A Beginner’s Motorcycle: 4 Tips for Buying Your First Ride

Buying your first motorcycle is an exciting experience. However, if you have never owned a bike before, you may not know what to look for. After all, there are so many different motorcycles out there, so making a decision can seem like an impossible mission. Do not worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out these tips and you will know what type of motorcycle will perfectly suit your unique taste.

Consider the purpose

What type of rides do you prefer? An answer to this question will help you drastically narrow down your options. For instance, if you want to enjoy more relaxed rides where you will take in the scenery and use that time to unwind, a cruiser might be the best choice. This bike can be completely customized to suit your taste and is popular among experienced and rookie riders alike.

On the other hand, sport motorcycles are made for adrenaline junkies who enjoy track racing. As a beginner, look for a less powerful machine, and in time make necessary upgrades. Powerful bikes can be dangerous in the hands of inexperienced riders because they require remarkable skills and vast experience. If you are looking for a bike that is made exclusively for beginners, opt for naked bikes. They are the golden middle between cruiser bikes and sports bikes. If you are planning to spend a lot of time on the open road, you might want to get a bike that will ensure comfortable rides. However, standard touring bikes are heavy since they come with powerful engines and a lot of luggage space, so keep that in mind when shopping for your first bike.

There are also dirt bikes that are designed for off-road rides, and these come with tall suspensions and knobby tires. If you want to explore muddy or gravel-filled paths, this is a good option. 

Think about your budget

There are a lot of purchases that come hand in hand with buying a new bike. For instance, you will also need a helmet, a jacket, a pair of gloves, riding pants, and boots, as well as some accessories. Your riding gear is not something you want to save money on, since it can literally make the difference between life and death. On the other hand, your first bike can be a used one. You will use it to improve your skills and learn new things, so dings and scratches are bound to happen along the way. If you do not wish to damage a brand new bike you spent all your savings on, get a used one. It is more affordable and once you have overgrown it, you can splurge on a new motorcycle.

Make sure that the bike fits you

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is buying a bike without testing it first to see if it suits you. When you get on it, you should be able to turn the handlebars without moving in the saddle. Furthermore, your feet should reach the ground when the bike is not in motion, and rest comfortably on the pegs while you are cruising down the road. Can you reach all the controls and breaks without any problems? This is also another thing you need to consider when purchasing a motorcycle.

Pay attention to the horsepower

While you might feel tempted to get a powerful bike you’ve dreamed about your whole life, wait until you have more riding experience under your belt. Therefore, look for a motorcycle that has under 600cc. Such bikes are great for beginners since they are not as fast as more powerful ones. 

With these tips in mind, you will easily be able to find a bike that suits your personality and your skills.