Buying a motorcycle can really feel exciting. It's like a new toy for adults, where they can explore a new feeling of being out on the open road and in control of a vehicle that's not a car. However, a lot of people are caught up in the idea of how much fun a motorcycle can be that they don't stop and think of the practical side of owning a motorcycle, whether that's before, during, or after the sale. For example, there's the cost of maintenance of a motorcycle, just like there would be with a car.
There's also several types of safety gear for riders. Certain states may have various laws regarding motorcycles that riders are unaware of. There's also a matter of practice. Many drivers do not practice riding a motorcycle before hitting the open road. Therefore, their inexperience becomes a liability to themselves and others, including, but not limited to, crashes, bodily injury, and death. There are plenty of mistakes to be made when people choose to buy motorcycles.
15. Buying Before They Ride
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People really should ride a little and then buy the motorcycle, which would help them know if they can even handle a motorcycle, let alone which model is right for them. That said, it's recommended people test ride motorcycles in a comfortable and safe environment, such as a low-traffic street.
14. Not Being Aware Of Their State Laws
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Motorcycle laws can vary from state to state, and it's a good idea to become familiar with the relevant state laws, preferably before purchasing a new motorcycle. After all, the waiting time to even get testing done can sometimes be months. However, people who already have a driver’s license can just have the motorcycle endorsement added to it.
13. No Budget For Maintenance
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Riders often neglect to factor maintenance into their motorcycle budget. It would be wise to be mindful of the maintenance costs, whether those costs are regular scheduled maintenance or something drastic and unforeseen. Bottom line: maintenance costs money. Regular maintenance needs to be done when and as often as the manufacturer directs, and paying for service adds up.
12. Settling For A Sale
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Riders will often settle for a motorcycle they don't like or find impractical just because it's on sale and they're getting a major price break. People will own motorcycles for years and spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours riding it, and that is no decision to be made lightly. This is a decision that is absolutely worth waiting until riders have saved up more money, or even until the next sale, so they can get a motorcycle they can truly be comfortable with and enjoy.
11. Buyers Don't Network With Same-Model Owners
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Networking is good, especially with people who own the same model of motorcycle that you wish to purchase. After all, it's recommended to talk to people who already own the bike that will be purchased. Reading reviews and asking questions about the bike’s issues and advantages is also recommended.
10. Loans Have Fine Print
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For riders getting a loan, those loans have fine print that should be read. Buyers will often accept loans without understanding or even reading the terms and conditions. For example, the first few months or years of the loans will have a low APR and then jump to a high APR after the promotional period ends.
9. People Buy An Impractical Bike
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People will often buy a bike that is impractical for their circumstances simply because it looks cool. For instance, those with a long, rough commute should opt for a bike with a comfortable riding position and seat, better mileage, and better storage instead of opting for a sports bike. Those who choose the correct bike for their circumstances will lead to greater long-term satisfaction with motorcycle riding.
8. No Insurance Or License Acquired
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Insurance and a license are required to operate a motorcycle. There may be some exceptions in certain states and countries, and there may be exceptions for certain small-engine motorcycles, but mostly, everyone needs an official motorcycle license to safely and legally drive a motorcycle. As with a car, most riders have to pass a written and driving test before obtaining said license.
7. People Purchase Bikes More Advanced Than Their Skill Level
via cycleworld.com
Arguably the biggest mistake people make is buying a motorcycle that's beyond their skill level, whether the bike is used or new. A lot of people overestimate their competency and suddenly realize they're in over their heads. As with a car, it’s better to drive a slower car skillfully than to drive a faster car poorly.
6. New Versus Used
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A big question when buying motorcycles is, “Should I buy new or used?” It's worth keeping in mind that buying a used motorcycle may be cheaper, but it also may come with imperfections, damage, or other pre-existing conditions a new motorcycle wouldn't have. Buying new may cost more, but it means everything is in peak condition upon purchase and riders may even get newer, more updated features.
5. Get Into Gear
via pagnol-motor.com
Safety gear is more crucial with a motorcycle than it is with a car, because with a car, drivers have the car's body between them and the road. When figuring out how to choose a motorcycle, remember about gear. The helmet should be firm, snug, and fit the head. The gloves should be tough and fit tightly. Find a jacket and pants with protective padding included.
4. Dealer Versus Private Seller
via cscmotorcycles.com
Dealers and private sellers have their own advantages. First, a licensed motorcycle dealer is legally and ethically required to fix any known problems on a bike before reselling it, resulting in both a higher price and increased peace of mind. Private sellers can have more flexible pricing, but the known problems can go both ways: private sellers can fix problems far more effectively than a dealer would, or they might just sell the bike in “as-is” condition and let the buyer worry about it.
3. They Deplete Their Bank Account
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Motorcycles are expensive, and with the cost of added gear, license, insurance, and maintenance, riders can deplete their bank account. As in most cases, buying on impulse is a bad idea, and buying without researching first is even worse. Keep the purchase to a manageable percentage of what's reasonably affordable.
2. The Power Is Misjudged
via digitaltrends.com
Riders can misjudge a motorcycle's power pretty easily. Power is measured in “cc’s,” which stand for “cubic centimeters.” This means that the greater the displacement, the greater the opportunity to generate power and accelerate more rapidly. However, more cc's in an engine doesn't make the engine that much more powerful.
1. Training Is Essential
via lockandlean.com
Training is key to becoming a skilled and competent rider. Get experience before purchasing, or at least before riding, by taking a Motorcycle Training Course, which give both classroom instruction and hands-on riding instruction. Further, rides will be in a controlled environment with controlled conditions, ideal for first-time or inexperienced riders.
Sources: rideapart.com, rideadv.com, bicycling.com, motorcycleloancenter.com
