Buying your first motorcycle is an exciting experience. It’s the first step toward a life of freedom and adventure, and it could be your gateway to an entire community of like-minded people. As a nice bonus, you’ll be setting yourself up to save a great deal of money on gas and maintenance in the years to come.
That being said, you also need to keep certain considerations in mind as you’re looking for a motorcycle. Many first-time buyers overlook some of the most important details, and they ultimately regret it. Remember the following points while you’re perusing motorcycles for sale so you’ll get the best bike and avoid buyer’s remorse.
Choose the Right Type of Motorcycle
No doubt, you want to get on the road and immerse yourself in the motorcycle lifestyle as quickly as possible. Jumping at the first bike that fits within your budget isn’t a good idea, though. Take some time to research the different types of motorcycles. For example, touring bikes are made for long road trips whereas cruisers are geared more toward commuting and shorter trips. Sport bikes are built for speed rather than comfort while adventure bikes offer the added benefit of off-road capabilities.
Besides those basic points, speed and power come into play. With this being your first motorcycle, going for the fastest, most powerful model you can find isn’t recommended. Consider dialing it back a bit. Choose a bike that offers performance without being too difficult to manage for a new rider. You can always upgrade later on after you gain more experience.
Find a Bike That Fits
After narrowing down your options to the right type of bike, it’s important to choose one that fits you. If a bike is too big and heavy, you won’t really be able to enjoy riding it. In truth, riding it won’t be safe, either. Try out a variety of models in person. Be sure your feet can firmly touch the ground. Rock the bikes back and forth a little to be sure they’re not heavier than you can handle. Make sure your hands can reach the handlebars and your feet can reach the rear brakes and gear shifter. Those measures will give you a better idea of which bikes might fit you comfortably and safely.
New Versus Used
You’ll also need to decide whether to buy a new or used bike. Obviously, used models are less expensive than new ones, and they’ve already undergone the notorious depreciation that takes away so much of a bike’s value during its first few years. On the other hand, new models are likely to have the latest features, and they may require less maintenance in the short term sense. For many people, choosing a newer used model is a good compromise.
Individual Versus Dealer
Deciding whether to buy from an individual or a dealership also enters the mix. Though individual sellers often have lower prices, you need to be careful when buying from them. Hidden damage and wear, questionable paperwork, and other issues can certainly arise, which may cost you more money and hassle than you bargained for. Besides that, individuals usually don’t offer financing. You’ll likely pay a bit more when you purchase from a dealership, but you’ll also have the option of financing and added reassurance that the bike is in good condition.
Finding Your Perfect First Motorcycle
Buying your first motorcycles is definitely an exciting experience. It’s important to take your time and choose carefully, though. Keep the points mentioned here in mind to help you find the right bike for the right price from the right source. Furthermore, be sure you understand the long-term costs of ownership, such as maintenance, repairs, insurance coverage, and riding gear. All of these measures will ensure you get the most out of your first motorcycle.
