Any tips on purchasing a used motorcycle?

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The wife is wanting to look into buying a motorcycle, but I don't know the first thing about them. So, any tips about what to look for? What is typically an acceptable amount of miles to look for? Any brands to look for or avoid?

This is a wide open question, but I'm hoping to get some tips or advice that I can use. I may head to the bank sometime this week to check on a loan, but we're looking to spend around $2k-$3k. I've seen some motorcrycles on cragislist in the area that are in my price range that look pretty decent with low miles and a newer model.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Are you handy with tools?

Edit-Do either of you have a motorcycle endorsement? If not, I'd suggest you take a motorcycle safety course before you go out and buy a bike.