8 Tips for Buying Your First Motorcycle
First time motorcycle buyers have a lot to look forward to when purchasing a bike—the change of lifestyle, the rush of the road, and the freedom to cruise around. Shopping and finding the right bike for you can seem overwhelming at first, from online research and comparing listings to taking the motorcycle on a test-drive. To help you get started, Cycle Trader is sharing eight tips for buying your first motorcycle.
Search New and Used Motorcycles on the Cycle Trader Marketplace.
1. Choose the Motorcycle for Your Lifestyle
Sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, dirt bikes, or dual sport motorcycles—there’s a different type of motorcycle on the market for every rider. Whether it’s for recreation or commuting, get to know the different types of motorcycles and figure out how you will be using your bike every week. Keep in mind other factors like the cost of fuel, maintenance and upkeep, and ultimately which type of bike you want to ride in the long run.
2. Compare Motorcycle Listings
Compare listings through the online marketplace to get a better idea of the best bikes available. Look over all the bike specs and keep in mind the basics like make and model, age of the bike, mileage, wear and tear, and the listing location. One great benefit of shopping online is the ability to expand your search outside of your area to get a better selection of bikes. Some dealers and private sellers will also deliver motorcycles right to you, which makes buying your first motorcycle easier.
3. Consider Used Motorcycles
Used motorcycles are hot on the market right now. Due to inventory shortages and high demand, you’re probably more likely to find pre-owned bikes for sale than you are to find new motorcycles. Plus, there’s less depreciation when you buy a used bike, and you can fix it up and get more bang for your buck if you decide to resell. Know what to consider before buying a used bike to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money, and do a double take for things like chassis number, vehicle history, and service history.
4. Get a Feel for the Motorcycle
You can look at new and used motorcycles for-sale all day, but to really get a feel for the bike and how it performs on the road, you should see it in person and test it out. Check out features like its seat height, handlebars and steering, and how the bike runs on the road. Do a close inspection of the bike and take a test ride before you buy. Keep in mind that if a used bike doesn’t have exactly what you’re after, you can make modifications with a DIY project in your home garage. Remember, this is a big purchase and a bike you may want to keep for years, so take your time when looking at motorcycles and compare models.
5. Go Easy on Motorcycle Power
With your first motorcycle purchase, don’t be afraid to start small and work your way up to something more powerful. An engine with 250cc to 600cc is a good starting point for first time riders, plus you’ll save money, get a better feel for the motorcycle, and gradually learn how your bike works. There are lots of options for smaller displacement motorcycles that still have lots of character.
This is your first bike as an owner, so starting with less power gives you the chance to take your pace and become a better driver with more experience on the road. And you always have the option to take on more power with another bike if you eventually decide to sell your motorcycle and upgrade.
6. Put Motorcycle Safety First
Obviously you’ll need your license to drive a motorcycle, but with a new purchase comes other big responsibilities as a biker. Put safety first and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course to get a better idea of driving and responsibilities on the road with your new bike. This fundamental course will help ensure your safety on the road and give you a better idea what to look out for when riding your motorcycle.
7. Purchase Motorcycle Insurance
When buying your new motorcycle, leave room in your budget for motorcycle insurance and shop online to compare coverage prices and policies. Look into liability coverage, which covers bodily injury liability and property damage liability, and coverage for collision, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage or personal injury protraction, and comprehensive insurance. Policies can vary by state, so know what’s required before you buy your motorcycle.
8. Gear Up for Your First Motorcycle Ride
To stay safe and look your best on your bike, get all the right gear for your new lifestyle. That includes a helmet, motorcycle jacket, riding pants, boots, eyewear, and gloves. You can shop online or at stores, and look for sales to save money. Consider where you’ll be riding and the different weather and seasons to figure out how much gear you may need when you buy your first motorcycle.
Shop around, test out bikes, look over the paperwork, and get ready to ride. Buying your first motorcycle is an adventure, and these tips will help you out during the process. Start shopping for new and used motorcycles on our online marketplace at CycleTrader.com. Get more insight on specific bike models with thousands of reviews from motorcyclists on CycleInsider.com. And, for more articles and tips for beginner riders, visit Cycle’s Trader Beginner Rider Resource Page.
Ryan Miller
You might also like
