Buying and owning your first motorcycle can be an exciting time, and it’s something you’ll look forward to. As much as you might want it, however, it’s not something you should rush into. It’s worth being as prepared as possible for it.
Putting a bit of time and effort into it helps make sure it’s the right decision for you. It’ll even make sure you get the best motorcycle for you.
While you could have a particular image in your mind, it’s still worth making sure you’re doing the best thing for you. Focusing on the right areas helps you make sure you’re doing the right thing for your needs.
A few tips and tricks can help you with this a lot more than you could’ve thought. It’s worth diving into seven of these, as they can help you with buying and owning your first motorcycle better than you’d think.
Owning Your First Motorcycle: 7 Practical Tips
1. Do Your Research
Before you start looking at specific motorcycles to buy, it’s always worth doing a decent amount of research. It’ll help you figure out what you can expect when you go to a dealership or reach out to private sellers. At a minimum, it gives you a rough idea for how much this should cost.
It’ll even help you figure out the differences between different makes and models, which can have a significant impact on your decision. There’s no reason not to get this research done before you start looking at different options.
2. Narrow Down By Type
Once you’ve done your research, you’ll want a way to narrow down your options somewhat. It can often be worth focusing on the different types of motorcycle you can choose from. You could even look at these first before doing some more research, and it’s a helpful way to narrow down your options.
There are several types on offer, each of which offers its pros and cons. It’s worth comparing each of these and then ignoring any types that don’t interest you. You’ll save time comparing different makes and models later on when you’re actually looking at specific options.
3. Don’t Focus On Power
How powerful a motorcycle is can always be a drawing point, and there are plenty of levels you can consider. You’ll find some options that are considerably more powerful than others. While you could want the one you buy to be relatively powerful, it’s not something you should focus on too much.
You’re much better off focusing on functionality, comfort, and multiple other factors. These make sure you can actually use the option you buy. If you are paying attention to power, try not to go for one that’s too powerful for you. With your first motorcycle, you’ll be better off learning on a less powerful option.
4. Be Prepared For Potential Accidents
Riding a motorcycle, like any other kind of driving, comes with the rest of accidents. On a motorbike, however, the implications can often be much more severe. That’s why it’s always worth being as safe on the road as possible. No matter your best efforts, there’s always a chance they can happen.
Having a motorcycle accident attorney on-hand in case these happen is always recommended, especially when it was someone else’s fault. It’ll make sure you get any compensation you’re due. If you were injured in the accident, there’s no reason not to pursue a claim, and an attorney helps with this.
5. Don’t Skip The Test Drive
There’s a reason why test drives are always recommended, no matter whether it’s for a car or a motorcycle. Don’t skip this. It’ll help you make sure the motorcycle you’re considering is actually the right fit for you. There are more than a few factors to consider when you’re doing this.
Whether you feel comfortable on the motorbike, if it’s not too powerful for you, and similar areas should all be considered. You can’t figure any of these out without a test drive, so it’s worth making sure you don’t skip it.
6. Get The Paperwork In Order
It’s always worth doing your due diligence when you’re buying a motorcycle. This is especially true if you’re buying one second hand. Take the time to make sure all of the paperwork is in order before you actually agree to buy it or sign any kind of contract.
There’ll be more than a few things to look for when you’re doing this. The vehicle identification number is the most notable of this, and it’s worth getting a bill of sale while you’re at it. Check with the DMV while you’re at it to make sure the person selling the motorbike is the actual owner.
7. Invest In Your Gear
While the motorcycle itself is the largest purchase you’ll make when getting a motorbike, it’s far from the only one. You’ll also need to think of the gear you’ll wear when you’re riding it. Some of this can be legally mandatory, while the rest could be recommended extras. It’s worth picking up each of these.
They’re designed to make sure you’re as safe and comfortable as possible when you’re riding. Don’t skimp on this, even if your budget is relatively tight. Invest in high-quality options so you can make sure you’re as safe as you want to be when you’re on your motorcycle.
Owning Your First Motorcycle: Wrapping Up
Buying and owning your first motorcycle is something you could’ve looked forward to for quite some time. Once you’re in a position to do it, you could want to dive right into it. That doesn’t mean you should just rush into it, however. It’s worth taking your time with the process.
It’ll help you make sure you’re making the best decision for you going forward. From getting the right option for you to being a responsible driver, there are plenty of tips that can help. They’ll have more of an impact on buying and owning your first motorcycle than you’d think.