Attention, bargain hunters: due to the current bad economy, the used motorcycle market is ripe with fantastic deals. So don't overlook your local used bike shop — or online sites such as Cycle Trader, Craigslist, or eBay — when searching for your dream bike. We found a gorgeous 2002 custom Softail (Harley’s most popular cruiser) with over $20,000 in accessory upgrades, at Chopper Exchange for just $8,250.

See also: 7 great rides. 

With any used motorcycle, be sure to check the bike’s VIN number and get a history report through cyclevin.com or cyclechex.com. That way you’ll know if the mileage is true, if the bike has ever been in an accident, or has been repossessed.

And when you do find the ultimate dream ride, here are some things to look for before making your purchase.

Must-do inspection checks:

Roll over and click the dots above for more information about each part.

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