These Are the Key Things to Know Before Buying a Motorcycle
Maybe it’s the idea of the rush you get from riding one, or maybe you want one for practical reasons. Whatever the reason, you have decided that you want to buy a motorcycle.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro on a motorcycle or buying your first set of wheels, there will always be questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to buying a motorcycle.
But what do you need to know before you part with your cash?
This article will look at the things to know before buying a motorcycle.
What Are Your Needs?
There are several different types of motorcycles, from cruisers to sports bikes. But each type of motorcycle gives a very different ride, and the type of riding you’ll be doing will let you know the type of motorcycle you should get.
Decide on what you need the motorcycle for. Will you be riding long distances? In this case, a cruiser will suit your needs. Will you be using it for commuting? If this is the case, you may want to look at small motorcycles.
If you’re looking for an exhilarating ride and your motorcycle is purely for pleasure, then you might want to look at getting a superbike.
If you’re likely to take your motorcycle off-road, you will want to get a dirt bike.
Getting the right type of motorcycle is essential. Get the wrong ride, and you could end up with an uncomfortable motorcycle that guzzles gas.
Don’t Overlook the Cost of Ownership
When buying a motorcycle, you shouldn’t just be factoring in the cost involved in buying the vehicle. You need to be sure that you can afford to keep the bike on the road.
You will need to think about the cost of insurance. Several factors will affect your insurance premium. These include:
- Your age
- How long you’ve had your license
- The population density in your area
- The theft rate of the bike you’ve bought
- Whether you’ve had any accidents in the past
Shop around for insurance and get quotes before you buy your motorcycle.
Gas costs are also something you should think about. The cost of gas goes up and down, but you can guarantee it’ll always be an expense higher than you imagine.
Then you’ll need to think about maintenance costs. You’ll need to carry out regular oil changes, change tires, replace spark plugs, and more. If your bike breaks down, you’ll need to get it into the garage, adding more costs.
You’ll also need safety equipment to be able to ride your motorcycle. Good safety gear can distinguish between life and death if you’re in an accident. You cannot put a price on that, and you shouldn’t skimp on the gear you buy.
You’ll need a sturdy helmet. This will need to be replaced regularly. You’ll want a good jacket with pads, trousers, gloves, and boots. While many people may ride in jeans, the reality is that they will not protect themselves in an accident.
Don’t Overestimate Your Riding Ability
One of the easiest mistakes for new riders to make is to get a motorcycle that is too powerful. When shopping for your first motorcycle, be realistic about what you can handle.
Start with small motorcycles. You’ll be able to build up your confidence and ability while learning all of the basic skills on a smaller bike.
When you feel more confident in your riding ability, you can consider upgrading to a more powerful motorcycle.
Find a Motorcycle that Fits Your Body
When you are shopping for a motorcycle, it is essential that you sit on the bike and try it for size.
Motorcycles come in all kinds of sizes and shapes, and you need to know that you’ll be comfortable riding it. You’ll also need to know that your feet can reach the ground and that the handlebars won’t be too much of a stretch for you.
You may have watched videos of motorcycles in action and read lots of great reviews, but until you sit on a bike, you won’t know whether it will suit you.
Buying Your Motorcycle: New or Used?
An important consideration will be whether you should buy a new or used motorcycle.
When buying a new bike, you will be the first to ride it. You won’t inherit maintenance issues or damage if you buy a new motorcycle; however, it will be more expensive than buying a used one.
When buying a used motorcycle, you will likely find that you will save a lot of money. You will need to know that you may have to address specific maintenance issues sooner than with a new bike.
Whether you choose a new or a used motorcycle, you must always remember to take the bike on a test ride before you commit to buying it.
Things to Know Before Buying a Motorcycle
There are a lot of things to know before buying a motorcycle. From ensuring that you get a bike suitable for use and can handle the costs involved in running the bike.
Deciding which motorcycle to buy is not something you should take lightly. Take some time to do your research. Look at several motorcycles before you settle on your choice, and remember to buy the best safety gear.
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I'm primarily a dad and a husband, then I live. I've been a freelance writer and editor since 2014, specializing in finance, casino, sports, and esports niches. I'm an expert in checking the small print on any T&C site. You can trust me as an expert, especially when it comes to financing and gambling products.
