Buying a motorcycle is one of those exciting purchases that you just can’t help getting swept up in. When you’re fantasizing about those off-road adventures, last minute weekend jaunts, or simply just looking hella cool, it’s easy to get caught up and forget about the practicalities.
There are some considerations that you won’t want to forget about to keep your biker’s journey all fine and dandy.
Choosing the right bike
Of course, you’ll be wanting to choose a bike that reflects your image and style just right, however, you won’t want to end up buying something that doesn’t suit your skills and needs. If this is your first bike, especially, you won’t want to fall into the trap of purchasing something with a performance that exceeds what you can handle! The best thing to do is to properly test the motorcycles so that you can have a better gauge of exactly how you feel when riding them. You need to consider the height of the seat when you are shopping around; it’s a good idea to check if you can put both your feet upon the ground when you are sitting on the bike and stationary. As a novice, you will want this stability and ease of being able to stop the bike. It’s best to choose something with a power level and weight that is relatively modest. If you have a hankering for speed, you can always upgrade once you’ve mastered the basics which brings us to our next point.
Motorcycle lessons
If you’re new to the biking world, you won’t want to underestimate how different riding a motorcycle is to driving a car. Of course, you are more exposed to the road from the get-go, when you’re going around a corner, for example, bikes are harder to steer and will tend to lean over. You will be using your body in a more athletic way upon a motorcycle, so dexterity becomes more critical. The experience is more manual and less automated by nature than within a car. There are motorcycle courses whereby you can have a go at learning the ropes in a safe and structured environment before you jump in alone. Motorcycle mishaps can end up being very dangerous, so it’s well worth doing this if you want to stay safe and avoid anything ruining your fun.
Brand new or pre-owned
Naturally, opting for a used-bike will save you some money, and in addition to this, some riders feel more comfortable with a used bike (in case they occur any aesthetic damages while they are learning the ropes). Having said this, new bikes can come with more reliability in terms of a warranty, plus the newer models usually have more advanced safety features too. If you figure out the pros and cons that are personal to you, it should be easier to make a decision. Also, keep your budget in mind because you won’t want to skimp on any costs when it comes to your safety gear. (Remember your gear is only combat you have against the road or other vehicles in the unfortunate case of an accident.)
Safety Gear
Your safety gear is such an essential aspect of your purchase, there’s no use spending top dollar on a bike and forgetting all different the gear that you will need, both for practical purposes and to keep danger at bay. You’ll want to shop around to find the right jacket, pants, and gloves as well as helmet to protect you from weather conditions and injuries both. Sites like Biker Basics can give you the low down on everything you need to know. Even though it’s all about safety first, this doesn’t mean that making your selections can’t also be an exercise in finding some seriously stylish gear to suit your image and your beautiful new bike. (Whether you’re a traditional biker type or prefer a more sleek kind of look, you’ll find something to suit your fancy.)
Do your Research
If you don’t know much about bikes, in general, you should definitely do your research before you start shopping around. If you know more about the types of bikes there are out there you’ll be making things a whole lot easier for yourself. If you have a need for speed, there are sports bikes (though not advisable until you’ve trained a while and learned how to ride)! If you are looking for some off-road adventures for playtime only- then you could have some fun with a dirt bike! Then there are the classic cruisers which are an excellent and steady option for those cruising about town adventures when you’re first starting out. Remember, the most important thing is that you are comfortable with the speed and size of the bike, if you aren’t- you won’t enjoy the ride!
Physically fit
Riding a motorcycle can have some great health benefits that are sometimes overlooked. When you ride, you require lots of your muscles to work out, and this will improve your core strength. Each maneuver you make will build up this strength, and if you get the odd ache or pain when you first start out this quite normal; over time your body will get used to the riding experience. Wearing a helmet will work the muscles in your neck as will the weight of the helmet combined with the force of the wind. Due to this, it’s worth ensuring you are physically fit before you start riding so that you don’t do yourself any damage. Also, if you have any injuries or ongoing conditions that are sports or muscle related, check with a healthcare professional before hopping on.
When you are considering making a purchase and shopping around, needs will vary a lot from person to person. It’s all about assessing what’s best for you and taking your time as opposed to making impulsive purchases. If you do your prep and research from the on-set you won’t go far wrong. Before long you’ll be hitting the open roads for some full-filled ventures!
