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9

May

How To Find Used Motorcycles Values

Posted by mdudley  Published in Picking The Right Motorcycle

How To Find Used Motorcycles Values
by A R Thompson

When looking to buy either a used motorcycle a person needs to understand just how these vehicles are valued. Several factors will need to be taken into consideration in order to come up with used motorcycles values and the main ones include, the condition of the motorcycle, how old it is and where it is.

The easiest way for you to check if the asking price that the seller is valuing their bike at is fair is by using a number of different valuation resources. The most common ones used by dealers and private sellers today are the Kelley Blue Book or the valuation guide from NADA. Below we take a look at these two books in a little more detail along with some other ways to check out the values of used motorcycles.

Firstly, let us look at the National Automobile Dealer’s Association (NADA) guide. Numerous people feel that this provides better valuation details than the Kelley Blue Book. Simply because they publish the largest number of guides, which people are able to use and have been in business since 1933. As you will soon discover their guides provide information on all types of motor vehicles not just motorcycles, which have ever been built.

Although the NADA Guide is good most people will often refer to the Kelley Blue Book simply because it is the one that they are more likely to be told about. This particular price guide has now been published for more than 80 years and over this time the publisher has made several changes including the introduction of different types of pricing guides. Also as you will soon discover when you are looking to part exchange your used motorcycle for a new one at a dealership the book that most dealers will refer to for a fair valuation is the “Kelley Blue Book Auto Market Report - Official Guide”.

Rather than actually providing a true value of the motorcycle this one provides the person using it with a suggest retail value. The value that is shown in these books is often considerably more than what the dealer would offer the motorcycle to you. If you can, get hold of a copy of this guide prior to you starting to search for a used motorcycle to buy.

Researching the true values of the used motorcycle, you are considering buying provides you with far more bargaining power than if you did not. However if you are having difficulty in obtaining copies of either the above mentioned pricing and valuation guides then why not go online. There are now sites set up where you can quickly find out if the price being asked for a used motorcycle is reasonable or not.

One particular site that you may want to consider taking a look at is called “motorcyclebluebook.com”. Here they will be able to provide you with price details for all types of motorcycles. They have a user-friendly search program where all you need to do is enter the make, model and year in which the bike was built or registered . Then after entering these details they will send an email to you showing you details of the value and prices at which the motorcycle you are interested in buying are selling for.

The other website that is extremely good for getting used motorcycles values from is “Edmunds.com”. Again as with the previous website mentioned this one not only tells you what the bikes are valued at but also the price at which they are likely to be sold at. But in order for you to get the best deal possible on a used motorcycle is for you to compare all the figures the websites and books mention provide against what motorcycles are being sold for locally to where you live.

Article kindly provided by http://www.articlesnatch.com

At UsedMotorcyclesFlorida.com we provide you with advice and information on buying used motorcycles. For some superb deals on used motorcycles thisn click on this link here.

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27

Apr

Motorcycling - Picking The Right Bike - Part IV

Posted by mdudley  Published in Picking The Right Motorcycle


Motorcycling - Picking The Right Bike - Part IV
By Robin Moose

Scooters, mopeds, Vespas… Whatever you call them, these smaller motorcycles still deserve to share the name of their larger cousins.

Not everyone needs the size of a touring bike, nor the speed of a motocross racer. Some people just want to get out on two wheels in the open air and enjoy the sunshine. Going where you want to go around town, getting maximum gas mileage and avoiding parking hassles, makes the choice of a smaller bike ideal.

Mopeds and scooters typically have smaller wheel rims than standard sized motorcycles. Since that isn’t compensated for by raising the frame, ground clearance is less. But what would be a disadvantage in off-road circumstances is just what the scooter owner is looking for.

The term ‘moped’ is often reserved for smaller bikes, while ’scooter’ designates a slightly larger, two-wheeled vehicle. Also, ‘moped’ originally meant a motorcycle with pedals attached. But the conventions are violated as often as they are observed, nowadays.

Between the low ground clearance, and the ‘girl’s bicycle’-style frame, getting on and off is a breeze for anyone old enough to legally ride one.

Engines are smaller on the more traditional moped, in the range of 50-150cc. The newer generation of scooters can have between 250cc and 650cc, though they may be heavier than desired at the top of the scale. Some scooters will reach speeds of 60mph, but 40mph is more common, and mopeds may be even slower.

