Where are bikes advertised these days?

[davek_964]

Back in the day (yes, I'm old) it was MCN. Is that still the case?

I used bikes pretty solidly until I started getting into expensive cars - then I found I stopped using the bike and eventually got rid of it (about 5 or 6 years ago I think).
However - when I was young I always wanted a Ducati 748 or 916 - but as my only mode of transport I didn't trust them. Now, it would be something I used rarely (if ever!) and could afford to get fixed if it broke. So although I know I shouldn't, I'm tempted.......

[orangefzr]

You still can buy bikes out of the MCN paper but with the internet now sites like MCN Bikemart online, eBay, Gumtree (which eBay own), Autotrader, you can actually filter your search to show the nearest adverts to your location ..... I have to say I used to quite like picking up a copy of the Autotrader on a Wednesday ? and the thrill of the chase searching for a new bike. I have always found bike shops to be a bit on the expensive side personally but they cannot be ruled out .... there are some great independent bike dealers out there too

[warch]

I think I'd rather buy privately. A surprising amount of people who work in bike shops tend to come across as billy bull stters, which I find aggravating.

Also lots of bike owners are really fastidious about looking after their bikes, unlike most car owners, which makes buying a bike privately less of a hassle. Bike owners are usually enthusiasts and have a no expense spared approach to maintenance and care. Ok you can't necessarily gauge whether the bike has been thrashed, but a few checks on things like the gear change action or the headstock bearings might give you an idea.

[podman]

Some of the more middle aged and older folk still dont trust or like sites like eBay but do trust MCN and tend to be advertised at a more realistic price, I always have a gadge at MCN and Autotrader when im looking for a bike. Gumtree has worked for me on many occasion (seeling), im just about to put my daughters scooter for sale on there.

Many people dont like the internet full stop or cant manage to take an upload a photo so the paper and printed press is also another place to search, dont limit yourself just to eBay and online would be my advice.

[dibblecorse]

Also take a look at the https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/ as these pop up regularly there, be warned, they are either cheap and need lots of expensive work or they are expensive and may still need work, 916’s and 748’s are getting old, unless you are set on a specific model I would say buy the best version in that style you can afford be it the 748, 916 or 996/998 ....

They are quite acgricultural and nowhere near as smooth to ride as most stuff these days and a challenge for it but oh so rewarding.

I have a 996 with over 50k that I have put on it and it will be with me forever...