Buying Your First new Motorcycle

Take the Time to Do it Right

Buying your first new motorcycle is a personal, emotional, and exhilarating experience. For many people, simply looking at the shiny, new bikes on the dealership’s floor is enough to get their hearts pumping. If you’re reading this article, you must be one of those people, but unlike most people, you’re thinking about taking one of those shiny bikes home with you. If that’s the case, then I’d like to congratulate you on two counts. First, congratulations on deciding to buy a motorcycle (and on convincing your significant other to let you buy one). Second, congratulations on going about this purchase the right way. What do I mean by the right way? I mean that you’re doing your homework, which is one of the most important steps in the whole process. Simply reading this article is a great way to get a grasp of the many different factors involved in the purchase you’re about to make.

Learn to Ride

If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, then the obvious first step is to learn how. Riding is a skill that you’ll be developing for as long as you own a bike, and it’s important to get a good, solid grasp of the basic skills involved. To do that, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or MSF, offers a renowned training program that will get you well on your way towards becoming a mature rider. It will teach you skills and techniques that could very well save your life, and if that’s not worth the time, then what is?

The landmark Hurt Report on Motorcycle Accidents says the following about motorcycle rider training: “The motorcycle riders involved in accidents are essentially without training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduce injuries in the event of accidents.”

MSF Rider Courses usually cost around $100-$150, and have loaner bikes and helmets available on the spot. Not only does the course give you a chance to try riding without having to make any significant investments, but if you do decide to keep riding, its successful completion could even qualify you for a motorcycle license; some states waive the motorcycle license riding test for people who have successfully finished an MSF course. Not only that, but having taken the course can even save you a percentage on your insurance premiums (which, as you’ll soon see, is a big deal).

Convinced you need to take this course? If not, I’d suggest finding a different hobby. If so, check with your local motorcycle dealer for information regarding local MSF programs, or visit the MSF web site at www.msf-usa.org.

Choosing a Style

Now that you’ve finished you’re entry level rider’s course, it’s time to find an entry level rider’s bike. Don’t worry; I’m not going to tell you go buy a scooter. All I mean by “entry level bike” is one that doesn’t have qualities that will make learning to ride difficult, or even dangerous. Starting out with a bike that’s too heavy, too fast, or handles awkwardly, could deter you from even wanting to ride at all. That being the case, you’ll need to do some research in order to avoid being stuck with a five-hundred pound paperweight in your garage.

First things first, you’ll need to determine what style of bike you’d like. What kinds of bikes get your heart pumping? Do you stop and stare every time you see a Harley riding down the street? Or do you look on enviously as a sport bike shoots a mile down the road before you’ve even noticed the light turn green? With as many practical aspects as there are to choosing your first bike, it’s important not to forget what made you want to start riding at all.

Speaking of practicality, though, you should put some thought into what you’re going to use the bike for. If you’re trying to decide between a couple of different styles, thinking logically about how you’re going to use the bike might help you narrow it down. If you’re going be riding it cross-country, then a sport bike is almost entirely out of the question. Then again, if you plan to use the bike on dirt roads or trails, a touring bike would be a rather impractical option.

Let’s take a look at each style of bike. You’ll be able to get a better idea of what type of bike you’re looking for by examining the features inherent in each different style.

Touring Bikes

Touring bikes are built for comfortable highway cruising, and that makes them great to take on long, cross-country trips. They have comfortable seats, a large front fairing to block the wind, and tons of storage. The Honda Goldwing is an example of a popular touring bike.

On the downside, this style of bike isn’t very good for plain old city driving. Touring bikes are heavy, usually 700-1000 pounds, and are hard to maneuver unless you’re driving at highway speeds. The price is another factor to consider, as these bikes are typically expensive. Depending on the model and the features included, a touring bike can cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more.

Sport Bikes

Sport bikes are probably the most popular style of motorcycle among younger riders. These bikes are built for performance, with comfort taking a back seat to aerodynamics. Sport bikes are distinguished by their use of body panels to improve air flow, as well as a seating position towards the rear of the bike (this position requires the operator to lean over the gas tank in order to reach the handle bars). Their very light, usually only 350-500 pounds, so even 600ccs will offer nice acceleration. The light weight also offers improved braking and overall handling. Like cruisers, sports bikes can run anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

One disadvantage of owning a sport bike is the increased cost of insurance. Insurance companies see these kinds of bikes as major risks, and charge you accordingly when it comes time to pay your premium. Another downside is long-distance drivability, as the seating position on this style of bike offers little in the way of comfort. You definitely won’t want to take one of these on a cross country road trip.

