Buying a motorcycle doesn’t have to break the bank: here are our top choices for the best affordable used motorcycles out there. The vast majority of riders don’t have the means to buy a brand new motorcycle straight from their local dealership, and there are plenty of motorcyclists out there who simply prefer to seek out a good used model rather than pay the full factory ticket – but what makes for a good used motorcycle? How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? And what models come highly recommended?
A Quick Guide To Buying A Used Motorcycle
Firstly, a good used motorcycle will come with all of the relevant legal paperwork, it will come with an up to date service history, and most importantly, it should be a runner. Those starting points should go without saying. The seller should be able to answer any question that you might have, and they should do their best to accommodate for any requests you might have. Don’t worry about kicking tires, worry about how the engine sounds instead. Don’t worry about a small scratch on the fairing, worry about whether it starts well with a cold engine. But before you even arrange a viewing with the seller, are you even sure that you’re going to be looking at a model that’s worthy of your time and money?
You’ve seen a bike that falls into your price range, it’s within an acceptable radius from your zip code, but is it even worth buying? The first thing you should consider doing is researching the model online. Check out model-specific forums, try finding a Reddit thread that concerns that particular production year, and check out whether there are any known issues that you might need to factor in to your purchase. Does that ’99 Yamazuki develop serious suspension issues? Are you going to have to fork out an extra $500 reconditioning old parts? These are important things to keep in mind.
While replacement parts might be a reason to haggle the seller down, there may even be times when you want to offer the seller more for a particular model. By doing a bit of research, you might discover that the used motorcycle in front of you might be worth a lot more than the seller’s asking price, and it could be worth your while throwing in a better offer to guarantee you ride away on it. Consider fashion trends, because that cheap 80s sportsbike might be worth a hell of a lot more in the next few years (or at least that’s what we’re hoping for).
If you’re stuck for what to look for, here are the best affordable used motorcycles you can buy in our honest opinion. Better models and deals may be out there, and of course, there will be riders out there who have been bitten by some of these suggestions too…but that’s the nature of the used motorcycle game. So, here are some suggestions to steer you in the right (and affordable) direction.
10 Best Affordable Used Motorcycles You Can Buy!
1994 Honda CBR600F2 – Guide Price: $1,750
Early 90s Hondas are affordable motorcycles and great investments. Built before the advent of modern riding aids, the 1994 Honda CBR600F2 is a motorcycle that comes with the reliability of the Honda brand and without any of those modern complications. While the 900RR is another fantastic option, we’ve found that the 600F2 models generally turn up in the used motorcycles pages more often and at a more affordable price. The engine is a damn near un-killable inline four unit that has an excellent midrange and enough top end poke to keep things interesting. Since it’s a 600, it’s nice and nimble, but not overly sensitive. All in all, it’s a great motorcycle that you can pick up for a very affordable price tag. You can usually find them around the $1500 marker if you’re willing to overlook some rugged bodywork. If you’re lucky to find one without any war scars, you’re a very lucky person indeed. But scars add character, right?
1996 Suzuki GSX-R750 – Guide Price: $2,500
Our guide price for a used ’96 Suzuki GSX-R750 is completely up for debate. We’ve seen them go for next to nothing, and we’ve seen them go for relatively astronomical prices – but while the bike is over twenty years old, it’s still a fantastic option if you’re looking for affordable used motorcycles. Let’s look at the stats: this old girl is powered by a fierce 749cc engine that pushes out an unprecedented 130 hp, all in a package that weighs around 390 lbs. Let’s not forget that this was at a time where bikes were getting more powerful…but getting heavier too. The GSX-R750 bucked that trend and actually managed to blow the competition away with a very favorable power to weight ratio. So, it’s got a good engine but what else? The suspension is good enough but it’s worth factoring in the cost of reconditioning the existing forks if you’re going to buy. The brakes are superb but consider updating the brake lines too. Overall, the ’96 GSX-R750 has pretty poor paintwork, so you should expect to see a few chips and scratches, but that is completely normal. If you can find one for under $3000, you’ve found your next sportsbike.
