The New Rider Chronicles: Trying & Buying ’Cycles

So you got your motorcycle gear, now what?

If you’re lucky, you may already have a motorcycle in your garage just waiting to be ridden. Or if you’re like me, maybe months have passed since you got your license and you’re still not any closer to purchasing a motorcycle.

Shop for new and used motorcycles for sale online.

As someone who’d never rode a motorcycle before taking a basic rider course, I was nervous about taking the next steps to purchase. A true catch-22, I didn’t have enough riding skill to test drive different bikes, but I needed a bike to build my skills. Test drive aside, I wanted to ask the right questions on my shopping journey, but who knows what the “right” questions are when you have no idea what you should even be looking for in a motorcycle besides your style.

Before I could muster up the courage to go sit on some bikes, I needed to do my homework. I leaned on my good friend Google to help me figure a few things out, like engine size, which is determined by cubic centimeters or “cc’s.” The greater the cc’s a bike has, typically the more powerful the engine. Given I’d taken my basic rider course on a 250cc engine, I figured I could fine-tune my riding skills on a similar size bike. Of course, by the time I figured this out, I’d already fallen in love with the look of the Indian Scout (i.e. a cruiser with way too much engine power and weight for a newbie like myself).

Knowing I’d need some years of practice under my belt before I’d be ready to handle my dream bike, I sought guidance from experienced riders. The majority of bike recommendations fell into the 300-400cc range, which gave me a plan of where to start looking. It had been two long months of window shopping online, and now it was finally time to try some bikes in person.

My first round of bike shopping was all about trying as many styles as possible to get a feel for what fit me as a rider. With each bike I sat on, I started to evaluate factors I’d never considered outside of price and style:

• Is the seat at the right height for my feet to lay flat on the ground?

• Are the footpegs in a position where I feel comfortable to shift and brake?

• Are the clutch and brake levers difficult to reach?

• Can I handle the bike’s weight if it leans or tips?

I knew my odds of finding the right bike on day one were slim, but I walked away feeling slightly more overwhelmed than when I started. My experience did help me figure out what to look for in terms of power and comfort, but I still had to try more bikes before I could make my final decision.

When I showed up at the dealership two days later, I was confident I could narrow down my options and walk away with a new bike. But that was easier said than done. At the end of the day, I needed to dial back my expectations and be realistic about what I needed in my first bike.

After looking at brand new bikes with all the bells and whistles, I’d lost sight of what I was really trying to accomplish as a new rider. My main goal was to get better with my clutch control, so I would be safe on the road. I didn’t need the newest or most powerful bike out there, I simply needed an approachable bike to practice on. Stripping my shopping journey down to my basic needs, I was able to focus on the features that truly mattered.

Out of all the bikes I’d tried, one stood out above the rest, but finding it in stock would be a challenge. I went on Cycle Trader to track it down, and lo and behold, there was a dealer in my area with one 2024 Honda XR 150 available. I placed a deposit that afternoon and picked up my bike from Mid Tenn Powersports the next day.

When I set out on my shopping journey, I was sure I’d walk away with a cruiser, but here I was, the new owner of a small dual sport. It wasn’t exactly the bike I envisioned when I decided to take up motorcycling, but it ticked all my boxes as a new rider. It was affordable, lightweight, and it was a bike built to take a few bumps and scratches. In the end, it wasn’t about the type of motorcycle I purchased, but that I finally had a motorcycle to ride.

If you’re just getting into bike shopping, here are my top tips to the perfect purchase:

Buying Tip 1: Identify your rider persona.

Like buying a car, purchasing a motorcycle is about finding a bike that complements your riding lifestyle and persona. If you’re planning to be an urban commuter, your riding experience and motorcycle needs will be very different from that of a long trip weekend warrior. Take the time to try a variety of bikes to find what’s most comfortable and stylish for you.

Buying Tip 2: Find the fit for your skill set.

It can be tempting to purchase your dream bike right out of the gate, but by matching a bike to your current skill level you’ll build more riding confidence. For beginners, bikes with small engines are easier to maneuver and refine techniques while you get comfortable in the saddle. Some recommended learner-friendly bikes I threw a leg over included the Kawasaki Eliminator, the Honda Rebel, the KTM Duke, and the Triumph Speed.

Buying Tip 3: Don’t break the bank on your first bike.

Chances are, you’re going to drop your first bike. Like I’ve said before, it happens to even the most experienced riders. The more your bike costs, the more it might hurt to see it damaged in the learning process. Plus, if you ride often enough, you may find yourself outgrowing your bike within a year or two. By sticking to your budget, you can focus on the features that matter most to maximize value and save your wallet.

Buying Tip 4: Bring a seasoned rider with you.

If you can, bring an experienced rider with you on your shopping journey. They’ll know what questions to ask and help guide you in the right direction. They might even be able to test drive for you and ride the bike home if you’re not comfortable. If you don’t know any experienced riders, try bringing a friend or family member along for comfort and emotional support.

Buying Tip 5: When possible, complete as much of the purchase as you can online.

The purchase process can be frustrating for new riders, especially with the lack of transparent pricing online and price haggling. Once you know what bike you want to buy, you can skip the negotiation headaches and hours of paperwork by using Buy Now on Cycle Trader to purchase from your local dealer or any dealer nationwide. With Buy Now, you can start your purchase from home, place a reservation deposit, and even get the bike shipped directly to you for a truly hassle-free experience.

Read more from our New Rider Chronicles with an in-depth overview of handling your new motorcycle with Riding Practice.

Start your shopping journey today and visit CycleTrader.com for the nation’s largest selection of new and used motorcycles for sale from dealers and private sellers.