Cruisers

Cruisers are the classic street bikes. They come in a wide variety of makes and models, making it easy to find one that fits right into your price range. Another advantage of the variety is the ease with which you’ll be able to find an entry level bike that suits your needs – the diversity of different bikes within this style will allow you to find one that fits you well (an important feature of your first bike, and one we’ll discuss later). In addition, cruisers are good for both city and highway driving, with many models offering adequate storage options as well.

Typical stand-out features on cruisers include lots of chrome, a large, comfortable seat, a low profile, and a loud exhaust. Any Harley Davidson motorcycle is a good example of a cruiser. These bikes typically weigh anywhere from 450-1000 pounds, and can cost $5,000 to $20,000 on up.

Standard Bikes

Standard bikes are just as the name implies. They’re light-weight motorcycles with decent power (600 to 700ccs), and they handle well as a result. They’re comfortable both in the city and on the highway, and can cost as little as $4,000 to $6,000. Though they’re not as comfortable as touring bikes or cruisers, especially when riding for long distances, they do feature seats that keep your back upright and relaxed.

Since standard bikes are such well-balanced motorcycles all around, and usually run cheaper than most other types of bikes, they bikes make excellent entry level bikes.

Motocross & Enduro Bikes

These bikes are strictly made to ride off-road. In fact, most of them aren’t street legal at all. While motocross bikes are made for riding on dirt roads and trails, enduro bikes are made for off-road competitions. These bikes feature a high center of gravity so that they can easily clear obstacles, as well as knobby tires for better traction on dirt and other types of rough terrain. They usually run quite light, weighing in at only 150-300 pounds, and have small engines, anywhere from 50-500ccs.

Consider purchasing these types of bikes if your only interested in riding off road.

Dual Purpose Bikes

Dual purpose bikes could be considered a cross between the standard and motocross styles. They feature the same knobby tires and high center of gravity that make the motocross bikes great for riding on off-road trails, but at the same time have all of the fixings that a street legal bike requires – turn signals, headlights, etc.. Dual purpose bikes are heavier than the motocross and enduro styles, usually weighing 300 pounds or more, and are equipped with larger engines as a result, with the size usually running about 400-600ccs. These bikes also cost a bit more than those found in the parent styles, running from $3000 up to $10,000.

Though this type of bike won’t be as comfortable on the street as a standard bike, and can’t handle rough terrain like a motocross bike can, it’s a great option if you plan to ride lots of dirt roads and packed trails.

With a general idea of what each different style has to offer, you can start to think about what kind of bike you’d like to own. In addition to choosing a style that fits your preferences, your budget, and your lifestyle, you’ll need to be aware of what kinds of bikes fit your body.

Your body weight should be taken into account when you’re choosing a bike. A rider that weighs about 200 pounds or more should look into bikes with at least 600ccs, anything less could leave you feeling like the engine is a little sluggish and slow. If you weigh in at about 150 pounds or less, even 600cc’s could be dangerously fast for a beginner.

You’ll also need to take your height into account, but that’s almost impossible to do until you’re in the dealer’s showroom, where you can actually sit on the bike.

As a beginning rider, most people would suggest that you start out with a standard or dual-purpose bike. Remember, you’re still learning to ride, and you can always upgrade later. As I mentioned earlier, if you don’t enjoy riding your new bike, you may be tempted to give up on the hobby altogether. Starting out with a bike that’s too fast, too heavy, or too hard to handle could not only deter you from wanting to ride it, but it could also be dangerous.

Before You Visit the Dealer

Now that you’ve narrowed your choices down to models in one or two different styles, it’s time to begin thinking about your trip to the motorcycle dealer. Before you visit any showrooms, you should have a good idea of how much money you’re looking to spend. Don’t forget to include the cost of accessories, as you’ll certainly need them, and the cost adds up quickly. A good rule of thumb, as far as accessories are concerned, is to plan on spending about $500 to $1000 on quality equipment. They’re expensive, but worth every penny. We’ll talk more later on about what accessories you’ll need.

