Whether it’s to beat the traffic blues or simply to feel the wind blow through your hair on your Sunday ride, having a motorcycle certainly sounds like a good idea.
Whether it’s to beat the traffic blues or simply to feel the wind blow through your hair on your Sunday ride, having a motorcycle certainly sounds like a good idea. Becoming a rider can have more benefits than the obvious one - swishing your way through traffic; it is also a great way to cut down on fuel.
Before you walk into a dealership and get your 'moto' on, there are a few things you need to know to help you make the right purchase. There are endless styles to choose from and choices to make before riding out into the sunset.
Before taking your dream thought a step further, how about test driving a motorcycle to get a proper feel of things and see if it’s something you enjoy doing. Riding may seem easy, however, it is tricky when compared to a scooter, so you do want to be sure that you are comfortable and confident on one.
There are more costs to biking than just the purchase of the motorcycle – do your research! Do research on what you will need – riding gear, purchase costs, insurance etc. – in order to get on the road and determine your budget to establish whether or not you can afford the expense or still need to save up a little.
Find a few dealerships that you can visit around you. This will help you with your pre-purchase research – test drives and working out the costs involved. While you’re there, sit on a few models and test the comfort of a few motorcycles - just like you would when buying a car. While you’re there, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Get as much information as you can about your budding purchase.
You may have already considered this when working out your budget, however, it is of the utmost importance to have the right gear. Make sure that you have the correct fitting helmet and others protective clothing that will cushion possible injury and make you visible to other road users when on the road.
Whether it’s a brand new or second-hand purchase, be sure to check your warranty and service plan to ensure that you know what you are covered for. Motorcycle services differ to that of a car – be prepared. Make sure you get an owner’s manual and a warranty book to keep track of services.
There’s a lot more to consider when making a big purchase of course, but keeping these 5 tips in mind will set you off to on a good start. Before you sign on the dotted line for that new motorcycle, make sure that you have your motorcycle license and insurance cover in order! Once you’re all set and ready to ride, familiarise yourself with the owner’s manual and get to know your new mode of transport well.
