Five for the RoadIf I were in the market for a used bike, these are the five I'd be looking for. (All prices are NADA Blue Book as of April 2006.)
Kawasaki 1500 Drifter(1999-2005; $4660- $9800): Sure it's goofy, but it's all in good fun, and they're a hoot to take to the AMCA meet.
Triumph Thunderbird(1996-2003; $2975- $5200): Gotta love that three-cylinder howl. These things are fun to ride and very reliable-a nice blend of style and practicality.
Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC(1998-2003; $4425- $7410): Yeah, they're slow and have limited fuel range, but they're comfortable, stable and solid. Look for the later models with upgraded brakes, and keep the steering-head bearing adjusted.
Honda Shadow ACE Tour(1999-2001; $5150- $5406, slightly cheaper in basic black): What can you say, it's a Honda, and a very attractive take on the traditional American touring bike, to boot.
Harley 883 SportsterA ringer if ever there was one. Why buy used when these puppies are going out the door new for less than $6500!
Front ForkSteering head bearings: check for play and dents; indented bearings must be replacedFork tubes: when viewed from the side, the tubes should appear to be perfectly straightFork seals: look for leaks, torn dust covers and signs of unusual wear on the fork tubes where they pass through the sealsAlignment: the fork tubes should be parallel, with the wheel centered. When the handlebars are in the straight-ahead position, the front wheel should also be straightClips: make sure any securing clips for the brake hose or speedometer cables are in place
The dealer dilemmaWhile the majority of used bikes change hands privately, there are certain advantages to buying one from a franchised dealer. First, dealers generally only take trade-ins that are in first-class condition. They don't want problems any more than you do, and they know that if they sell you a lemon, you'll have some legal recourse. To that end, most will even give you some sort of limited warranty. (In many cases the bike may have been sold there new, which speaks well for the dealer's ability to generate repeat business, and gives him access to the bike's complete history.) Second, dealerships can arrange financing, registration, facilitate any applicable remaining factory warranty credit and in some states sell you insurance, making the whole buying experience a little easier on you-especially if you're new to this. By no means am I suggesting you only shop for used bikes at a dealership, but it is an alternative, especially if it's your first bike.