Questions you should ask a dealer when buying a Motorcycle

Hey motorcycle enthusiasts we want to take the time to make sure when you are looking to purchase your next bike that you ask the dealer the MOST important questions. We all get that “giddy” moment where we walk in to a dealership, find a ride we fall in love with, sign papers and leave. When in reality, we all need to take a step back and think about what is truly important. Are customers asking these 10 questions to assure they are getting a quality bike that is road ready? At Blue Ridge Riders our staff offer up this information without you even asking! What about other dealers? Even if you are not a customer of ours we want to make sure no one is being mislead or taken advantage of. Use these questions as a guideline for your next motorcycle purchase and take charge of YOUR decision:

1.      How many owners has this bike had?

2.      Is the mileage accurate on the odometer?

3.      Does the bike have a “clean title” or is it a “salvage title” or are there any negative brands on the title?

4.      Have any on-staff mechanics serviced and inspected the bike?

5.      Where did this bike come from?

6.      How much tread is left on the tires?

7.      What has been serviced or replaced? Example: oil, oil filter, air filter, brakes, brake fluid, tires

8.      Is there any existing warranty, if not can I purchase one?

9.      What, if any, accessories come with the bike?

10.   Will this dealer charge any additional fees such as document fees, prep charges or delivery/destination fees in addition to the negotiated price for the motorcycle?

 Please make fully informed decisions when buying your next ride. This lifestyle is about the Fun, Freedom, and Adventures a motorcycle offers you!

Diamondback-Devil's Whip Loop: The Diamondback-Devil's Whip Loop is located in the area of Little Switzerland and the Blue Ridge Parkway about 50 miles Northeast of Asheville, North Carolina. This 38-mile diamond shaped loop includes NC 226A, US 221, Toms Creek Road, NC 80 (a/k/a the “Devil’s Whip”) and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This loop starts near the hundred-year-old Switzerland Inn located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland. You should consider an overnight stay at the Switzerland Inn.  Begin this ride by descending down NC 226A in Little Switzerland towards US 221.  These 11 miles are packed with several great twisties. The first 5 miles descending are the steepest and the tightest. On this first leg of the ride you will descend down approximately 2,100 feet over the 11 miles. When NC 226A ends bear right on to NC 226 a short distance to US 221.

On the next leg you will make a right turn on to US 221 South for 4 miles and then make a right turn on to Toms Creek Road. You may want to gas up while you are on US 221.

Take Toms Creek Road for 2 miles to NC 80. Make a right turn on to NC 80 (a/k/a “Lake Tahoma Rd.” and then known as “Buck Creek Road”). NC 80 ascends 2,100 feet over the 10 miles back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Approximately 7 miles up, NC 80 (“Buck Creek Rd.”) takes a sharp left turn at Singecat Branch. The last three miles on NC 80 get steeper and twistier. There is a very challenging switchback just before the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The final leg of the Diamondback Loop is to take the Blue Ridge Parkway north for about 10 miles back to Little Switzerland where you started this loop.

For a change of pace, reverse the direction of the loop and go down NC 80 (Devil’s Whip) and up NC 226A (the Diamondback).  Going either way is a fun and challenging ride.  Enjoy!

*** We do not recommend this ride for beginning and novice riders given the various demanding technical challenges of the tight twisties and the switchbacks. 

Caesar's Head and US 276 Ride

CAESAR’S HEAD and U.S. 276: One of the best views in the region is only a short ride south of Brevard on U.S. 276. Caesar’s Head State Park, located a few miles across the South Carolina border, features a rocky overhang with an observation deck providing 180-degree views of Table Rock and Upstate South Carolina.

As you head south from Brevard and reach the state line, a quick detour into Camp Greenville will take you to “Pretty Place,” an outdoor chapel with more stunning views.

U.S. 276 briefly joins S.C. 11, also known as the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, at the bottom of the mountain. Following the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Highway 11 offers the best access to many of the roads climbing the ramparts of the Blue Ridge Mountains. U.S. 276 veers north on Greer Highway to twist its way up to Caesar’s Head State Park and the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Nearly halfway down the mountain, a pull-off area offers riders a spot to explore Bald Rock Heritage Preserve. This large, flat outcropping of rock features views nearly as good as Caesar’s Head above and makes a great spot for a roadside break.

Along the route are few short passing lanes, many of them in the middle of a few sharp turns. It may take a bit of nerve and confidence to overtake if traffic is heavy. Atop the escarpment, Caesar’s Head State Park usually bustles with visitors, many of them on two wheels. The gift shop tempts you take home a souvenir and of course the view from the rock never fails to imprint a lasting memory. The curves are tight and the riders waiting at the summit are usually welcoming.

The details and photograph of this ride were graciously provided by Michael E. Gouge a seasoned motorcyclist here in Western North Carolina.

A Guide to Buying a Pre-owned Motorcycle

Buying a pre-owned motorcycle is a great way to get all the fun and freedom that comes with a brand-new bike but at a more reasonable price. But as with buying anything secondhand, there are a few points to consider and parts to examine before signing the deal. This guide will help you navigate the basics of selecting a "new" pre-owned motorcycle and inspecting all the details.

Choosing a Bike According to Riding Needs 

Pre-owned motorcycles are perfect for bikers on a budget, but price shouldn't be the number-one factor when shopping for one. Motorcycles, new or used, should be selected with their intended use in mind. Long-haulers planning for cross-country trips are better suited to touring models with all the extra features—seat warmers, surround sound, cruise control, and the like. For bikers who plan to take shorter trips around town, cruisers and sports bikes with the bare essentials are preferable.

Market Price and Model History Research Is Key

There's also important pricing and model history to look up before deciding on a pre-owned motorcycle. Check on the bike's market pricing in guides like the NADA Guide, and make sure insurance coverage costs will be reasonable for the motorcycle in question. It's also a good idea to get detailed service and title histories if they're available, as they should show any potential problems or red flags to help you avoid headaches down the road.

Give It a Thorough Inspection

Inspecting the pre-owned bike early will ensure that the money saved buying used won't need to be spent on further upgrades and repairs. Reputable dealers will sell only quality bikes, but it's still important to check for potential problems before making a purchase. The engine, gearbox, chain, suspension, wheels, and brakes should all be structurally sound and in good, consistent working order. Unusual noises, leaks, and loose parts are all indicators that the bike is in need of extra attention.

For over a decade, Blue Ridge Riders has been one of western North Carolina's most trusted dealers of high-quality pre-owned motorcycles. We carry bikes by leading manufacturers, including Honda, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, and Yamaha, and make it as easy as possible to own the motorcycle of your dreams. Give us a call today at 828-505-7575. All of our motorcycles have been fully serviced and inspected and are ready to ride.