Tall Motorcycle Fire
Tall Motorcycle Fire
US $99.99
6 Tips for Buying a Motorcycle
Whether you want one for the thrill of the ride or fuel efficiency, consider these six tips before you buy a motorcycle.
1. How are you going to use your motorcycle?
The type of motorcycle you buy depends on how you plan on using it. Touring motorcycles provide the most comfortable ride if you want to take long road trips. Standard motorcycles are best suited for daily commutes and rides around town.
2. Assess your own skill level.
Take an honest assessment of your riding abilities before you buy a motorcycle, including how much power you want. Engines with 600cc of power may produce too much force for a novice to handle. On the other hand, experienced riders may be looking for a bike with hairpin maneuverability and high speeds.
3. Set a budget.
Expect to pay between $4,000 and $25,000 for a new motorcycle. Just like buying a car, there is usually room for negotiation. When you're setting your budget, don't forget to include insurance costs and necessary gear like a helmet, jacket, boots and pants.
4. Decide whether you want to buy a new or used motorcycle.
If you'd like to save a little money, buying a used motorcycle may be an ideal option. Also, used motorcycles are good purchases for new riders whose lack of experience makes them more likely to drop their bikes or tip them over.
5. Try potential motorcycles on for size.
Once you're at the dealership, sit on the bikes you're considering. Motorcycles come in different sizes and shapes, and while you may have your heart set on a certain look, it's possible that it's either too big or too small for you. The salesperson will help you determine if a bike fits you, but be sure to note the following:
- Are both of your feet flat on the ground when the bike is upright? If not, the bike is too tall.
- Get a sense of how it feels to sit in the riding position. Are you pitched too far forward or feel awkwardly reclined? Are you sitting too low or too high? It's important that you feel comfortable so you can control the motorcycle.
- Pay attention to your wrists, back and legs. If you're sitting at a severe angle or notice a lot of force placed on these areas of your body, you'll fatigue quickly while riding and may even risk injury due to excessive strain.
6. Take a test drive before you buy a motorcycle.
Once you've determined that a bike fits you, assess how it handles. Take the motorcycle for a ride, ideally in the conditions in which you drive most. The motorcycle that's best for you will be easy to control. Accelerating, decelerating, turning and braking should come naturally. If you find yourself struggling to make these basic maneuvers, that particular bike isn't a safe choice.
After you've decided on a motorcycle and come to an agreement on price, you need to secure financing and register the bike just as you would a car. Of course, when you buy a motorcycle, make sure you get the appropriate motorcycle insurance to protect your investment. You can get a quote for comprehensive motorcycle insurance coverage from a trusted insurer like Nationwide Insurance.
About the Author
Kristin Armstrong is a Senior SEO Associate at Rosetta, the largest interactive agency in the U.S. Armstrong received an M.A. in Communication from The University of Dayton and has five years of experience in marketing.