Advice on shopping for a motorcycle

[pakjohn]

I found dealer names on the internet, here in Singapore, but want to know if there are special lookouts or advice anyone has in negotiating the price of a new bike, or even a used one, bought from a dealer.

I have two bikes in mind; DL 650 Vstrom or a TDM 900 Yamaha. Classified as dual sport bikes, they're nimble enough for around town while still fairly comfortable for two up touring. (Not that I'm likely to ride the Misses around in Singapore traffic.) I would like to join up with experienced older riders for trips up to Malaysia or even Thailand. I had a Vstrom prior to moving here and know it's a good bike, 4000 miles on my last trip, no problems.

I know about the COE, what I don't know is if I'm going to be given a ridiculous price and have to negotiate it down. Do they tack on hidden charges or play the con games as is often seen in the U.S.? I want to be prepared but can't find benchmarks for what I'm going to have to pay. (I can get a price from the U.S. but not sure if it's relevant to Singapore)

[Jeppo]

Two places you could check out are www.singaporebikes.com and www.sgbikemart.com.sg You can see there what people are selling the bikes for privately. On the first site, check both the "bikes mart" section and also the "garage sales>used bike sale" section in the forum. The forums would probably be a good place to ask questions too.

[pakjohn]

Thanks for the reply, I found those places and have read some of the posts but can't get a feel for how to determine the best price. If nothing else I'll just use Kelly Blue Book as a reference.

[sierra2469alpha]

Will ask around for you, pakjohn.

[pakjohn]

muchas gracias amigo!

[sundaymorningstaple]

You might want to PM SE as he is a big Valk rider having owned 2 in the US I think and he's had one here for at least a year or more. He may be more clued in than some....

sms

[Strong Eagle]

Also check out http://www.adpost.com/sg/vehicles/.

You cannot really tell if you are getting ripped off by a dealer until you have a sense of the market. Some dealers are straight up, others are crooks, and it is impossible to tell them apart without first hand experience. I can give you a couple of names... no idea if they would have info on your bikes... probably not.

[pakjohn]

Thanks SMS and SE; quickly discovered the challenge of buying from a store; they seem to be as bad, or worse, here than the U.S..

[Strong Eagle]

Thanks SMS and SE; quickly discovered the challenge of buying from a store; they seem to be as bad, or worse, here than the U.S..

If you go through the forums at SBF you'll quickly see that there are many unscrupulous dealers. Not only do they sell bikes for ridiculous prices, they offer installment plans at usurious rates, insurance at double the norm, and more. They bait and switch. They offer used as new. They promise new tires, only to back off after the contract is signed.

The "carrots", as they are affectionately called, post all the time about getting screwed. It is much more difficult to price a large bike as demand and liquidity are much lower. I know what my Valk is worth... getting it today would be another thing.

It addition to pricing against what the same bike is worth in the UK or US (should be somewhat more here), you might also price against what similar bikes are selling for, as people do go to alternatives because of availability. Condition makes a difference as well.

I think the Yamaha sold new in 2004 on the road for about S$18,500. I would guess that you'd pay about two thirds that value for a clean one in good shape, no downs. But just a guess... you really have to search the market to determine what is reasonable.

Example: My Valkyrie is quite rare... I paid a premium for it. I could have bought a Honda ST 1100 for a wider variety of prices and for less money, given year and mileage, simply because there are a lot more of them.

Another example: http://classifieds.singaporeexpats.com/ ... duct/10971


And one more: http://www.bikez.biz/ads/showad.php?ad= ... ha_tdm_900

[pakjohn]

Thanks SE, I've seen the classifieds; some of the private ads are not really private owners but brokers. Seems the con men have a pretty wide reach. I even found bikes on the American club bulletin board that were listed by a guy out West, you'd think it an expat needing to sell his ride before leaving, but it's a local that brokers used bikes. lol!

Appreciate the help, can't wait to get back on two wheels!

[Strong Eagle]

Appreciate the help, can't wait to get back on two wheels!

I assume you have converted your US based license to an unlimited class? Or do you intend to ride a big bike, then do the conversion? You have one year from date of entry in your passport/employment pass.

[pakjohn]

Yes, I've held a class A with all attachments, even motorcycles, since 1974 and am taking a copy of my first license along with me.
I've had a DP for 18 months but since I held a EP in Indo until June of last year the traffic office said I can still convert with no issues.

I have an appointment this week, I've done the online practice test twice and last time got them all, now if I can just remember it all for a couple more days!

[hagar]

Hello Pakjohn.

Over the past 5 years I have bought 6 bikes in Singapore (my Wife is also a rider - so we are still holding 3) and from experience if you are buying a used bike I would recommend going private. In a private sale you have less chance of the bike having been dummied up just for sale and from the owner you can get a feel for how he has maintained and cared for the bike.

The turnover of bikes in the SBF forum is pretty good so given time you should be able to find what you are looking for. Now is a good time as there are a few people selling off extra assets.

Get enough CC's to enjoy a few longer trips into Malaysia there is a lot to see and enjoy. I'm off on a ride to Frasers Hill this weekend. I've ridden with both V'stromers and TDM's and both are not bad dual prrpose rides.

Once you get your bike and you feel like a ride give us a PM there are many good out of the way eating places to ride to both in and out of Singapore.

Cheers

[pakjohn]

Excellent information hagar! I've been watching SBF and despite the warning that used bikes can only be listed by individuals, have called on 3 in a row that turned out to be dealers.

Really like to keep in touch as I'm used to weekend rides in groups and really miss it. Not to mention I don't care to ride some of these places alone as you can't leave eye sight of your bike.

I'll keep watching, really want another Vstrom but if the right deal comes along on a TDM or Fazer I'd probably take it.

thanks again!

[sillingw]

Not wanting to Hi-Jack the thread, but it seems you are on the road to acqisition, so I just wanted to add - Please count me in for the Bike Ride. I have a ike that I love, 11 years old now, but in great condition BMW R100R. Have done a few rides into Malaysia, and really enjoyed it, so if one is planned, please let me know.