Buying your first motorcycle can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Not only will you have to make sure you find an option that’s within your budget, but you’ll need to think about how you’re going to be using the motorcycle that you’re buying.
Thankfully, if you follow this advice, you’ll be able to find a bike that’s right for you. These are a few tips to keep in mind when purchasing your first motorcycle.
1. Make Sure You’re Ready To Buy A Motorcycle
If you don’t have a lot of experience with motorcycles, there are a few things you may want to do before you purchase your first bike. It can help enroll in a safety class so that you can learn how to ride your bike safely.
A Motorcycle Safety Foundation course should give you the skills you need before heading out on the road. While you can sign up for a course like this after you’ve bought your bike, you may want to take a class first.
2. Consider Buying Used
Many people have a better idea of what they want in a motorcycle after riding for a few years. Because of this, you may not want to invest a lot of money in a brand-new, top-of-the-line motorcycle. Instead, you may want to look into buying a used bike.
There are many used motorcycles in excellent condition that are on the market. Used bikes are significantly cheaper than new ones, which means you can make a smaller investment up front. Remember, you can also choose to invest in a more expensive motorcycle later on.
3. Look Into Insurance
You’re going to need to make sure that the motorcycle you’re buying is properly insured. It’s a good idea to see what insurance is going to cost you. That way, you’ll be able to keep this in mind when you’re setting a budget for your purchase.
The amount of coverage you’ll need will vary based on the state you’re in, but no matter where you are, you’re going to want to make sure you have protection. Get quotes from insurance companies now so that you can see what you’re likely to spend.
4. Research Brands
The more you know about motorcycles before you buy, the better. Spend some time reading up on major manufacturers like Honda or Harley-Davidson. Find out more about newly released models and older models that have received a lot of positive feedback.
When you’re researching brands, you’ll also want to find out about the likely cost of replacement parts and service. Some bikes can be expensive to repair, which means these models will wind up, costing you more in the long run.
5. Find A Bike That Fits You Comfortably
It’s important to remember that you won’t make adjustments to the motorcycle that you purchase. That’s why you’re going to want to look for a bike that you’ll be able to ride comfortably.
Whether you buy your motorcycle from a dealership or a private seller, you’re going to want to test out several bikes so that you can find one you’re comfortable riding. You should pay especially close attention to the seat height and the bike weight. Find a bike that you’ll have no issues riding.
6. Look For A Motorcycle With The Appropriate Amount Of Power
Many people are tempted to purchase a powerful motorcycle, especially if they can afford to buy a bike with a lot of power behind it. However, if you’re a novice, you’ll be better suited by a bike in the 500cc or underclass.
If your bike has too much power behind it, you may find that it’s difficult for you to control. You can always work your way up to something that has more power later on. For now, it’s best to start with something that you’ll be able to control even if you are planning to ride on higher altitudes.
7. Bring Someone With You When You Buy
It’s best not to go alone when you buy a motorcycle. If you take someone with you, you’ll be able to ask their opinion before you make any buying decision. On top of that, having someone there can keep you from feeling pressured to buy a specific model.
If possible, you’ll want to take someone that has plenty of experience with motorcycles. That way, you’ll be able to ask them for advice and feedback as you work to find the right bike for you. No matter what, you’ll benefit from having another person there with you.
8. Take Your Bike In For A Tune-Up
Even if you buy a brand-new motorcycle, it’s a smart idea to take it in for a tune-up shortly after you purchase it. If there are any issues with the motorbike, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of the problem. If you bought your motorcycle from a dealer, and there is an issue that the dealer failed to disclose to you, you may be able to return your bike if you catch the problem early on.
See Also: How to Transport a Motorcycle
There are a lot of things that you’ll need to take into consideration when purchasing your first motorcycle, which is why you’ll want to make sure you know what to watch out for. If you stick to these tips for purchasing your first motorcycle, you’ll be able to buy a bike that you’ll be more than happy with.