2002 Yamaha YZF-R1 – Guide Price: $4,000
While you can’t go wrong with any generation of the Yamaha R1, the 2002 edition was the first to come equipped with fuel injection. It wasn’t just the fuel-injection that really pulled the R1 into the 21st century either – thanks to some nice adjustments here and there, the R1’s Deltabox III frame and swingarm became lighter without affecting the chassis structural integrity, improving handling a great deal. With a lighter chassis, an engine that boasted a more powerful midrange, and a few suspension tweaks, the ’02 R1 was one of the best ever made offering a very nice power to weight ratio. It’s not all good though, since the ’02 R1 doesn’t pack the same kind of top end punch as the later models do, and these earlier models are a little lacking in the “extra equipment” department. Fortunately, the ’02 R1 never had the same popularity as its contemporary GSX-R1000 or CBR1000RR, which means they don’t sell for unnecessarily high prices. They’re also pretty cheap because they’re popular track bikes…so make sure the one you’re looking at hasn’t been thrashed to within an inch of its life before you shake hands.
’00 – ’04 Kawasaki Vulcan VN1500 FI Classic – Guide Price: $3,500
And now for something completely different. Buying into the cruiser segment doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. You don’t need to have a Harley-Davidson, and you definitely don’t need all of the merch that goes with that lifestyle choice either. For a fraction of the price of a new Harley, you could invest in a used motorcycle with a different kind of character. The Kawasaki Vulcan Classic is a great choice. Easy on the eyes, reliable, powerful, and with an intimidating road presence too. Boasting 69 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque, this big V-twin is a worthy option. From 2000 onward, the VN1500 Classic came equipped with fuel-injection and we recommend the models from then onward. The older ones aren’t necessarily bad, but the fuel injection system is worth the extra money you’d spend on one of these. Strong, reliable and incredibly fun to ride, we would recommend the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic to someone who wants to enjoy the power of a big cruiser but doesn’t want to pay the hefty price tags that are usually associated with the segment. They often turn up on the used motorcycles pages for around $3,500 – usually with a few custom accessories thrown in too.
2002 Ducati Monster 620ie – Guide Price: $2,500
Ducati’s small Monster is a regular in the used motorcycles department. It’s a fan favorite that has taught many new bikers to ride, and many learners who cut their teeth on the little Monster are often reluctant to part with it, and with good reason. Not only is it a cheap way of buying yourself into the elite Ducati club, but it also offers impressive value for money. For an average used price of around $2,500, you can grab yourself a cool naked bike with a low seat height, decent power delivery, and a lightweight and easy to maneuver chassis. The engine is strong without being overly intimidating and the brakes have more than enough stopping power. The suspension might be a problem for taller and heavier riders, since it’s a little bit basic, but apart from that, this little Ducati Monster is a sound investment. Long term owners have reported very little in the way of major issues, in fact, the largest complaint is that the ’02 model comes with little in the way of extra riding aids. But if you’re happy with good old fashioned braking, and using your head rather than a computer to determine how you ride in the rain, then you shouldn’t encounter any problems save for a few cosmetic issues.
2004 Suzuki SV650S – Guide Price: $3,000
The Suzuki SV650S is the ultimate all-rounder, and if you’re looking for a used motorcycle that can literally do anything, then this one is worth considering. In fact, this is a bike that can punch above its weight on track, make boring day-to-day commutes seem like fun, munch miles with relative ease, and still be one of the most highly recommended used motorcycles for new riders too. You name a job, and you can bet that the Suzuki SV650 is a decent tool for it. The 2004 model is a good one and they often come up cheap. Powered by a tried and tested 645cc v-twin engine that’s boasts 69 hp and a respectable top speed of 123 mph, there’s not a lot wrong with this setup. The aesthetics are a little on the boring side, and many critics weren’t happy about the bikes larger and bulkier dimensions. While they tend to command a low used priced, it’s worth penciling in some extra costs reconditioning the suspension. The Suzuki SV650 is a great tool for a lot of jobs, and it’s because of that reason that some that you see listed for sale might have a few hidden issues – fortunately, it’ll be very rare to find a gremlin in the engine department though.
1998 Honda VFR800 – Guide Price: $3,000
If you can afford to buy a new VFR800, then buy a newer one – but if you can’t, the 1998 model is still an absolute gem. Don’t be fooled by the sports-touring moniker, because the early VFR800s were definitely more sports than tourer, but could do the latter with ease should you feel that way inclined. Armed with a very distinct V4 engine that produces 108 hp, 61 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 155 mph, the VFR800 is one of those bikes that you could happily ride for the rest of your life and never tire of. However, if you want something that can really scream with the fast-group on a track day, then this isn’t for you. If you manage to find one of these for sale with reasonable mileage and a decent price, then don’t hesitate – just go and buy it. The build quality isn’t as fantastic as you’d think, but it’s still better than quite a lot else on the market, so be prepared to have to tidy a few things up. Known faults include a rectifier issue, but that’s an easy fix with a non-branded part – it’s worth asking the seller about that before you make a sale though, just in case it’s been addressed already. Prices vary for these, but you can pick up a ’98 VFR800 from as little as $3,000 – and lower.
