What’s behind your desire for a motorcycle? Is it gas mileage? Is it an interest in starting a new hobby? Or are you a lifelong rider simply looking for a new opportunity?
Whatever your motivation, you’re in the market for a new bike. While this is an exciting time, there are plenty of things to consider as well.
To help find the motorcycle that’s right for you, start by answering the following questions:
- What’s your level of experience? Many people new to motorcycles make the mistake of purchasing a bike that is simply too powerful for them to control without practice. If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, you’ll want to avoid especially powerful bikes like crotch rockets or any bike that has an engine larger than 600cc. Start with a slower bike instead and work to develop your skills. This will also allow you to fully appreciate the abilities of a more powerful bike when it’s time to upgrade.
- What’s out there? The motorcycle market is constantly expanding to include diverse new offerings. Before you set your sights on a specific motorcycle, take the time to do a thorough investigation of what’s out there. Two great resources are manufacturers’ websites and motorcycle dealerships.
- Why do you want to own a motorcycle? Answering this question will help you determine which motorcycle is right for you. For example, a bike you plan to use every day to travel to work will need to be comfortable. Performance, meanwhile, will be more important if your bike is only for fun on the weekends.
- Should you buy a new bike or a used bike? There is no definitive answer here. Instead, it depends a lot on what you’re looking for.
If you’re an experienced rider and the used market for the type of bike you want isn’t so great, you’ll probably appreciate a new bike. New bikes will be more expensive, but they may come with a dependable warranty. Plus, many riders appreciate being the first owner.
On the other hand, cost-conscious (or novice) riders may be better off shopping for a used motorcycle. These bikes can be more affordable and allow owners to develop their skills without any steep financial obligations. It is important to remember that used bikes will seldom be as dependable in the long run as new bikes.
Learn how to find a good motorcycle mechanic in the next post.