How To Select Your First Motorcycles
A convertible can come close but nothing beats the freedom and adventure promised by a motorcycle -- not to mention its flexibility and adaptability. Of course, the fact that motorcycles are generally cheaper to run and maintain doesn't hurt. Ready to buy your first motorcycle or at least another one? Here are some tips you can use:
Consider what you really need
Most first-time owners of motorcycles over-purchase -- they buy more than they need or even handle. Do not make this mistake. If you do, you either spend more or buy a motorcycle you will be too scared to use. When buying a motorcycle, consider factors such as your age, weight and lifestyle.
Try to determine how the motorcycle will be used. Will it be your main vehicle? How many times a week do you expect to use it? How far do you think you will travel with it? Do you expect to be driving long distances with the motorcycle or will it be used for short trips? Will you be carrying extra weight with it regularly (extra passenger, baggage, etc.)?
Next, determine the general road conditions you will be using the bike on. Will it be primarily asphalt or concrete or will you be using the motorcycle on dirt or rough roads?
Consider ergonomics
When buying a motorcycle, consider how it will fit your body. This is especially important if you will be using the motorcycle on long trips. There are numerous motorcycle designs, sizes and models to choose from and each one is a fit for a person of a specific height, weight and general build.
Before purchasing a unit, try driving it first. Just like cars, motorcycles are gauged by would-be owners based on their performance on the road. Try to observe how the motor performs and responds. Depending on your needs, you will need a bike that will fit your driving style, not just for more efficiency but also for your safety.
Consider your current motoring skills
If you've never driven a motorcycle before or if your driving experience with two-wheel vehicles is limited, you might want to buy a motorcycle that won't intimidate you. Stay away from large engines over 600cc. Larger engines tend to be more powerful and drive faster. Unless you have sufficient motoring skills, these may not be good choices for you.
Decide on how much you can afford
Brand, make and model generally determine the price of a motorcycle. Try to set a budget prior to purchase. Remember that you will not only be spending for the initial purchase, you will also be spending for repairs and maintenance later. To help you decide, you might want to look at available models online or in showrooms. That should give you enough information to choose the perfect bike for you.
New or used?
Another important consideration when buying motorcycles is whether to purchase brand new or secondhand. There are pros and cons to either choice, depending on your needs and budget. Brand new motorcycles are more expensve but you are assured of general reliability. Used motorcycles, on the other hand, could offer you good value provided you choose carefully. Just keep safety issues in mind, though.
Consider what you really need
Most first-time owners of motorcycles over-purchase -- they buy more than they need or even handle. Do not make this mistake. If you do, you either spend more or buy a motorcycle you will be too scared to use. When buying a motorcycle, consider factors such as your age, weight and lifestyle.
Try to determine how the motorcycle will be used. Will it be your main vehicle? How many times a week do you expect to use it? How far do you think you will travel with it? Do you expect to be driving long distances with the motorcycle or will it be used for short trips? Will you be carrying extra weight with it regularly (extra passenger, baggage, etc.)?
Next, determine the general road conditions you will be using the bike on. Will it be primarily asphalt or concrete or will you be using the motorcycle on dirt or rough roads?
Consider ergonomics
When buying a motorcycle, consider how it will fit your body. This is especially important if you will be using the motorcycle on long trips. There are numerous motorcycle designs, sizes and models to choose from and each one is a fit for a person of a specific height, weight and general build.
Before purchasing a unit, try driving it first. Just like cars, motorcycles are gauged by would-be owners based on their performance on the road. Try to observe how the motor performs and responds. Depending on your needs, you will need a bike that will fit your driving style, not just for more efficiency but also for your safety.
Consider your current motoring skills
If you've never driven a motorcycle before or if your driving experience with two-wheel vehicles is limited, you might want to buy a motorcycle that won't intimidate you. Stay away from large engines over 600cc. Larger engines tend to be more powerful and drive faster. Unless you have sufficient motoring skills, these may not be good choices for you.
Decide on how much you can afford
Brand, make and model generally determine the price of a motorcycle. Try to set a budget prior to purchase. Remember that you will not only be spending for the initial purchase, you will also be spending for repairs and maintenance later. To help you decide, you might want to look at available models online or in showrooms. That should give you enough information to choose the perfect bike for you.
New or used?
Another important consideration when buying motorcycles is whether to purchase brand new or secondhand. There are pros and cons to either choice, depending on your needs and budget. Brand new motorcycles are more expensve but you are assured of general reliability. Used motorcycles, on the other hand, could offer you good value provided you choose carefully. Just keep safety issues in mind, though.
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