Shop Smart, Shop Used for Your First Motorcycle
If the urge to discover life on two wheels has finally washed over you and you’re ready for your first motorcycle, we’ve got you covered. As motorcycle enthusiasts ourselves, the crew at Cycle Trader understands the feeling of buying that first bike, learning basic maneuvering skills, and embarking on that first ride. That’s why we’ve pooled together our collective memories of our experiences to help those who are just getting ready to enter that hallowed realm.
As you’ll see in the title, we’re recommending that new riders and first-time buyers start slow and work your way up by beginning with a used bike. We understand that you want all of the bells and whistles to make your riding experience perfect, and there’s something to be said about showing up at a rally or gathering with a shiny new machine. However, chances are that you’ll probably be ready to move up to the dream bike within a couple of years, so it’s best to start slowly, make a good investment without overextending yourself, and to learn not only what you do want in a motorcycle, but also what you don’t want. Happy hunting!
Do Your Research
There are so many great makes and models out there to choose from, so where do you start your search? If you know others who ride, you might want to ask for their opinion on what makes a good starter bike. Even more important is if you can find someone who is about the same size as you to recommend what bikes they like.
The fit of the machine is one of the most important elements of your riding experience. And while adjustments to the bike can be made to fit your frame exactly, finding a model that just “feels right” is a big part of the equation. That’s not just the seat height, but also whether the saddle is slung low for comfort or pushed forward for speed riding.
If you don’t have friends or acquaintances who ride, you might want to visit a few dealerships to look over what’s available. You don’t even need to take the bike for a test ride immediately. If the sales agent is willing to let you just sit on a few, you can get a good idea of what works best for you. Check and take note of how the seat feels as far as the width and overall comfort. Do the same for the location of the handlebars and the foot pegs. Are you comfortable with the weight and balance of the bike? All of these will help you narrow down the “type” of bike you want (cruiser, sport bike, adventure bike, etc.).
The Need for Speed
When starting out, it’s also a good idea to resist the temptation to go for the most powerful bike you can find. Keep in mind that a bigger engine does not always equate to super speed, especially when it comes to big cruisers and touring bikes. They need the bigger engines to compensate for the extra weight.
For beginning riders, it’s probably best to stick in the neighborhood of 500–600 cc when it comes to the engine size. Too much power can be difficult to control for newer riders. Not enough power is going to leave you less enthusiastic about the overall endeavor.
Why Start With a Used Bike?
Buying good safety gear is a must when it comes to riding. And, as you might expect, good safety gear can be pretty expensive, especially when you’re buying everything at once. Your number one purchase should be a solid, Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet. Riding boots are also a good investment, as well as a good jacket or riding suit (some have extra padded areas if you end up spilling). You may also want to consider riding gloves and potentially rain gear.
Depending on your budget, the gear alone is going to take out a big bite. Buying a used motorcycle will help you get in on the ground level with a quality bike that’s not showroom-new priced. As we mentioned earlier, chances are good you’ll only have the bike for a couple of years before you’re ready to trade up, so buy wisely now and be ready for that future investment.
One other consideration about buying used is that you may end up dumping your bike a few times as you’re getting used to improving your skills. You’ll feel a whole lot worse about dropping a new bike than one that’s already got a few miles on it, even if it’s just a matter of covering up a scrape with a little paint.
Start Looking
When you have a good idea of the type of bike you want and maybe even have a few models in mind, you can use our handy search feature to narrow your search down, quickly and easily. Cycle Trader has the largest online selection of new and used bikes, so we’ve already done a lot of the legwork for you. Good luck with your search and enjoy your new lifestyle. And when you’re ready for your next bike, we’ll be here to help.
Barrett Baker
You might also like