Even the smaller engines may well have more than enough horsepower to suit the owner’s needs, though. Modern engine designs have squeezed as much out of 50cc as would have required 150cc thirty years ago. That’s helpful in those hilly cities, like San Francisco where a little more power is the difference between having the bike pull you versus you pushing the bike.

The bike typically weighs no more than 220lbs (100kg) and often less, with mopeds on the lower end of the scale. That makes either of them easy to maneuver with the engine turned off. It also means that, combined with the smaller engines, gas mileage is great. In an age of ultra-high gas prices, 70 miles per gallon looks very attractive.

Designed for short trips around town, you won’t want to do any long distance driving with these smaller bikes. But getting in and out of parking lots is a breeze and you can almost always find a parking spot in the city.

Even with the small size, comfort has been kept firmly in mind in the design. Between the wide, plush seats and the ample fairing on scooters you won’t suffer from excessive road feel or wind.

And most mopeds or scooters have integrated accessories that are often extra on standard bikes. Good-sized containers in the rear, electric starters up front, and automatic gear boxes in the middle make these a joy to own. Some even have electric motors.

The price for a smaller bike is often correspondingly smaller. While a good touring bike can run $12,000 to $20,000 or more, even a fully decked-out scooter will only be around $2,000. Retro Vespas and other scooters are often higher, though, around $4,500. Mopeds are commonly less than $1,000.

So, if your need for speed is a little less than your desire to just get around town in comfort and style, a moped or scooter may be just what you want.

NEW YAMAHA ZUMA DRIVE BELT 1989-2008 SCOOTER

US $39.95
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:21:56 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $39.95
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NEW YAMAHA VINO 125 DRIVE BELT 1989-2008 SCOOTER YJ125
US $57.95
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:24:21 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $57.95
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TODDLER GIRLS SKIRT SCOOTER 4T *NEW*
US $2.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:27:43 PDT
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Monarch 2211 Scooter Price Gun NR Genuine applicator
US $19.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:29:01 PDT
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Michelin Scooter Front Tire 120/70-12 Vespa Piaggio 120
US $49.99
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:29:08 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $49.99
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NEW DRIVE BELT KYMCO COBRA CROSS PEOPLE 50 SCOOTER 2000
US $37.95
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:30:18 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $37.95
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by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycling—Picking-The-Right-Bike—Part-IV&id=1106623


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26

Apr

Motorcycling - Picking the Right Bike - Part III

Posted by mdudley  Published in Picking The Right Motorcycle


Motorcycling - Picking the Right Bike - Part III
By Robin Moose

Dirt bikes and motocross bikes have a lot in common, but the two styles address different goals. As always, consider the kind of riding you intend to pursue in order to select the type that’s right for you.

Trail

Dirt or trail bikes are designed for just what the name suggests - riding along trails, most of which are dirt. They can be used around town, but they wouldn’t be comfortable for long rides and there isn’t much room for a passenger.

Trail bikes are small, lightweight and have great suspension for absorbing the shock of bumps, rocks and short falls off low cliffs. Engine sizes are on the smaller size, but often have high torque for hill climbing. Single-cylinder motors are the norm. Ground clearance is considerably greater than a cruiser or touring motorcycle.

Sometimes referred to as a dual sport or Enduro motorbike, tire selection is important. Consider where you’ll do most of your riding: forest, beach, desert, back roads, hills, etc. Windscreens can be attached, but it’s unusual. Dirt bike riding is often at slower speeds and no one is expected to be in front of you throwing gravel in your face.

Honda has been making trail bikes for 40 years now, and their latest models encompass everything they’ve learned about engines, suspension, handling and more over that time.

Motocross

Like dirt or trail bikes, motocross bikes are lightweight and have high ground clearance. But here all the attributes are taken to an extreme.

Motocross engines tend to be smaller than that of trail bikes. Traditional two-stroke engines keep the weight to a minimum. These bikes are built for fast acceleration, so they sport 5 or 6 speed gear boxes with close ratios.

To get the weight as low as possible, even stop lights and headlamps are frequently removed. Suspension is stiff, almost non-existent in feel. Motocross bikes are built for racing, and usually off-road or multi-level rather than just a simple oval track.

Aerodynamics isn’t important, since the bike won’t be travelling at highway speeds, but the streamlined look is still there.

Achieving comfort plays no part in the design and there’s never room for passengers. Handling and maneuverability are everything. Races are won by the ability to navigate turns and low hills as quickly as possible.

