salvage parts you can get for the price you pay. The Motorcycle Salvage companies should also be diligent about inspecting the Motorcycle Salvage parts they intend to offer and sell to you to make sure each of the Motorcycle Salvage parts meet quality standards and have absolutely no defects. It would also help if the Motorcycle Salvage companies offered some kind of guarantee or warranty to make sure you are getting value for your money.

Among the main motorcycle manufacturers whose bike parts Motorcycle Salvage companies might keep in stock are Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda. Each of these have their own respective bike models that they turn out regularly, so be sure you specify which bike model you need Motorcycle Salvage parts for. The year of the model is also very important to specify. Some of the other motorcycle manufacturers whose bike parts Motorcycle Salvage companies might have an inventory of are: Buell, Harley Davidson, BMW, Aprilla, Triumph, and Ducati.

Usually, you might have a choice between the large Motorcycle Salvage companies (who might have vast salvage yards where they take apart and stock Motorcycle Salvage parts) and the smaller Motorcycle Salvage companies. The difference might be that the larger Motorcycle Salvage companies have a much wider array of Motorcycle Salvage parts to offer you while the smaller Motorcycle Salvage companies emphasize service more. It differs from company to company so you need to feel your way.

If you like to take apart motorcycles in your spare time and then put them together (and they actually work afterwards, and beautifully at that), then maybe you should be in the Motorcycle Salvage business yourself. That is how some owners and staff of Motorcycle Salvage companies managed to get into the Motorcycle Salvage business actually. It starts out as a hobby, then when the hobbyist finds himself so proficient at this that he can be considered an expert, he puts up his own company. Of course, to have a salvage yard of any use, you may have to buy land of your own and put up Motorcycle Salvage parts storage facilities. And for that, you are delving into the business side of a Motorcycle Salvage company. Some people do well at balancing the craft of motorcycle mechanics with the business side while some do not, so you may have to decide whether you should focus on one side and hire someone for the other part, or be a jack of all trades in the Motorcycle Salvage business (if you can.)