You can find a listing of local motorcycle dealers in the yellow pages of your phone book. Plan on visiting at least two or three different dealers before even thinking about making a purchase, this will ensure that you don’t let your emotions leave you with a bike that’s not right for you, or with a bigger hole in your wallet than you originally intended.

Another helpful step to take before visiting any dealers is to take a trip to your local bank. Most motorcycle dealers will be able to offer you financing for your purchase, but you’ll often find a better deal by going through your bank or credit union. If you don’t plan on paying the entire price of the bike immediately upon its purchase, you may want to get pre-approved for a loan in the amount that you plan to spend.

At the Showroom

It’s finally time to go look at the bikes. By now, you should know what kinds of bikes you’ll find at different dealers, and have a list of at least a couple of different showrooms you’d like to visit. In addition to your list, it’s not a bad idea to bring a friend with whom you can entrust the job of keeping your emotions in check. A motorcycle is not an impulse purchase, and you should refrain from buying one during your first trip to the dealer.

Salespeople at motorcycle dealerships aren’t usually as pushy as those found in car lots, so you may have to seek one out in order to get any help. Once you do find one, tell them what kinds of bikes you’re there to see, and be sure to ask them any questions you have. Even if they can’t answer your questions, they should at least be able to find an answer for you.

You’ve brought a pencil and notebook, right? You’ll want to take notes on each bike that interests you – this will make it easier to compare the bikes once you get home. As for what kinds of notes you’ll want to take, the most obvious suggestion would be to record the price. The prices marked at motorcycle dealerships are almost always non-negotiable (though it never hurts to try), so plan on paying full price for the bike. Once you’re home, compare the dealer’s price to the MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) for the bike in question. You should be able to find the MSRP on the manufacturer’s web site.

You should also write down any notable features that the bike has. Does it have lots of storage space, a built-in radio, or just some sweet looking graphics? Write it down. The more you record about each bike, the easier it will be to recall it when you leave.

Finally, you’ll want to write down how the bike feels to you. Although dealers won’t usually allow you to take the bike for a test ride (especially if you’re an inexperienced rider), you can most certainly sit on any bike you want. So, have a seat. While you’re imagining yourself cruising through town on your hot new ride, try to get a feel for the comfort of the bike. Is the seat comfortable? Are the controls easy for you to use? Are the handle bars comfortable to grip?

Check the height of the bike, and make sure you get the correct height for your inseam. You don’t want a bike that’s too tall for you, and on the same note, you’ll look silly on a bike that’s too low for you. Keep in mind that your weight will cause the bike to lower, so even a bike that seems too tall could turn out to fit well. You should be able to stand up, straddling the bike, with your hands on the handlebars and your feet flat on the ground. Can you balance the bike while you’re in this position? Try letting go of the handlebars and balancing the bike with just your thighs (makes sure someone spots you for this!); If you can’t do this, then you’ll want to keep in mind that the bike probably won’t be as comfortable to ride as it could be. All models of bikes are balanced differently, meaning that each one will handle differently when you take it out on the road. The better the balance of the bike fits you, the more comfortable it will be for you to ride.

Finally, take notice of the bikes weight. No one wants to drop their bike, but it will happen, and you want to be able to pick it back up. If you were all alone with this bike, and you dropped it, could you return it to its upright position?

There’s no such thing as recording too much information about a motorcycle you’re thinking about buying. Choosing the right bike for you is a very difficult decision, and anything you can do to make the process easier is most definitely a good thing.

Buying the Bike

As I mentioned earlier, never buy a bike on your first visit! Your heart will be pumping, your mind will be racing, and you may even be drooling a bit, but don’t buy it yet! This should be a timely and well-informed purchase, and that means that you should shop around, compare your notes, and then carefully choose the bike you wish to purchase.

Once you’ve visited a number of different dealerships, taken note of a number of different bikes, and gone home to look over your notes and think carefully about which bikes suits you best, it’s finally time to go out there and buy yourself a motorcycle. Now, make sure that the bike you saw in the store was the exact bike you wanted, because you’ll be walking out with that exact bike. Motorcycle dealers don’t usually special order bikes – you get what you see in the showroom, as is.

