If you have decided riding a motorcycle, like a Harley Davidson, is for you, it's time to start shopping. Unfortunately, buying a motorcycle isn't like buying a car. There are many more things to consider when motorcycle shopping to ensure your safety. If you have no idea what to look for, here are some tips for buying your first bike.
Size matters
You don't want to go buy a 1000cc motorcycle when you have hardly any experience driving one. Smaller is better when it comes to your first bike. You won't be racing biker gangs across the country, but it will get you from point A to point B safely. Find a motorcycle that is 750cc or less; preferably closer to 600cc. You don't want to take on more than you can handle. It's not worth going too fast or losing control on the freeway.
Avoid sport-bikes
Don't buy a crotch rocket your first time around. You will be more likely to go too fast, and they aren't nearly as comfortable. Opt for a cruiser so you can keep better control and have a comfortable ride. After you have been riding for at least a year, upgrade to a sport-bike if you still want one. You aren't buying the only motorcycle you will ever have, so be patient.
Check the insurance first
Insurance varies on motorcycles just like they do with cars. With motorcycles, you could see differences in the hundreds. Before you sign any papers and hand over your hard-earned money, take a few minutes to check an insurance quote. You don't want to get home with your new bike to discover that you can't afford to insure it.
Understand the mileage
Mileage on a motorcycle and mileage on your car are two very different things. You might be able to run your SUV for 250,000 miles, but that's not how a motorcycle works. If you're buying a sport bike, it should have an average of about 3,000 miles per year. A cruiser will likely have 5 to 6,000 per year. Of course, you want to ensure that the bike has had proper maintenance for the amount of miles it has.
Don't overspend
You don't want to buy a flashy motorcycle that gives you a $20,000 debt on your first go-around. You will likely wipe out at some point as a new rider, and you don't want to scuff up, or possibly total, a motorcycle with that kind of price tag. As a new rider, you can't overestimate your ability. Not only do you have a change of wrecking it, you might decide it's not the bike for once the season is over.
Drive it first
It probably seems obvious to test drive something you're going to buy, but you have to pay extra attention with a motorcycle. Every type of motorcycle has a slightly different shape and size, just like a human being. If you don't fit on a motorcycle perfectly, you aren't going to want to drive it around. Don't settle for a motorcycle that you aren't 100% comfortable on. You aren't going to learn to get comfortable with it. Mostly likely, you'll get sick of the way it feels and regret your purchase. Don't be afraid to pass until you find something that fits you better.
Buying your first motorcycle is an exciting time in your life. You don't want to get ahead of yourself. Motorcycles are too dangerous to pick out the wrong one. Make sure you pick out something small. Buy one as close to 600cc as possible. You can always upgrade. Pay attention to the mileage, and make sure that it's comfortable for your body shape and size.
Share7 August 2015
When my daughter packed up and left for college, I worried that her car would get her from point A to point B with some sort of problem. I was right to worry. Her car ended up at a mechanic's shop miles from home with extensive repair work needed. Even though the car was fixed promptly and she arrived at her destination on time, I was worried. After that, I created a blog for other young people who are faced with car problems while traveling. My daughter didn't even know how to change a tire! With the research I compiled and a little practice, she can now change her tire and more.