2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R – Guide Price: $2,300
If big displacement isn’t your thing but you want something sporty and easy to ride, then you should definitely consider the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Small capacity Ninjas have been a staple part of the learner bike market for years, and although the modern 300cc version is alright, if you’re trying to keep your costs down, you should really scour the used motorcycles ads for something that’s a little older but just as user-friendly…and a little more fun, in our opinion. The 2008 250R is all of the things that’s cool about the small capacity segment and more. In 2008, the model got a nice overhaul, with revised bodywork, some engine tweaking that introduced more torque in the low and midrange, a bigger wheel at the front, and appropriately upgraded brakes, which really pulled the package into the 21st century. Things were a little more advanced in other regions, but in the US we had to settle with carbureted engines, but that actually works in our favor: these used motorcycles manage to stay cheap because of that. They’re easy to tune, a blast to ride, and come with a very attractive used price tag.
2003 Yamaha YZF-R6 – Guide Price: $3,500
The 2003 Yamaha R6 is a great choice for anyone looking for a supersport motorcycle but doesn’t want to pay modern day price tags. Unlike the CBR600F2, which is good clean fun, this 2003 R6 is an absolute track ripping beast that can catch unsuspecting riders off-guard. The ’03 version was the first R6 model to be given fuel-injection whilst using the old style engine configuration – a configuration that gave this R6 a nice bit of power in the upper mid range that more modern models lack. And since it’s a thoroughbred sports machine, you can get some nice handlebar jiggle when you give it some on the throttle, and nice light steering through the corners too. As far as used motorcycles go, you can do a lot worse that the R6, but make sure you give the one you’re looking at a decent examination. Pay particular attention to the nuts, bolts and fastenings as they are prone to rust up. Fortunately, those are easy fixes. The worst problem you could face would be a gearbox problem, but thankfully they’re quite rare. If you can find one for around $3,500 that hasn’t been completely thrashed, you’re on to a winner.
2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Guide Price: $5,500
Hands down, the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is one of the greatest used motorcycles that you can buy…if you can find one for sale, and of course, if you can find one for sale at a reasonable price. The 2005 model is universally acclaimed, and because of that very reason many owners have a real hard time parting with them. The 2005 GSX-R1000 enjoyed a slightly larger engine than its predecessors that managed to beef up the horsepower enough to put it into the same bracket as its competition…but even though the specs matched on paper, the GSX-R definitely packed a more powerful punch, or rather, it had more usable power on tap. The engine is one thing, but the handling is out of this world. The steering is light and sharp, and throwing it through corners is an absolute joy. On top of that, the 2005 came with simple but effective ergonomics, upgraded, radial mounted brakes, and the addition of cool alloy controls. As for reliability issues? There are no major issues to report. The 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is one of those absolute treasures that cannot be faulted. Maybe the used price…it would be nice to see the price come down a little, but if you want quality, you’ve got to pay for it.
10 Used Motorcycles You Should Never Consider Buying!
For the sake of balance, here are 10 used motorcycles that you should avoid buying at all costs!
Used motorcycles can be a mixed bag, and like anything from a Fender Stratocaster to a Suzuki GSX-R600, you get good ones and you get bad ones…and if that wasn’t enough, you’ve got other people’s personal opinions to contend with too. So, we’ve put together a list of 10 used motorcycles that you should never consider buying, and we’ve based it on individual reviews from a wide range of dedicated forums, rather than by recalls or what the guy in the local bar thinks he knows. Some entries will be wrong in your experience, and that’s fine. Others might make you think twice before making a sale – and that’s the main point here – if you’re buying a used motorcycle, make sure you do some thorough research before shaking hands.
