6 Ways to Cut Costs as a Motorcycle Owner
Unless you’re one of the lucky few whose cryptocurrency investments are paying off big-time, you probably wouldn’t mind saving a few bucks. After all, the more money we save, the more we can spend on our motorcycles, right? Here are 6 tried and true tips to help riders cut costs while riding.
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1. Buy Used
Sure, you may want the nicest, cleanest, shiniest new ride with the hottest graphics. But here’s the thing about motorcycles—they depreciate! Instead of insisting on the latest and greatest, consider shopping for the next best thing by looking for a model that’s just a year or two old. Chances are, it will have the same, or nearly the same, performance as the brand-new version, just in a different color scheme. Let someone else take the depreciation hit while you benefit from a nearly new ride and keep more money in your pocket.
2. Consider Lesser Known Brands
We want you to be as well-protected as possible when you’re riding. Some may believe this means choosing the most renowned motorcycle brands you can find, but you should know that price doesn’t always dictate the performance or reliability. It’s possible to find well-built motorcycles that aren’t name brand, yet still offer a comparable experience. They might not have the same swanky label, but instead of worrying about how the bike looks, focus that energy on how you ride.
3. Stretch Your Gear
Similarly, you can save money on essential motorcycle gear by opting for items that will last. I’ve filled my closet with jackets, boots and helmets, convincing myself nearly every year to add new pieces to the collection–either for fashion or functionality. Lately, I’ve gotten more strategic about my purchases, focusing on gear that offer long-term value.
For instance, a jacket that offers weatherproofing, layers, and ventilation, allows me to wear it across multiple seasons–ultimately saving money. Plus, taking care of your gear helps it look and smell good for longer.
3. D-I-Y
One of the easiest ways to save some money as a rider is to do as much maintenance as you can yourself. Modern bikes are engineered to cover a lot of miles before needing any major work. However, basic bike maintenance, including oil changes, chain service, and even brake work can be done by almost anyone with fairly basic DIY skills and a desire to save money.
At a dealership, you could end up paying between $120-150 per hour, and it doesn’t take many trips to the mechanic to add up to some serious cash. Plus, wrenching on your own machine is not only really satisfying, but it helps you know and understand your machine more intimately.
4. Over-Tired?
Many of these savings tips require honesty and small habit changes. Take your tires, for example. If you’re frequently replacing them on a dual-sport or adventure bike, consider a harder compound. It may not grip as well in sand or dirt, but if you rarely ride off-road, it might not matter.
The same applies to road tires. Sport bikes often come with high-performance rubber similar to track tires, but these soft compounds wear out quickly. A sport-touring tire can still offer plenty of grip for road riding while lasting longer and providing better traction in wet conditions.
5. Save Gas
You may have noticed that gasoline has gotten awfully expensive, so why not save a bit here too? Your DIY maintenance will help as a properly-maintained bike tends to be a happier, more efficient one. That includes regularly checking tire pressures too, not just keeping things well-lubricated.
The way we ride affects the bike’s efficiency. Unlike older, carbureted machines, modern, fuel-injected motorcycles don’t require a lengthy warm-up time before riding off. Start it up, roll-out easily, and it’ll warm up quickly– saving gas. And of course, not ripping on the throttle all the time saves gas, too.
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6. Insurance Hacks
Finally, one of the best ways to save money as a rider is to find savings through insurance. Certainly, having an unblemished driving record helps, so avoid getting tickets and shop around for your insurance coverage. The rates from company to company can be varied and some riders with multiple bikes will even insure their machines through different companies to maximize savings.
That said, often bundling your motorcycle coverage with other insurance policies including automobile, home or tenant insurance, can result in savings, too. And, while it may increase your financial risk in the event of an accident, raising your deductible usually lowers your premiums – just weigh the pros and cons carefully.
You’ve earned your money and deserve to keep as much of it as you can in your pocket. Riding doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re strategic about it.
Jeff Wilson