So you decided to get into motorcycling and also decided to buy used. There are many things to look for when buying a used bike. Go to The Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide and read it all the way through. It is a very good and comprehensive site, and I don't think that I could do much better here.
A few things that I would like to touch on again include, don't buy the first thing you look at. There are many good used bikes out there. Take the time to see at least a few of them first before making a choice.
Take a friend that knows about the mechanical aspects of bikes with you to look at the machines. Even if you know all about fixing motorcycles a second set of eyes might see things you don't.
Research the model of bike that you are looking at before you go see it. The net is a great source of information for this, specifically owners groups. Find out what the common problems were with the model, and get a feel for what the machine is worth, and what you might have to do to it shortly after you buy it.
If the bike has been warmed up before you get there ask to come back and look at it when the engine is cold. Many starting problems can be hidden by the seller warming the bike up before the buyer gets there. If the seller refuses to do this, walk away. There are more bikes out there for you to look at.
For people in Ontario the seller will need to have the Used Vehicle Information Package as well as the ownership. Make sure the package is complete, and the VIN numbers match the bike as well as the ownership. Once the sale is complete the seller should give you both the package with all the information filled out, as well as the signed vehicle portion of the ownership. If the bike was being sold as certified, they should also give you the safety paper work. Make sure that it is not expired. You will need a safety in order for the bike to be plated. After you have all the paper work together you can go to the Ministry of Transportation and get the bike plated in your name. If the bike is in "Fit" condition you can get a 10 day temporary permit that will allow you to drive the bike to get it saftied. For all the little details check with your local MOT.
Don't be up upset if the seller refuses to let you test ride the bike. It is their choice, and they may not feel comfortable risking the machine. I personally do not allow a buyer to test ride a bike I'm selling. Sit on it, start it from cold, inspect it, and have it taken to a mechanic to be inspected is fine, but no test rides. I have heard of some sellers that will ask the you leave the asking price of the machine in cash with them if you want to take the bike for a ride, with the understanding that if you drop it you just bought it.
In Ontario spring and fall are the two times when the prices of used motorcycles are high. Try and buy in the winter or in the summer if possible.
For those of you that would like to bring in a used bike from out side of Canada, I have to ask why, oh why are you putting your self through that pain? You really want THAT bike, and you can't find if here? That might be an excuse. Go to RIV for details of how to do this. The bike will have to be inspected at a Canadian Tire store. I have had many problems getting my local Cantire to inspect a motorcycle. If you run into any trouble with you local Cantire refusing to look at a motorcycle call the RIV people at 1-888-848-8240. They will "talk" to the Cantire on your behalf within a few hours. Cantire is the only place that is allowed to do the inspections, so don't put up with any BS.
Have fun and take you time looking. You can pick small used bikes up for around $1K to learn on, and the great thing about motorcycles is that you should be able to sell the bike for close to what you paid for it after a season or two, as along as you didn't ride it into the ground of course.
