Finally, the stars have aligned; the moment you've been dreaming of is about to arrive. You're just a few paychecks away from being united with your one true love…your new motorcycle.
But, wait. Before you buy the motorcycle of your dreams, think carefully about cost, safety and the type of bike you can handle. The tips below will help you make a decision that will allow you and your new motorcycle to live happily ever after.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation safety course
When it comes to safety, be sure to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic safety course. It's required for anyone who plans to register or ride a bike on a military installation.
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Find out if the course is offered on your installation by:
Types of motorcycles
There's more to purchasing a motorcycle than just what size to get. Choices will include:
- Touring. This is a comfortable choice for long-distance riding that often comes with a windshield, dashboard and saddlebags or trunks on either side of the back fender.
- Cruiser. The cruiser has swept-back handlebars, a low seat and forward footpegs.
- Sport. A sport bike has short handlebars and footpegs below the seat, so the rider has to lean over the tank to operate the motorcycle.
- Traditional. The most versatile and best for daily transportation.
- Off-road. Used for trail rides or off-road racing, you can choose from motocross or off-road styles.
- Dual-purpose. These street-legal dirt bikes are equipped with specialized tires that are good for riding both on and off the pavement.
Finding the right fit
When you sit on the bike, pay attention to the placement of your hands, arms, feet and head. Keep in mind that your motorcycle levers, footpegs and handlebars can be adjusted. The bike is a good fit if:
- Your right hand can comfortably reach the throttle and the front brake lever
- Your left hand comfortably reaches the clutch lever
- Your feet are flat on the ground when you're sitting on the seat
- Your legs grip the tank firmly
- You can fully activate the rear brake and easily reach lower and higher gears with your feet
Buying a bike
When figuring out your price range for a new or used bike, add in the cost of insurance, license and registration fees, maintenance and protective gear, such as a helmet, boots, jacket and gloves. If you'll be using credit to buy your bike and run into credit discrimination as a service member, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Whether you're buying new or used check out the extended warranties and service contracts. It could save you money in the event of costly repairs. Make sure you understand what it covers and you know what you're paying for.
If buying new:
- Find out the dealer invoice price. This is the amount the dealer paid and will help you negotiate a fair price. Internet sites can help you find an invoice price report.
- Shop around. Find out the asking price for comparable bikes and use this information to negotiate with the dealer.
- Look up the motorcycle's resale value. You can get this information from Internet sites that track resale value for vehicles. A motorcycle that commands a high resale price is a better deal than one that doesn't hold its value.
If buying used:
- Shop around and compare prices. Read listings in the newspaper classified ads, search online classifieds and auction sites, and visit dealers.
- Get the book value of the motorcycles you're considering. You can look up values of used bikes online at one of several consumer sites.
- Ask the seller about the bike's history. Find out where it's been stored, repairs, how it was used and why it's being sold.
- Check for documentation. Good documentation is a sign that the owner has been conscientious about taking care of the motorcycle.
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number. Verify that the bike wasn't stolen by matching the VIN on the title to the one on the motorcycle itself.
- Look for signs of normal wear and tear. These should match the number of miles on the odometer. If the bike shows a lot of wear in the seat, handles, grips, tires and footpegs, but it has low miles, this may be a sign that the odometer has been tampered with.
- Have a trusted motorcycle mechanic check out the bike.
Before making your purchase, consider your ability as a rider. A smaller, less powerful bike that you can control more easily is often a better choice for a beginner. Even if you feel really comfortable on your new motorcycle, drive with extra caution, especially during the first months you own it. Research shows that the majority of motorcycle accidents happen within five months after the bike was purchased.