When you can’t stay on, don’t worry. These babies are rock solid. They’re built for tumbles and spills. The rider may never get up again, but the bike most certainly will.

Forget about accessories. No one is going to hang a saddlebag on these hummingbirds. They buzz and zoom, dart and dash. Even a mirror would be an unnecessary distraction. No one has time to look behind when the road ahead is hairpinned and steep.

Honda makes award-winning motocross bikes, but they’ve been duking it out with Kawasaki for the title of champion for decades. Both manufacturers make solid competitors.

KAWASAKI DIRT BIKE MOTOCROSS MX GREEN SKULL GEL GRIPS

US $10.95
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:52:06 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $10.95
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HJC CL-X5N KAWASAKI KX5 DIRT BIKE HELMET GREY XLARGE
US $60.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 8:30:00 PDT
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HJC CL-X5N KAWASAKI KX5 DIRT BIKE HELMET GREY MEDIUM
US $60.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 8:30:00 PDT
Bid now | Add to watch list

Kawasaki : KX KX500 KAWASAKI DIRTBIKE 2003 GOOD SHAPE,FMF,LOW HOURS
US $3,200.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 8:39:34 PDT
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Honda Kawasaki Dirt Bike Offroad Red Skull Flame Grips
US $11.99
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 10:23:46 PDT
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Kawasaki KX250F 2007 Dirt Bike 1/12 Motorcycle Diecast
US $15.98
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 10:24:10 PDT
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by Robin Moose
I have been riding motorcycles since I was a child. Now that I’m older I have taken my riding to the streets. I believe in safety first, but having fun while riding. I have a lot of information to share with others about motorcycle riding, and I hope my articles will help future motorcyclists in learning to choose what is right for them and learning that safety is always key.
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information. Be safe!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycling—Picking-the-Right-Bike—Part-III&id=1106617


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26

Apr

Motorcycling - Picking the Right Bike - Part II

Posted by mdudley  Published in Picking The Right Motorcycle


Motorcycling - Picking the Right Bike - Part II
By Robin Moose

Touring

Several clubs organize tours that can involve travelling 1,000 miles per day. Even on smooth asphalt, that kind of trip demands an ultra-comfortable ride. The touring motorcycle is designed with just those requirements in mind.

Generally larger than standard motorcycles, touring bikes weigh more and have longer wheelbases. 500 lbs is average and bikes hover just shy of five feet long. Seats are designed with those long periods in the saddle in view, for both driver and passenger.

Comfort in seating is key, but the position of the handlebars, pegs and the overall ergonomic configuration is made as a complete package. Fairing is common, as is a larger gas tank. ‘Fairing’ is the flared composite that surrounds the front of the bike. It reduces drag by a modest amount, but at lower speeds it does little other than make the bike look stylish.

Windscreens are essential, even though a helmet is standard head gear. Better to have bugs on the windscreen than on your faceplate. Or, in your teeth!

BMW is famous for their touring models, but Honda has made heavier bikes since the 1980s that are often used for this purpose. And those two have lots of competition. My friend, Don, bought a Suzuki touring bike last year and he loves it. Watch out BMW and Honda!

Sub-categories include the sport touring bike, which is usually smaller and has a smaller engine. Cruiser/tourers are a cross-breed that serve a little wider set of driving goals.

Cruiser

‘Cruiser’ is a broad category of motorcycle that includes just about everything that came to be associated with the breed from the 1930s until about 1970. After that, bikes became increasingly individualized, customized and mass-marketed.

Ironically - considering the rebel persona associated with bikes - the emphasis in cruiser design is on tradition. Choppers, retro, standard… no matter the sub-category, these bikes are big, heavy and solid. 600 lbs is common and the seat is generally lower, with engines that are larger than other types. The wheelbase is longer than average and the forks are raked at a greater angle.

Cruisers are definitely not for off-road, though many have seen a lot of dirt. They’re built for stability, but often have high top speeds. They usually have lots of room for extras, like saddlebags and even a sidecar. 1400cc engines are common and the pipes are made to rumble.

Harley Davidson is the king of the category, but they have lots of competition. Indian has made a lot of models over the decades, but they have been going in and out of business for a hundred years. Suzuki and Kawasaki make 1500cc bikes that display all the features of a traditional cruiser.

As with most motorcycles today, there are a dozen common sub-categories with a variety of customization options. Power cruisers, choppers and more are available.

