Finally enjoy the freedom on two wheels. Many driver license holders often look directly for their own motorcycle. It doesn't have to be an expensive new machine. With a second-hand machine, however, there are a few things to consider, especially for beginners.
For Klaus Herder, the perfect motorcycle is one that fits perfectly. “The owner has to feel comfortable and like it right away. He shouldn't make any compromises, because then the motorcycle will be ridden little or not at all," says the editor of "Motorrad" magazine.
The choice of vehicle type is of secondary importance. "In general, naked bikes without a fairing have the advantage that they are lighter than faired machines and no fairing can break if they fall over," he says. Especially since naked bikes are very handy and easy to ride.
Thorsten Rechtien from Tüv Rheinland also recommends a machine that is as light, robust and common as possible, such as naked bikes or enduro bikes. Repair costs, such as a broken brake lever, are then usually kept within reasonable bounds in the event of a fall.
"Naked bikes offer most riders a good riding experience," says Günter Schweiger. But for the board member of the Federal Association of Two-Wheeler Crafts, choosing a two-wheeler also comes down to personal taste.
But it doesn't matter whether it's a tourer, athlete, cruiser, enduro, chopper or naked bike: Many mid-range motorcycles with a displacement of between 500 and 750 cc are generally easy to ride. Advantage with large-volume engines: They don't have to be revved up as much to achieve their performance and can be driven in a more relaxed manner.
In addition, most machines offer throttling to 35 kW/48 hp. This is important for A2 license holders. After a two-year trial period, the restriction can be removed inexpensively and you get more power without having to buy a new bike.
According to Klaus Herder, when looking for your own used machine, a suitable nearby motorcycle dealer is important. "If you can't repair it yourself, you need help from a professional," he says.
Technical support is particularly important for older motorcycles with carburetors. His advice: "If you have a good specialist workshop nearby, you should also choose a motorcycle brand that looks after it." Because newcomers often overestimate their ability to screw.
Anyone who cannot tighten a drive chain is generally better off looking for a machine with a cardan or belt drive. This saves unnecessary follow-up costs. In the case of motorcycles with carburetors, it can clog over longer periods of standstill. The cleaning is more for ambitious screwdrivers or professionals. Many manufacturers have only been using low-maintenance injection technology since the early 2000s. Important: the supply of spare parts for older machines.
The ABS anti-lock braking system ensures more confidence when braking on motorcycles, even on used ones. Many manufacturers have been offering machines with it for around ten years. “ABS is a great thing. But there is nothing to be said against machines without ABS. But then motorcyclists should learn to brake properly,” says Klaus Herder.
Many motorcyclists brake too timidly. His tip: Book a driving lesson or two at a driving school after buying the machine. "Then the driving instructor can show the owner how to brake correctly and efficiently with their own machine," he says.
Alternatively, new owners can also take part in a driving safety training course for beginners in order to improve their driving skills with their own machine in borderline situations.
Günter Schweiger generally advises younger models. "Motorcycles with Euro 4 or Euro 5 offer injection systems and ABS, which is what entry-level machines should have," he says. These are mostly those from year of construction 2015.
The expert recommends models like the Honda CB500 series. From around 5000 euros there are reasonable mid-range motorcycles with ABS. Controlled chassis or adjustable engine characteristics are helpful, but not necessary.
Even if ABS increases the safety of motorcycles, older machines have an advantage: "They are significantly cheaper and, depending on how well they are maintained, run well and reliably," says Herder. Unlike in cars, rust is not usually a problem – assuming good care.
Good machines built between 1990 and 2000 start at 2000 euros. “Novices can be happy with a motorcycle from the late 1990s with a mileage of 20,000 or 30,000 kilometers. It's really important that you feel comfortable on it," he says.
Models recommended by the motorcycle expert include the BMW CS 650 Scarver, Kawasaki 650 Versys, Honda NTV, Honda Transalp, Suzuki SV650 or Yamaha XJ6. "If you take good care of it, a 1990s motorcycle can still be a lot of fun," he says. "Age and mileage are less of a problem, but damage when stationary - many machines are simply not moved enough."
Klaus Herder advises paying particular attention to damage when viewing the property. This also includes the age of the tires, gummy carburetors and rust in the tank. Thorsten Rechtien recommends always looking into the tank with a flashlight to check whether it is rusted. And ten-year-old tires can still have enough tread, but they also harden and no longer offer grip.
"The motorcycle should be accident-free, have had few previous owners and have been inspected regularly, at least once a year," says Günter Schweiger. A fresh general inspection sticker is good, but says nothing about the actual technical status of the motorcycle. "It's no guarantee that the machine will run perfectly, as only the safety-related functions are checked," he says.
"If the machine doesn't start straight away, you have to be careful," says Klaus Herder. "If the chain sags or the oil level is too low, you know that the seller hasn't paid much attention to his machine and there is a maintenance backlog." In addition, the frame, fork, brake pads, chains and sprockets, among other things, should also be checked for rust , damage or wear and tear can be checked.
The steering head bearing also deserves a look: put the bike on the stand and take the load off the front wheel. When steering from the center position, no locking point should be felt.
"An additional person who knows what's going on and who can slow down the euphoric buyer if necessary should be present during the viewing," says Thorsten Rechtien. In addition to the overall impression of the machine and a fresh HU sticker, the inspection of possible attachments and all papers counts for the technical inspection officer.
"If the previous owner replaced the handlebars or exhaust, the components must either be registered or there is an ABE," he says. Otherwise, without the general operating permit, unlimited freedom on two wheels can be over at the next police checkpoint.
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