4 Things To Consider When Buying A Motorcycle
If you are currently in the market for a motorcycle, whether it is your first purchase or it has simply been a while, there are some things to know first. It is important to get back to the basics of motorcycles, including being sure you have chosen the right fit, have really considered the benefits of a used versus a new bike, and are buying the right bike for your skill level.
Choose a Bike Based on Your Skill Level
It may be a dream of yours to ride through the desert on a crotch rocket, but this is not a beginner bike. If this is your first motorcycle or you don't have much experience with them, go for a bike that is better for a beginner. You want to look for a motorcycle that has a smaller engine, because it will be easier to maneuver at high speeds. Go for a bike that has lower speeds overall, as learning to ride a motorcycle should never start at top speeds. Once you get more experience, you can upgrade to a bike that goes a little faster.
Consider the Bike's Use
What you intend to use the motorcycle for and your reason for getting it can really narrow down your options. Not all motorcycles are meant for the same activities and same use, so give this some thought. If you know you will only be using the bike on the weekends for a slow, casual ride, consider a chopper or a cruiser. These have reclined seats, but the shiny chrome to show off during your ride. If you want to ride the bike on the road and on the dirt, you can get a supermoto bike that works in both conditions. Sport bikes are also available, which are great for high-performance riding.
Choose a Bike For Your Body
Your body size and type also makes a considerable difference when choosing the perfect motorcycle. There are many shapes and sizes of bikes, and not all of them work for all types of people. This is why you should always sit on a bike you are considering buying, and don't just sit for a minute. Really get a feel for it, recline backward and lean forward, position yourself how you intend to ride. And don't forget to test drive it!
Every bike has a different feel and different ergonomic balance. If this is your first time motorcycle shopping, it might take test driving a handful of bikes until you find the right one. The last thing you want to do is rush into a purchase and realize the bike you chose doesn't fit you and you can't ride more than an hour before your wrists start hurting.
Decide Between New or Used
The last thing to consider has to do with buying your motorcycle new or used. Naturally, there are pros and cons of each option. The main benefit to used bikes is that they are less expensive, but you also have to worry about their condition. If you don't know much about bikes, this might not be the best option for you, because you don't know what to look for. Another benefit of used bikes is that they often have extra work done on them by the previous owner to improve their performance.
On the other hand, new bikes are considerably more expensive and you might not feel that they are worth the price if you don't know if you're going to like riding motorcycles. Some people choose new or used based on how often they will ride it. If you want a bike for your Saturday afternoon rides, then a new bike might not be necessary. In the end, the choice is yours about whether or not you want to take a risk with a used bike, or spend a little more for a brand new one. Be sure to purchase it from a trusted dealer, such as Duke City Harley-Davidson.