When it comes to determining what a good or bad used motorcycle is, there are a number of things to consider, and before you part with your hard earned cash you should do a lot of research about the particular model and year you’re looking at. Go to specific forums and see what existing owners have to say. It’s not as straightforward as reading the mainstream motorcycle press either. On paper, Harley-Davidson have been responsible for big recalls on a regular basis. Does that make them bad used motorcycles? No. Since Harley-Davidson owners are some of the most anal when it comes to maintenance, they’re generally very well kept machines.
Conversely, that Honda sportsbike might be an attractive looking purchase. It’s a Honda after all, and you know, Honda make things that last forever, don’t they? Generally, yes, but if it was a particularly good sportsbike and its owner has a penchant for high-speed runs, wheelies, and loves a burnout or two, even a Honda can be a bad investment.
Luckily, we live in a world where technology can generally be relied upon, and in the event of a severe problem we have a thing called manufacturers accountability, which sees any major fault quickly remedied before it causes a massive headache. Most motorcycles built in the last thirty years will be fine if they’ve been maintained properly…but there are a few models that still have problems despite the previous owner’s best efforts. Some were just born with issues, and here are our top ten used motorcycles to avoid at all costs. Our criteria includes mechanical issues, handling problems, dodgy paint jobs, and even uninspiring “bang for buck” ratios.
With that in mind, keep in mind that what makes our list may not make yours. The used motorcycles category is a funny one, and there should always be room for debate. Whether you agree with us or not, if you’re about to make a purchase on a used motorcycle, make sure you do the research beforehand and get the truth from the seller…You have been warned! Scroll down to view our list of 10 Used Motorcycles You Should Avoid At All Costs!
The Suzuki GS500E (1989 – 2008)
Let’s start with something controversial: the Suzuki GS500E. This should be a controversial addition to the list because to be honest, the Suzuki GS500E comes up nice and cheap compared to other used motorcycles, and they’re generally applauded as high mileage workhorses. But just because something can handle high mileage, it doesn’t make it a good choice. For a little bit more money, you could buy yourself something better. The handling on the Suzuki is absolutely appalling and it makes turning the thing a labor intensive exercise. The handling is poor, but the braking is even worse. For some reason, these Suzuki’s are touted as great learner bikes…which often translates as “they’ve been mistreated” and you should notice that as soon as you swing your leg over one and get half a mile up the road.
That is, if you’re brave enough to take one up the road on a test ride, because the Suzuki GS500E likes to coat itself in a lot of rust. The factory paintwork was pretty thin, and many of the bikes metal parts corroded pretty easily. If you’re still sold on getting one of these, we recommend you give it a thorough rust examination, particularly around the stressed areas. While we won’t be buying one soon, we would suggest getting the seller to knock the price down by pointing out some of those issues if you’re really desperate to have one in your garage.
The Kawasaki ZX-6R (1995 – 1997)
The Kawasaki ZX-6R is a great motorcycle, and a regular sight on roads all over the world, but it took a lot for the ZX-6R to get to where it is today. If you want to specifically buy a Kawasaki ZX-6R, be sure to avoid any manufactured between these years. Unless you’re willing to put the hours in and get your hands dirty, find a different year for this model, or try one of its competitors instead. In truth, it’s not a terrible bike, but compared to the Suzuki GSX-R600 of the same years, the ZX-6R is slow. Compared with the Honda CBR600 of the same era, the ZX-6R is a bag of bolts.
Even as a secondary track bike, the old school ZX-6R falls short. The original front end will leave you feeling lost and out of touch with the track underneath you because it’s too soft to be useful. The stock brakes have been known to develop warped rotors and be prepared to put some time aside giving the calipers attention on a regular basis. Or, replace both the suspension and the brakes completely…but for the extra investment you’ll have to put in, you might as well buy a newer, used Kawasaki ZX-6R instead.
And that’s before we talk about starting issues in the cold, thanks to carb-icing, and the amount of dirt that accumulates on the rear shock thanks to a design oversight, or the dated looks that really put the Kawasaki ZX-6R squarely in the mid-1990s. On the plus side, the paintwork and build quality is pretty good for the vast majority of it, but it’s really the suspension and brakes that let this thing down.
The Moto-Guzzi Centauro (1996 – 2000)
Some people absolutely love this weird monster from Moto-Guzzi, and if you would listen to them talk about how great this bike is, you’d be left wondering why anyone would ever want to sell one. And they’re regular features in the used motorcycles pages. And that’s because people do want to get rid of them. Why? Because they’re weird to look at, handle like a shopping cart, are notorious for warped brake rotors, crunch through the gears like a breakfast cereal, and suffer from more electrical faults than you would care to fix. When Guzzi were designing the Centauro, they were on to a very interesting fusion of ideas…sadly, it just didn’t deliver when the covers for pulled off.
