Make Buying a Motorcycle Easy!

Most people consider buying a motorcycle at one time or another. Finding the perfect one is a daunting challenge for those who take the plunge. What’s the right bike for me? How much should I pay? How do I get appropriately licensed? Don’t worry, just read on!

The first thing you want to do is get licensed to operate your motorcycle legally. You will need to do a lot of studying and set aside plenty of time and space to practice with the help of an experienced cyclist.Permit.Bike is a great website that allows you to examine the process of getting licensed in your state and take practice tests to prepare for the written and road tests.

An important question to ask oneself is whether to buy new or used. While a new motorcycle has many advantages, the main one being that you know it has never been used and abused by anyone, it can also be beyond the pocketbook of most potential riders. Buying used can be more practical, but be savvy when shopping. A used bike can also allow one to delve into a wide range of mechanical repairs, perfect for the DIY set who like to get their hands dirty. If that’s not you, be careful not to get caught in a nightmare of unending repairs; bring a knowledgeable friend to look at the bike you’re interested in! Popular Mechanics suggests that you check the odometer, areas of wear and their severity, and the brakes, look for signs of oil and gas leakage and observe how well the motorcycle starts up and runs before paying for any used motorcycle. Nothing will turn you off to motorcycling faster than a bike in the shop more than on the road, so take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

Consider what you plan to use your motorcycle before picking a bike. Do you want a daily driver, something for long trips, a fast racer, or perhaps an exciting off-road experience? There are many different types of bikes. Some will perform excellently in one situation but dismal in another. For example, a touring bike is excellent for taking long-distance road trips but is also slow and offers poor off-road capability. Few can afford more than one motorcycle, so make your choice carefully.

It is also essential to consider how much horsepower you need. It’s easy to get in over your head and buy a powerful motorcycle more suited to someone with much more experience. The Riding in the Zone website offers an excellent article on the dangers of too much power and what to consider when deciding how much you need to meet your needs and stay safe. Click here to take a look!

So you bought your motorcycle, you’re licensed, and now you must get insured! Most states require some insurance before you can ride, and not having it can get you in trouble!

Part of safely riding your motorcycle is owning the proper safety equipment. Most states have laws requiring you to wear a helmet; even if your state does not, it is still an excellent idea. Wearing protective clothing is also a good idea if you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert. Road rash is quite ugly, and today’s equipment is specially designed to be both functional and comfortable, giving few excuses to those who want to ride without.

These are the basics, and while there are many considerations to owning and operating a motorcycle, these essential tips should help you. Safety comes first, including being properly licensed, insured, and equipped and riding a well-maintained motorcycle properly powered for your skill level. After that, the fun part is getting out there and getting the experience to make you a skilled and safe member of the motorcycling community! If you want to learn more or have specific questions, please contact us!