Buying your first motorcycle is every bit as exciting as purchasing your first car. It rekindles the freedom and youthfulness of getting behind the wheel for the first time. Back then, any car would have satisfied your need for independence. Now, however, you know how important it is to pick out the best vehicle for your wants and needs.
So, what should you look for when buying your first motorcycle? There’s a lot to consider, but this article is here to help you narrow down your options. These are the five things you need to know before making the purchase.
1. Consider the Full Cost
It’s easy to get caught up in how much motorcycle you can afford, but most first-time buyers forget about the cost of insurance. Just like car insurance, you’ll have to choose coverage that fits your lifestyle. The more you plan to ride, the more coverage you should have. However, it never hurts to take on a higher premium when protecting you and your purchase.
2. Finding the Right Fit
Unlike automobiles, motorcycles do not include adjustable features. You won’t be able to adjust the seat or the handlebars, for instance. While sitting in a bike might feel great for five minutes, think about how comfortable it would feel on a long ride.
3. Research Repairs
Before you head to the shop, learn everything you can about the bikes you like. You should make sure the brand is reputable, that the model has high safety ratings, and that there are places you can take the bike to be serviced. That last part is vital. You need a nearby repair shop handy when it’s time for a tune up.
Knowing common repairs issues is important, but also knowing what motorcycle manufacturers have sold products with design defects or manufacturing defects that make their motorcycles unsafe is essential.
Some of the most common motorcycle defects include the frame, engine, fuel tank, wheels and tires, handlebars and overall design.
These issues and others like them cost many motorcyclists their lives every single year. Although riding a motorcycle comes with a high risk of injury during an accident, manufacturers have a responsibility to create reasonably safe products for riders. If you find yourself staring down a lemon after purchasing your new motorcycle, contact a lemon law attorney to help you seek justice before you or a loved one is seriously injured by a common motorcycle defect.
4. Keep the Power Down
It’s tempting to purchase a speed demon, but remember that this is your first motorcycle. Even experienced riders find the power from a 600cc engine to be more than they’ll ever need. For the first-time rider, sticking with something under 500cc will keep you safer on the road. Remember, hiring a team of motorcycle accident lawyers will be the least of your concerns in a high-speed crash.
5. Suiting Your Riding Style
What are you looking for in a bike? Some riders prefer the high speeds and tight turns of a sports bike, while others are looking for a leisurely ride down the highway with their fellow riders. If you’re in the latter group, then it’s important to consider a few key features.
First, you want a bike that will keep you in the upright position. Leaning forward or backward for long periods can be tough on your back. Second, consider the handlebar height. High bars can also cause back problems, as well as add strain to the hands and wrists.
Third, look at the weight of the bike itself. Heavier motorcycles are tougher to handle at slow speeds, giving you less control and balance. Finally, don’t forget about the shape. Since this is your first bike, you might feel more confident if you can place both feet firmly on the pavement when stopped.