We’re not here to judge the looks – because we haven’t got enough synonyms for “weird” to play with – so let’s talk about the major issues instead. The handling is a lot to be desired, and it’s easy to get confused trying to translate what the front end is telling you, whilst comparing it to the wandering rear. It takes some man-handling. However, it’s not easy to comfortably man-handle something when you’ve got such an uncomfortable saddle to work with. If you’re not afraid of getting bitten, then this could be a fun ride for those who like to live life dangerously. But if you must have one, take one of the later models or the Sport or GT versions. They’re marginally better, but still undesirable.
The Yamaha WR250X (2008 – Present)
Buying a used dirt bike is generally pretty straightforward. Since they’re built to last, and they’re designed to roll with whatever punches are thrown at them, most dirt bikes are pretty indestructible. However, there are models worth avoiding in the dirt bike segment. The most notorious of these isn’t some bizarre experimental model from the eighties, but a modern machine: the Yamaha WR250X. On paper, it should be an absolute dream: it’s lightweight, fun, comes with a bullet proof Yamaha motor…but it also comes equipped with an outrageous price tag (when new) and a chassis that must have been designed by an intern.
It has been noted that you could buy an FZ-03 from the same year, with a better engine, sharp handling, and more onboard technology for roughly the same price – and we would advise you to go in that direction if given the choice. The WR250X is without doubt one of the worst handling motorcycles from Japan in the last few years. Thanks to the poor suspension and ride geometry, you’ll have trouble making it do what you want it to do. And if that wasn’t enough, it comes without any decent equipment. It has Brembo brakes, but the bargain basement option, and even if it had top of the range anchors, it wouldn’t offset the handling issues. Avoid this one like the plague. Only a drunk rider could make this ride straight or successfully navigate a corner. And that’s illegal.
The Ducati 900SS (1990 – 2002)
Ah, Ducati. Don’t think Ducati were going to get away unscathed – because there’s a hell of a lot of difference between a modern Ducati and…all the others. Let’s go back to the 90s: a period where being a Ducati owner wasn’t about the riding, but more about the endless maintenance of it. As far as used motorcycles go, old Ducatis are best left alone unless you love getting your hands dirty, and if you have another reliable mode of transport in the garage as well. The 900SS is particularly bad. It was old when it was new. It’s not fast. And boy does it have issues. Buy one at your peril, because the term “money pit” will be quoted at you on a regular basis by friends who care about your financial and mental well-being.
Snapped cylinder head bolts, bent chain adjustment bolts, an awful clutch, poor quality fastenings and springs, and a terrible ride experience are all things you can look forward to dealing with after buying one of these. If you find one of these in the used motorcycles section that has never been ridden, then it’s worth the gamble providing that you have no intention of taking it for a ride. Otherwise, we recommend you to steer clear of this problem-heavy Ducati beast.
The Ducati 620 Sport (2002 – 2003)
Of course there’s more than one Ducati on this list. Now this one should be an opinion divider though – they’re not particularly bad motorcycles, but even if you find one for sale, we recommend you look for something else. Instead. While the price can sometimes be right, don’t forget that this is still one of those Ducatis from the wilderness years, and it will be plagued with those good old fashioned Italian problems. If you want something in the same category, you could probably find a similarly ages Suzuki SV650 for the same price (if not cheaper) that rides a hundred times better and won’t come with any hidden maintenance costs.
If you still want a cheap Ducati though, with all the charm that name brings, then be warned: the electrics are absolutely terrible, and you should expect to encounter more than one issue during your tenure. The starter circuit is particularly notorious, and the wiring in general could do with gutting and replacing from day one. If that wasn’t enough to put you off, then take a closer look at the fit of the trim and aesthetic parts…because they’re not good. If you want a Ducati, at the very least you want it to look nice, and more often than not the 620 Sport fails. Generally, it’s quite disappointing.
