If the freedom of the open road is calling your name consider buying a new motorcycle. Most motorcycle owners will tell you they bought their bike to be different, make driving fun again, or the ease of getting around.
Whatever your reasoning for buying a new motorcycle, this article will help you make the right decision on your new ride. Keep reading to learn our best 7 tips when buying a motorcycle.
1. Find a Bargain
When choosing a motorcycle, you may have to visit a few different dealerships before you find a bargain on a bike you are interested in. Each dealership will have its own motorcycle deals.
Keep an open mind and tell the salesperson clearly what you are looking for. You never know, they may have a trade-in that just came in and isn’t on the lot yet that might be just what you are looking for. The salesperson can help you view the inventory.
Listen to the offers and review the terms of a few different dealerships before you come to a decision. If you have a car or a bike you’d like to trade-in, ask the dealership what the trade-in value would be.
It helps to do a little research on your own before visiting the dealership. Avoid shopping at the start of any season as this is the worst time to buy a motorcycle. Dealerships are extremely busy during the beginning of each season making it harder for you to get a good deal at that time.
2. Find a Bike That Suits You
There are many types of motorcycles from Harley Davidsons to sportbikes and even three-wheel bikes. The important thing when selecting a motorcycle is to use one that suits you. Motorcycles are not adjustable.
They do not have a seat that can move forward or backward like a car. The height of the motorcycle is the way it is, so make sure you feel comfortable on the bike you choose.
It’s easier for beginners to ride in an upright position. Bikes that have the driver bend over too far backward or forward can be uncomfortable on the road if you will be riding a lot.
3. Take a Look At Financing Options
Unless you were born with a trust fund, you are more than likely going to finance your bike. Most of the dealerships have their own financing options. Of course, the better your credit score the better financing options that will be available to you.
Learn how to raise your credit score before you begin shopping so you will be able to get the best financing options available for your motorcycle purchase.
When looking at the financing options, make sure you understand the interest rate, terms, and payment duration. Ask how much of a down payment will be required. Understand every word in the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.
4. Consider the Hidden Costs
When you are looking to find a motorcycle for sale, most people do not consider the hidden costs. But, maintenance and insurance can rack up some additional costs most bikers didn’t think about before the purchase.
Make sure you know how much oil changes and regular maintenance inspections cost from the dealership or a local auto shop.
Every state’s rules are a little bit different when it comes to motorcycle insurance. Be sure to check with your state before deciding to forgo coverage.
The rates of insurance will vary depending on the brand and model of bike that you choose to purchase. Some other factors that could determine your rate include how much you plan to ride your new bike, where you live, and your age.
Before you buy your motorcycle do the math of what it will cost to own the bike after you make the purchase.
5. Find the Right Fit
If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you stay away from sportbikes in general. Sportbikes are designed for race tracks. They have the driver in a forward-leaning position that makes it difficult to learn to ride.
Choose instead a Honda, Kawasaki, or Harley that has you facing in an upright position much as you would be sitting while driving a car.
It is also important to like the bike you purchase. Don’t just get the bike because it is a good deal. Choose a bike you will enjoy riding. Purchase a motorcycle because you love it and you can’t wait to ride it and enjoy it.
6. Don’t Go Overboard On Power
Another common mistake many people make when buying a motorcycle is going way overboard on the power. If you are a beginner, you should try to stick to small to medium displacement motorcycles. These engines are around 500cc and below.
Start with a smaller bike and then move up when you feel ready to take on more power. Even some of the most seasoned motorcycle riders have a hard time handling a 600cc motorcycle, so don’t feel bad.
You want to make sure you purchase a motorcycle that you will enjoy riding and feel safe on.
7. Consider Where You Live
Another factor to consider is where you live. Do you live in a busy city? Or in a suburb? Where you live can also impact your purchasing decision.
If you plan on doing more off-roading than tar road driving there are specific bikes made to suit your needs. In the city, you may require a more compact bike instead of a larger Harley hog.
Be honest when considering where you live, and where you will ride your motorcycle when considering bikes to purchase.
Buying a New Motorcycle Is Exciting
You’ve probably dreamed of buying a new motorcycle for a while and the last thing you want to do is hold up your purchase with extra planning. But with a little prior planning and a little bargain hunting, you can be sure to get the bike that is best suited to your needs at a great price.
If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to check out our other articles on money to help you make smarter purchases on other items.