The non-negotiable status of the prices was also mentioned earlier, and is the case at most every motorcycle dealership you’ll visit. Of course, you’re welcome to try, but don’t expect much. In lieu of a reduced price on the bike, you may have better luck asking for some accessories to be thrown into the deal.

If you don’t plan on paying for the bike right away, then you should be pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union. Compare the rates with those offered by the dealership’s financing option, then decide how you’ll pay for your new purchase.

Accessories

Finally, there’s some essential safety gear that you’ll want to buy with your new bike. As was mentioned earlier in this article, you can expect to spend at least $500 to $1000 on this gear, but it doesn’t hurt to ask the dealer to include some freebies with the price of the motorcycle.

As for what kind of gear you’ll need, the most obvious item will be a helmet. Even if your state doesn’t have a helmet law for motorcycle riders, it’s always a good idea to wear one – especially if you’re a new rider. The helmet will also be the most expensive item on your accessory list, so prepare in advance to spend a large chunk of cash on a quality helmet.

Some other items you’ll want to buy include some riding gloves, leather pants, and a leather jacket. Not only do these items look sleek, but they’ll offer you a great deal of protection if you should fall, reducing the amount, and the severity, of injuries.

Finally, see what the dealership offers in the way of motorcycle locks. Bikes are easy targets for theft, and a lock will go a long way towards shutting down a potential thief.

Buying a Used Bike

This article has focused on buying a brand new bike, but buying a second-hand motorcycle is always an option as well. Although you won’t have the comfort of knowing that your bike is covered under a warranty, you will save a big chunk of change on the entire purchase. The rate of depreciation for motorcycles is at its greatest between the first and the third years of the bikes lifetime. So, when looking for used bikes, you’ll get the most bang for your buck by looking at bikes that are within this timeframe.

When you’re going to check out used motorcycles, you should make sure that you know what signs of damage or distress to look for. If you’re an inexperienced rider, bring along a more experienced friend. Since you don’t have the comfort of a warranty, or the security of knowing that the bike hasn’t had any previous owners, it’s hard to be sure of just what kind of shape the bike is in.

Some things to check out include:

The Body – look it over for signs of poor maintenance, or worse, accidents. In the case of rust and/or dirt build-up on the body, then you can be pretty sure that the inside of the bike hasn’t been taken care of either, and that means you might be soon be shelling out money for repairs.

The Exhaust – Check for rust on the muffler, especially on the underside. Signs of rust mean that you’ll be paying for a replacement down the road.

The Tires – Make sure there’s tread on the tires. Motorcycle tires are more expensive than regular automobile tires. If they look like you’ll need to replace them soon, make sure you take the additional cost into account.

The Chain – Be sure that it’s clean and well-oiled.

Try to take the bike for a test-ride, or, if you don’t have much riding experience, bring an experienced friend to test-ride it for you. If the bike has any problems, they’ll make themselves known on the test-ride. Even if you don’t test ride it yourself, be sure that you do follow the instructions given above (At the Showroom) to ensure that the bike fits.

Insurance

Congratulations on the purchase of your first motorcycle! You should be proud, most people don’t make it this far, but you’ve done it. There’s just one final thing to take note of before you go enjoy the free feeling of the open road, and that’s insurance.

Motorcycle insurance is expensive. Insurance companies see bikes as high risk ventures, and they charge the bike’s owners accordingly. Shop around when you’re looking for motorcycle insurance, and try to collect quotes from as many different companies as possible before deciding who to go with, but don’t cheap out now. Prepare for the worst. If anything should happen to you, or to someone else, while you’re riding your motorcycle, it’s your insurance policy that could save you from a financial catastrophe.

Not only that, but bikes are much easier to steal than cars, and as a result, are stolen much more often. You’ll want the insurance company to have your back, lest your brand new purchase drive off in someone else’s hands.

Go for a comprehensive policy that carries a lot of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It’s expensive, but if anything should ever happen while you’re riding, you’ll be glad to have it.

Buying a new motorcycle is a thrilling prospect, and a little preparation goes a long ways towards helping you pick out the right bike for you. Do your homework, and enjoy the process. Have fun on your new bike, and be safe!