The Royal Enfield Bullet Electra (2004 – Present)
Royal Enfield. Just don’t. Why? First and foremost, for the money it costs to buy one of these, either new or used, you could buy something else. There’s no shortage of classic looking motorcycles, and since the whole retro-thing is very much in vogue, you can get something with vintage looks but powered by modern technology in one simple and affordable package. There are plenty of manufacturers who make that package. Royal Enfield ain’t one of them. If you’re really in need of a bit of nostalgia or a taste of motorcycle riding from yesteryear, then just do yourself a favor and buy something else. The Bullet Electra is just an oddball that is best avoided.
They’re not reliable. They’re not well made. The electrics are a joke. They’ve got no power nor speed. Those are the facts. We have plenty of opinions about them too, but you can probably guess them. Fortunately, in the Royal Enfield’s defense, many of the mechanical problems are easily solved with basic tools, minor technical knowledge, and patients, but it begs the question: “why was this sh*t not done before they were sold?” On top of that, the paintwork isn’t well done and rust sets in quickly. For a bike that ages prematurely, is completely gutless, and manages to maintain a high price, there are plenty of other vintage styled used motorcycles to choose from. Choose any one of them and you’ve already made a more sensible decision.
The Benelli TRK 502 (2017 – Onward)
The addition of the Benelli TRK might seem a little unfair, but hear us out. It’s a new motorcycle, but even though it’s brand new, it failed to live up to the expectations. The 500cc parallel twin engine is lackluster and doesn’t give enough acceleration to compare it against other 500s in the same class, the brakes are awful, and the suspension was all over the place. The UK’s MCN newspaper summed it up best: “It doesn’t feel like a bike built in 2017.” And the main reason for that is probably the shocking power to weight ratio. With the engine delivering 47 hp, and the bike weighing 235kg (518 lbs), it’s hardly a lightweight roadster with a powerful punch, is it?
And we magine that a lot of these will grace the used motorcycles listings in the very near future, so call this a pre-emptive warning. When it was brand new, it inspired no confidence on the road, and everything from the paintwork to the decals felt a little on the cheap side, so we’re concerned at how ropey they might look when they’re being sold second-hand. Benelli have been working in partnership with a Chinese firm, Qianjiang, and we’re not sure how the partnership’s long term reliability will be. But if the start foreshadows the end, it’s worth noting that one of these bikes got stuck in first gear at the model’s official launch. So, start as you mean to go on, eh Benelli?
The Buell XB12S Lightning (2003 – 2009)
This one is sure to be another opinion divider. We’re putting Buell on the list because of the uncertain future for current Buell owners. Since the company has gone into liquidation and all of the factories assets have been sold at auction, there’s no guarantee of a spare parts, any type of dealership support, or anything remotely useful. Those things may happen, but at the moment, we’re not sure how it’s going to pan out – so for the time being, we’d recommend any potential buyers to avoid any used motorcycles wearing the Buell name. But if we want to be specific, and for the sake of following the form of the list, avoid the XB12S Lightning.
Buell XB12S Lightnings are a strange breed. Many owners report no problems, while others have been plagued with them since day one. The most common issues are either electrical or cosmetic, but it’s not unusual to hear of snapped bolts, snapped drive belts, and more. If your local mechanic knows their way around a Buell, then should talk with them first before making a purchase. However, even if you find one in great shape, the model itself wasn’t exactly the best on the market. The fuel economy was bad, they’re not fun to ride over long distance, and traveling two-up just isn’t realistic. Overall, they’ve got plenty of problems and they’re not practical. Other used motorcycle are available…
All Chinese Motorcycles
If you’re desperate for a Chinese motorcycle, you might as well just buy one brand new. These are not the used motorcycles that you’re looking for. That’s not to say that there aren’t good ones, because there are, but you don’t want to be buying them second hand. Here’s the problem: Chinese manufacturers are great at what they do, they make cheap and cheerful motors and put them in cheap and cheerful chassis. One motorcycle from that production line can be incredible. Another one from the very same production line could be a hand grenade on two wheels. We have ridden numerous Chinese bikes, and some are great, some are not. If you want to try one for yourself, you might as well just buy one new, because they are cheap enough.
What makes them bad used motorcycles is that most people that buy them are generally new to the motorcycling scene – the kind of people who won’t be able to tell the odd one out between these variables: Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Lifan, Ducati, Aprilia – and that doesn’t bode well for this motorcycle’s health. A Lifan that is listed as “a great runner” is probably not such a great runner when compared with its Honda equivalent. Don’t discount the Chinese motorcycle scene though – give them time, and they’ll get there. People used to laugh at the Japanese after all…and look how that turned out.
