Buying your very first motorcycle is an exciting experience, and there’s nothing more exhilarating than that first ride on the road. But much of that first experience—and subsequent experiences on your bike—has much to do with finding the right motorcycle. And finding the right vehicle usually means doing extensive research on motorcycles and dealerships, as well as insurance policies, warranties, and powersports extended service contracts.
Apart from determining your budget and looking for a vehicle that fits this budget, there are a few other things you should look into. To help you get started, here are some of the things to consider:
1. Purpose
The most important factor to consider when buying your first motorcycle is your reason for buying. Why do you want a motorcycle? Will you use it as your primary means of transportation or are you looking to start a hobby? Your reason for buying will direct you to the right motorcycle.
2. Type of motorcycle
As mentioned above, your riding experience will depend on finding the right motorcycle for you. And this means knowing exactly what you want. For a first-time buyer, the options could be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re not very familiar with all the types of motorcycles available on the market.
Some of the most popular choices of buyers include sportbikes, cruisers, scooters, electric bikes, and dirt bikes. There is, of course, the standard bike, too. Go over these bikes first to see if anything catches your fancy, and which ones are also ideal for your purpose. Learn as much as you can about the bikes on your shortlist so you’ll know what to look for when you’re discussing options with a dealer.
3. Protection against financial loss
Owning a motorcycle is arguably cheaper than owning an SUV, truck, or sedan for many reasons, foremost of which are the unit and maintenance costs but even so, you are still exposed to financial risks if you don’t have the necessary coverage and warranties. When you’re at the dealership, learn about your options for insurance coverage, manufacturer warranty, extended service contracts, and loss protection.
As a first-time owner, you should make sure you are protected against financial losses caused by expensive repairs, service maintenance, parts replacements, theft, and other unforeseen motorcycle ownership-related expenses.
You should take the time discussing coverage and warranty options with the dealer of your choice as these could have a serious impact on your finances.
