Tips On Buying A New Motorcycle

Buying a new bike is a glorious event! There's nothing like going down to the local bike shop with cash in hand (or credit with the bank) to buy that dream bike that you couldn't stop thinking about! But before you do, here are a couple of tips that can save you time, frustration, and a lot of money!

• First, you’ll want to decide what type of bike you want. If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably want to start off with a “standard” or “dual purpose” bike. (Check out our Motorcycle Types section.) With so many categories and models of bikes to choose from, you need to consider your own size and experience. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to avoid motorcycles that are particularly heavy or particularly fast.
  
  
• Once you’ve figured out what type of bike you want, determine how much money you’re willing to spend. This will further help you narrow the field.
  
  
• Next, do some research on the various styles available in the category and price-range you’ve selected. Pick up some motorcycle magazines or go online and see what’s available. There are a number of motorcycle review websites, manufacturer sites and dealer websites that will give you all the information you’ll need, including suggested retail price. Other good resources include talking to friends who ride or visiting a few dealers and actually seeing and feeling what’s out there.
  
  
• Once you’ve narrowed down your wish list to a few makes and styles, it’s time to visit the dealer. The good news is, motorcycle dealerships are usually more laid-back then car dealerships, so you probably won't be pressured by an overly persistent salesman. The bad news is, prices are often non-negotiable... particularly on popular models.
  
  
  • Also, many dealers won’t let you ride their bikes. But, you should make every effort to at least take a test ride in the parking lot. If that fails, at least sit on the bike and start the engine. If they won't even let you do this, tell them "thanks, but no-thanks," and leave. You don't want to buy from a dealer like that.
    
    
  • Sit on the bike and “assume the position”. Make sure the seat is comfortable, the handlebars are comfortable and that your knees rest neatly on either side of the gas tank. If your seating position is uncomfortable, you're not going to have much fun riding the bike. Also, while you're straddling the bike and holding the handlebars, try to determine if the weight and balance are good. Is it easy to control? Could you pick it up if it fell over?
    
    
  • And of course you’ll also want to pay attention to the engine. Rev it! Does it have a nice smooth feel at high RPM's? Or does it feel and sound annoyingly buzzy?
    
    
• Do yourself a favor... never buy a bike on your first visit! You should always look at multiple bikes from multiple manufacturers and visit multiple dealers before making a decision. You may really like the first bike that you look at, but what if the second bike is even better? Give yourself some choices. Also, the excitement and anticipation of buying a new motorcycle can cause your brain to temporarily malfunction... “I’ll Take It !” You should look at many bikes, consider the features that you like about each, then sit down and compare all the pros and cons.
  
  
• Once you've settled on a bike, then return to the dealership. Tell the salesperson which model you'd like to purchase. Unless the bike is a slow-seller or last year’s model, you’ll probably get stuck paying full retail. Bike dealers don’t have the large margins and large volumes that auto dealers do; so they are less willing to negotiate… though it never hurts to make a fair offer. Your best bet, however, is probably to ask for some accessories, like a helmet and a set of saddlebags.

At the very least, the dealer should offer you a discount on any accessories. Be sure that you get a good helmet, a good set of leather gloves, a pair of riding boots, and some rain gear. You can usually add any extra costs into the financing.

Tips On Buying A Used Motorcycle

Ok, so you’re not ready to fork out the money for a new bike, or maybe you just like some of the older styles? Regardless or why you want a used bike, here are a few tips that will make sure you get a good bike at a good price.

• First, check out a used motorcycle price guide. There are several good ones including the National Auto Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) price guide. The prices in this guide reflect the average price of motorcycles of similar make, model and condition across the nation. The price guide is issued monthly.
  
  
• Spend a little time reading the reviews of various makes and models. Many of these reviews are posted on the web and they can give you some subjective
  information on what these particular riders think about the bike.
  
  
• Hop on the bike and check out how it feels. You’ll want the seat and handlebars to feel comfortable, and also your legs to rest comfortably.
  
  
• Check the condition of the motorcycle closely. What’s the condition of the drive belt, chain or drive shaft? Are the tires worn or weather checked? Has the bike ever been wrecked? Does it leak oil? Is the muffler or mufflers free of rust? Is the wiring in good shape? Does it start easily and run smoothly?
  
  
• If the deal looks like a “go” at this point, ask to take the bike out for a test drive. While you’re at it, if possible, take it to your mechanic or a knowledgeable friend and get a second opinion.
  
  
• If your mechanic gives you the OK, get out your wallet and start enjoying the ride.

Most makes of motorcycles these days are well engineered, high quality machines. Don't make the process of buying a bike a bigger deal than it needs to be. Used motorcycles are generally an excellent value, especially when compared to the price of new bikes. Besides, this is one time when it’s fun to go shopping.