Tips on Buying Your First Motorcycle
Buying a
motorcycle for the first time can be thrilling and overwhelming at the same
time. You want to make sure you’re getting everything right from the beginning.
Before you can think about visiting a Yamaha Motorcycle Dealer, you should have done research on the
kind of motorcycle that is best suited for your needs. Buying a motorcycle is
different from buying a car in so many ways. If anything, you will have to be
more careful when buying a motorcycle. Here are some of the things to consider
before you decide to visit the dealer.
Safety
Before you
can even think about buying a motorcycle, you should have completed the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course. This will ensure not only your safety but
also of other road users. It doesn’t matter if you’re already experienced with
motorcycles, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Insurance
You might
have the exact amount for the purchase of the motorcycle and not leaving enough
for insurance. Before you can decide to purchase a bike, you should be thinking
about the total cost of ownership. This means you will have to factor in things
like insurance, repairs, and maintenance into consideration.
Having
insurance will ensure that you’re covered in case of an injury or damage to the
motorcycle. The insurance will also take care of the medical bills depending on
the extent of the coverage.
Finding
What Fits You
It is crucial that you’re searching for a motorcycle that fits your needs. Will you be using it daily or only on special occasions? It should be noted that what felt good in the showroom might not be as pleasant just after five minutes on the road. You should start by researching the different kinds of motorcycles that are currently available on the market. The most common types of bikes will have to be standard motorbikes and sports bikes. More on this.
Sports
bikes are ideal if you’re looking for speed and performance. They can be tough
on the back at lower speeds or longer rides. If you’re looking for a daily
driver, sports bike not be the ideal solution.
Standard
bikes, on the other hand, are great if you will be using them a lot. They
support the body posture and the rider in an upright position. You don’t have
to lean too far forward in order to operate the motorcycle.
Cruisers
are also popular but can be challenging to handle if you’re just starting out.
The fact that they’re laid-back makes them the ideal choice for long trips. It
has low footpegs which will mean that the rider has to lean back slightly which
can be uncomfortable for some people. The seating position is definitely not
recommended for beginners who are looking to ride long distances. You might
also experience challenges trying to control the cruiser at lower speeds
because of the heavyweight. The good news there is a plethora of aftermarket
products that meant to enhance the riding experience of the motorcycle.
Research
It is
important that you’re doing due diligence before making any purchasing
decisions. If you’ve decided on a particular bike, make sure you’re researching
everything on the brand and what you can expect in terms of repairs and
maintenance. It is imperative to make an effort to know everything about the
bike. Google has made it easy to search for information nowadays. You can go to
forums and see what other people are saying about that particular motorcycle
and the brand.
Seat
Height
For a new
rider, this is one of the most important considerations before you buy a
motorcycle. You want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. You will
have the confidence to operate the motorbike if you’re able to plant both feet
on the pavement. This could be challenging if the bike is heavy or the seat is
not right.
Power
It will be
tempting to go for a motorcycle that offers the highest displacement. As a new
rider, you will have to get used to handling the motorcycle. A motorbike with
600cc has more than enough power for even experienced riders. Manufacturers
will often suggest the best power for new riders. You can always upgrade once
you’ve gotten used to the dynamics of handling a motorcycle. The weight of the
bike will go up with the displacement. You will want to buy a bike that won’t
give you a lot of balancing issues when you’re stuck in traffic.
