5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Motorcycle

Let's be honest, everyone dreams of owning a motorcycle at least once in their life. Not only is a motorcycle a great replacement vehicle due to its great fuel economy, but a motorcycle also offers a sense of freedom and excitement that no car can provide. If you are contemplating buying a motorcycle, we have compiled 5 factors you must consider before purchasing your first bike.

What Motorcycle is Right for You:

Before you go out to purchase a motorcycle, one of the most important factors is that you find the one that is right for you. There are many different styles of motorcycles as you know ranging from simple scooters to loud and proud cruisers. Here are some key factors to consider before you make that big purchase.

Consider your Needs: Before you decide to purchase a motorcycle, you must take into consideration how you will be using your bike. Will you be traveling long distances? Daily commute? Weekend only? Motorcycles come in many shapes and sizes so knowing how you will use the bike will make choosing one much easier. For example; if you are looking for a motorcycle for your daily commute you are going to want a motorcycle that is comfortable to ride and gets more miles to the gallon. Comparatively, a weekend only bike will usually not have a good mpg and could potentially become uncomfortable after an hour or so.
Don’t Overestimate your Ability: One of the biggest mistakes among new riders is to buy a bike with far more performance than they can handle. When shopping for your first bike it is very tempting to go all out and buy a strong and powerful motorcycle, but trust me you will become a much better rider if you start with something smaller. Starting with a smaller bike will allow you to learn all the basic skills and gain riding experience and confidence. Once you feel more comfortable riding, you will be ready to upgrade and truly appreciate a stronger and faster bike.
Choose a Bike that Fits your Body: When shopping for your first motorcycle, it is important that you actually try a bike on for size just like a pair of shoes. Motorcycles come in different shapes and sizes so it is important that the bike you choose feels comfortable to you. You might have liked a sports bike you saw online, only to realize it was very uncomfortable when you actually sat on it at the dealership. You will not know what bike is right for you until you try it on for size.
New or Used? Buying a new or used motorcycle for your first bike is based on personal preference and your budget. Whether you decide to buy a new or used bike, the important factor is that you are content and comfortable with your purchase when you buy from us; that is our goal.
Do Not Make a Purchase too Fast: Buying a motorcycle can be a very exciting moment in your life, but do not rush into things too quickly. Do not choose a bike only based on how it looks. It is important to do your research on the model you are considering to make sure it is indeed the correct motorcycle for you. Our sales staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have on a particular motorcycle without any pressure to buy, most of our sales staff are enthusiasts too!

Take a Training Course

If you are looking into buying a motorcycle but have no experience you may want to consider taking a Motorcycle Training Course. These types of training typically consist of classroom instruction and hands-on riding instruction that will help you become a better rider. The instructors cover everything detailed in your state's motorcycle manual as well as teach you lifelong motorcycle safety skills. If this will be your first time riding a motorcycle, it will probably be easier to take a training course and experience your first ride in a controlled environment under the supervision of very knowledgeable instructors and in an area that is set up just for you and your classmates. Taking a training course will make you a more confident rider once you decide to ride on the streets. You can find a local training course near you to take advantage of this great opportunity for all motorcycle riders.

Getting Your License

If you want to feel the freedom of the open road on your very own motorcycle, the first thing you must obtain is a motorcycle license. In the United States, riding a motorcycle legally requires getting a Class M motorcycle endorsement on your license. The process to get your license varies from state to state, but typically requires a written test and a hands-on skills test. When you pass the written test, you will be given a permit before you can sign up for the skills test. Having the permit will give you the opportunity to learn the basics and get comfortable riding a motorcycle before you decide to take the skills test. One of the best and easiest ways to get your motorcycle license as we stated above is to take a Motorcycle Safety Course. If you take the course and upon completion, all you need to do is take the written test at the DMV and you will be all set to ride.

Having The Right Gear

Aside from selecting the bike that is right for you, one thing that is even more important than your bike is your gear. Selecting the right gear is important because it can literally save your life. You want to choose the gear that is comfortable but also offers the protection you need to be safe while riding. The typical gear for a motorcycle rider consists of a helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves.

The helmet is the most important piece of gear because it protects your head and face. Even if you live in a state where helmets aren't mandatory, you should be wearing one. When purchasing a helmet, make sure the helmet is comfortable and fits perfectly. We recommend getting a full-face helmet because they provide the most protection.
Although wearing a motorcycle jacket and pants is not mandatory to ride, they help protect the rest of your body. We recommend you start off with a leather or motorcycle-specific textile gear because they offer the most protection. Gear that has additional padding/armor on the elbows, shoulders, spine, knees, hips, and waist go a long way in offering the best protection as well.
Having motorcycle gloves is essential because they will keep your hands safe, dry, and comfortable while maneuvering your motorcycle. We recommend buying gloves that have added protection in the palms and knuckles.
Having motorcycle boots is also important because they are designed specifically with rider safety in mind. The boots protect your feet and ankles from the heat of the engine as well as a potential fall. We recommend buying leather boots because they will offer the best protection.

If you need to buy gear but have no idea where to go? Come into our Parts and Accessories Department and check out our massive inventory on all motorcycle gear. Whatever your budget it, our parts and accessories department will have every gear item you need to keep you safe on the road. As a plus, if you have completed a motorcycle training course, just show your MSF card to the cashier at check-out to receive 10% off of your purchase.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you have completed your MSF course and/or obtained your motorcycle license and have purchased your first motorcycle, the last thing left to do it is get out and ride!

Below are a couple of tips to remember that will make you a better rider in the long run:

Too Much Too Soon: Although it is extremely tempting to ride everywhere the moment you obtain your motorcycle license, remember that riding on the free road is much different than riding on the training course. There are some challenging roads, chaotic traffic, and hazardous intersections out there that are more dangerous than you might be ready to deal with. It is important to take your time by taking smaller roads less traveled. It will give you more confidence when you are ready to take on more challenging roads.
Not Assuming you are Invisible: One of the best advice we can give a new rider is to assume you are invisible on the road. Do not assume other a car won't cut you off even though you have the right of way and have even made eye contact with the other vehicle. To be extra safe and cautious, always keep a finger over your brake lever at all times just in case you must put your quick reflexes to use to avoid an accident.
Riding with a Passenger. : As tempting as it is for you to throw a friend in the back of your motorcycle, it is important to remember that adding a passenger will change your bike’s handling dynamics. The added weight will change the impact of acceleration, braking, and suspension so it is important to feel comfortable riding on your own before you decide to give someone a ride.

Now that we have gone over the basic factors needed before you purchase a motorcycle, you are ready to make your purchase and enjoy the freedom and excitement a motorcycle has to offer. Contact us for any questions and we will assist you to find the right motorcycle for you!