A cruiser can, and has been, used for touring but for those long road trips the touring bike will be more comfortable. Here, style is everything.

MOTORCYCLE CRUISER BIKER WINDSHIELD BAG PLAIN SMALL FS

US $16.81
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:49:13 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $16.81
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NEW Gloss Black Cruiser DOT Motorcycle HALF HELMET S/SM
US $31.95
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 8:01:53 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $31.95
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Motorcycle Cover Fit Medium Cruiser . w/Cable Lock (XL)
US $26.99
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 8:30:00 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $26.99
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Medium Cruiser Motorcycle Covers. w/Cable Lock (XL)
US $26.99
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 8:30:03 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $26.99
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Honda Shadow ACE VT 600 750 Cruiser Motorcycle Cover 3
US $0.01 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 9:00:44 PDT
Bid now | Add to watch list

Honda Shadow ACE VT 600 750 Cruiser Motorcycle Cover XL
US $0.01 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 9:00:48 PDT
Bid now | Add to watch list

Powered by TWP Auctions

by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen
I hope you enjoy the information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycling—Picking-the-Right-Bike—Part-II&id=1106607


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25

Apr

Motorcycling - Picking The Right Bike

Posted by mdudley  Published in Picking The Right Motorcycle


Motorcycling - Picking The Right Bike
By Robin Moose

Choosing the right motorcycle is probably even more complicated than picking the family car. Sedan, Truck or SUV and pick a brand, then haggle about price. You’re done. But there are a dozen different basic types of motorcycle before you even get to the stage of looking for a brand or add-ons.

Sportbikes, tourers, cruisers, motocross and several more basic types are available in as many varieties as the number of motorcycle gang movies.

Road Motorcycle (Cruiser)

These motorcycles are best for long distance. I have a Honda Shadow Ace 750, and I can ride it for longer distances than on a sportbike.

Cruisers and tourers get good gas mileage along with dozens of styling options, so you are sure to find one that will suit your personality.

I would suggest beginners start with at least a 600cc. You can buy smaller motorcycles with smaller engines, but you will probably soon outgrow it and want to move up to a bigger bike. I started out with a Kawasaki Eliminator 125. These bikes are mainly for novice motorcycle riders, or someone who has never been on a motorcycle before. The only reason I bought it was because a friend had it for sale for so cheap that I couldn’t pass up the deal.

Sportbike

The next step up for speed, with maybe a slight compromise of comfort, is the sportbike. With engine sizes between 650cc to 1000cc you get plenty of acceleration for that perfect riding rush. You also get pretty good maneuverability and stopping power. I found this out on my husband’s Honda CBR600RR after I spotted someone trying to pull out in front of me, and the stopping power was awesome.

On the downside, for anyone looking to use it for a commuting vehicle, sportbikes are swept for speed, not comfort. The riding position is more crouched and the wrists get a real workout. I can ride comfortably for about 20 minutes, and then it’s time to switch bikes.

Either type can be gussied up with a variety of gadgets, carrying options and esthetic choices for paint, seat fabric and so on. Saddlebags, though, always look a little odd on sportbikes and large mirrors would definitely ruin the streamlined styling. Don’t get tacky!

Think carefully before you buy either one of these types of motorcycle, since one doesn’t serve the purpose of the other very well. They also won’t be good choices for those who want to cruise the boulevard or take that cross-country trip with the gang.

Honda Shadow Spirit Magna 600 750 1100 ACE CHROME COVER

US $26.95
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 7:09:46 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $26.95
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Honda : Shadow Shadow ACE 2003 HONDA SHADOW 750 LOADED WITH ACCESSORIES
US $2,375.00 (10 Bids)
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 7:09:49 PDT
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03 SHADOW VT750 VT 750 ACE SUB AIR CLEANER CASE & HOSE
US $12.00
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 7:16:46 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $12.00
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DuraShield Travel Motorcycle Cover Kawasaki Concours 4Y

US $29.99
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:36:04 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $29.99
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RK MOTORCYCLE CHAIN 250CC HONDA KAWASAKI
US $21.00
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:44:16 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $21.00
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BM ROLLER MOTORCYCLE CHAIN 400CC HONDA KAWASAKI SUZUKI
US $12.00
End Date: Wednesday Sep-08-2010 6:44:50 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $12.00
Buy it now | Add to watch list

Powered by TWP Auctions

- by Robin Moose
Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen I hope you enjoy the information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycling—Picking-The-Right-Bike&id=1073159


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