Buying Your First Motorcycle | Stuff You Need to Know

You've decided to buy your first motorcycle. What do you need to know before you make the deal?


If you are totally new to the game, then you need to know quite a lot. Whether you are looking at motorcycles because its been a lifelong dream or because you are hoping to save a little in transportation costs, here are some helpful resources to get you started.

Before You Buy a Motorcycle, You Need to Know: 

 

 

1. What Type of Motorcycle You Need (Want)

If you have seriously never been on a motorcycle before, then you want to research the best bikes for beginners. You probably don't need a bike that will run off and leave you behind.

You will have to do a lot of physical research (you won't know until you sit on it) before you hand over your hard earned cash.

If you think motorcycles are pretty much all the same (two wheels and a seat, right?) then you will want to check out this guide to different motorcycles:

•  (Very) Basic guide to different motorcycle styles.

 

2. Whether You Want to Buy a New or Used Motorcycle

 

This decision usually comes down to how much you are willing and able to spend, both upfront and in the long-run. It can also be a personal choice. You may have your heart set on a classic bike. We understand.


Here is a look at the pros and cons of both new and used bikes. If you are mechanically inclined, we believe that a used bike is never a bad idea. You and your bike will never have a full partnership until you have taken each other apart a few times.

• Quick Look at New vs. Used Motorcycles, with pros and cons.

3. The Overall Expense of Motorcycle Ownership (From License to Helmet)

 

Buying a motorcycle to save a little gas money is okay. But you can't save money without some overhead. Some of the expenses that you will meet, (aside from the actual purchase price) include:

• Motorcycle license (if you don't have one yet)
• Riding gear (you may not need a full head-to-toe suit, but you will want some protection from that asphalt you are about to meet.
• Helmet (your choice in some states, the law in others.) 
• Parts and accessories (if you want to customize a few details)
• Insurance
• Maintenance and repairs (if you choose a used bike, you may be looking at some repairs and parts before you can even ride it.)

 

  4. How to Inspect a Used Bike and Not Get Screwed

If you tend to be blinded by chrome or the word "vintage", then you may not be objective enough when it is time to buy a used bike. If you can't trust your willpower, then take along someone who has experience with used motorcycles.


If you are looking for a dependable bike you can ride tomorrow, then you will have to walk away from a bad deal. If you are willing to put in some time to restore a bike that has seen better days, then you need to know how to point out all the faults and negotiate a better price.

• Quick Checklist for Used Motorcycle Inspection

5. How to Buy a New Bike and Not Get Screwed

Buying a brand new bike from a dealership? You lucky dawg.


If you decide to go this route, be prepared to evade slippery sales tactics. Know what you want ahead of time, and have a handy list of other dealerships selling the same product. Just like buying a new car, you may luck into a better deal if you by near the end of the year, or better, in the middle of winter.


 Brush up on your haggling skills, and do your math before you go. The sticker price won't include stuff like dealer's fees and sales tax.

• Tips For Buying a New Motorcycle From a Dealer

6.  How to Ride a Motorcycle

 

Here is where you may run into a problem.  You have be able to ride in order to know how to ride, but if you are novice, you won't find many people willing to let you borrow their wheels.


You can take classes to help you get around this little snag. Just remember to figure that cost into your initial budget.


 If you CAN talk a friend into teaching you the ropes, you still won't know everything--even if you manage not to take out any hedges or mailboxes. And 15 hours of practice on X bike won't prepare you for 5 minutes on Y bike.


Before you can legally ride, you will need to have your license. If you don't have your license when you buy your new bike, then you will have arrange for a way to get your bike home. Another reason why spontaneous purchases aren't the best idea.

• Tips on Learning to Ride

7. Motorcycle Laws for Your State

 

 

Along with licensing, helmets and insurance, there are other rules for motorcycles. (Don't forget to get motorcycle insurance quotes on each bike you are considering before you buy.)


Here is a great resource for finding motorcycle laws for your state, and any state you might be visiting soon:

• Motorcycle Laws By State

8. Common Sense

No experience with riding prior to buying your bike? You may want to hold off on joining a large motorcycle event. Even experienced riders have accidents at poker runs and rallies.


Everyone has a different definition of what makes a stupid driver, but if you are the guy who causes a dozen bikes to crash, then you will be that definition.


Basically, don't show off until you've got some miles (and at least one incident of road rash) under your belt.