Motorcycle Buying Guide

If you're a rider, you've likely already undergone a motorcycle safety course and gotten your license. Once you decide that you are ready to ride free on the road, it's time to start shopping for a motorcycle of your own. While getting a new bike may seem like an exciting endeavor, it is often a major transaction that should be considered carefully and thoughtfully. Here are a few tips for buying a motorcycle:

Narrow your search

When buying a motorcycle, you have several options, but the first thing you should do is figure out whether you want to buy used or new. You can save thousands by purchasing a used bike, but you might not be able to get exactly what you want. However, you could end up with a more unique bike that you love at a lower price than a new motorcycle. It's important to think about your price range and figure out how much you are willing to spend before you start checking out bikes. Once you know your price range and whether you are buying used or new, think about different models and how you want to use your motorcycle. Remember that different bikes are specialized for certain types of riding. Before shopping, pick out a few models that you would prefer.

Motorcycle insurance

Whenever you purchase a motorcycle or a car, you need to invest in insurance to cover you in case of an accident. With motorcycle insurance, it is important to get enough coverage for your bike and treatment of any injuries. The cost of your insurance premium will largely depend on what type of motorcycle you purchase. While you can lower your rate by taking a riding safety course and having a clean record, you will probably end up paying more for a policy if you purchase a bike that is rare or considered a classic, as these can be more expensive to repair. When buying a new bike, it's important to keep in mind how much it will cost to insure.

Maintenance records

When you are checking out a bike to purchase, be sure to get your hands on maintenance records. You will want to examine what the motorcycle has been through before you own it to avoid buying something that will break down after a few rides. If you aren't able to see hard copies of the vehicle's history, ask the seller about the bike and consider carefully the risk of purchasing it without a record. You might be better off looking for a bike you are confident about.

Test ride

Before you take home a new motorcycle, you will want to test drive it. Take some time to inspect the bike and its controls before you get on. Not all sellers may allow you to do a test run - as some bikes have gone out and never come back - but you will at least want to do a dry run by testing all the controls and lights to ensure they are working.