When buying your first motorbike, be careful not to be swept away in the heat of the moment with the dream of kicking back with your hair blowing in the breeze. When the thrill fades and reality bites back, make sure you made the best decision using research, patience and logic.
Identify Your Personal Needs
Firstly, you need to decide whether your bike is purely for social pleasure, commuting, domestic use, business use, or for courier and delivery. Remember that bigger is not always better, and the engine size and shape of the bike you choose needs to fit with your body.
As a motorbike driver, you need to find a bike on which you feel safe and comfortable. The seat height is important as you need to be able to place your feet flat on either side of the bike. Aim to start with a bike of smaller power capabilities and trade up to a bigger size later.
Different styles of bike mean different riding styles and you must choose the most comfortable for you and your intended usage: sports bikes, standard upright bikes, or cruisers. Once you find one that tickles your fancy, do your research. Investigate all you can with regards to the brand, model, services and parts.
The Nitty Gritty
It is important that you have your motorcycle license to ensure you are safely and legally permitted to drive your new bike. Insurance is required by law to protect you should you be responsible for causing personal injuries or property damage. Comprehensive motorbike insurance covers third party, fire, and theft.
Insuring online is easy with quotezone.co.uk as you fill in the basics about your bike, yourself and the type of cover required. You will receive a selection of quotes to choose from. Your quotes are even saved online should you want to decide later which policy suits you best.
There are a number of ways to reduce your insurance premium costs including choosing a lower-performance motorbike and considering where the bike will be parked when not in use. Also know that modifications to your bike can cost more in insurance terms, and completing an advanced training course could result in lower premiums.
The Extras
More considerations when buying your first motorbike include whether to purchase new or used. A new bike comes with the most technologically advanced options available with safety features like ABS and Traction Control but those also result in higher overall costs.
Many buyers prefer to opt for a used bike as their first purchase. A licensed motorbike dealer may be a safer bet as it’s always “buyer beware”. Take a friend with you when looking seriously at your intended purchase. Inspect the bike as much as you can. Ask if you can have a qualified mechanic inspect it too. Take note of the VIN number on the bike and relevant paperwork, and be wary of ‘as is’ disclosures.
Beware of overspending and instead leave some budget open for unforeseen costs. Maintenance costs can be high for new bike drivers and do not forget the riding gear. A quality helmet, gloves, boots, and protective-padded jackets and trousers are a must in personal protection.
The dream of owning and riding your own motorbike is a noble pursuit but make sure you consider all inevitabilities along the way. Make the final decision based on research and patience to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.