How often have you thought about buying a motorcycle? The thought of being on the open road can be an exhilarating one, and you mightn’t be able to pass it up. The adrenaline rush alone could be enough to convince you to buy your first motorcycle, but there are far more reasons than that:
- Being more cost-effective than a car
- Giving you more freedom while driving
- Even offering you a workout as you ride
That doesn’t mean you should just rush out and buy the first motorbike you come across, however. You’ll need to take a few specific steps when you’re buying one to make sure you get the right one for you. Specifically, there are five options you’ll need to consider with this.
Buy Your First Motorcycle: 5 Steps To Take
1. Research Properly
When most people think of a motorcycle, they’ll have a specific image in mind. Not all options are like that, and there’ll be quite a few things to consider when you’re buying one. From how powerful it is, to whether it’s comfortable to drive, there’s a lot to think about when you buy your first motorcycle.
That’s where proper research comes in. It lets you figure out what the best options for you are, while making sure you’re as informed as possible before going to the dealership. Put the effort into this.
2. Understand Depreciation
When most people buy any kind of vehicle for the first time, there are quite a few things they could overlook. One of the more notable is depreciation. This is the amount of value your motorcycle loses over time, and it starts from the second you take it off the lot.
In general, you can expect your motorbike to lose 20% of its value in the first two years. That’ll flatten out at some point, but typical wear and tear and how much care you put into it make a decent difference in how much it’ll end up being worth in a few years’ time.
3. Find A Dealer You Like
The dealer you choose to buy from makes a significant difference in how the process goes. You should go with someone you feel comfortable with and that has a good reputation. The likes of txtoysales.com is a great example of this. Go out of your way to find a dealer you know you can trust.
Check out previous customer reviews to figure out whether you can trust them or not, and you shouldn’t have a problem deciding who to go with. The reviews alone could tell you who to avoid and who’s actually worth your time. The research mentioned above helps with this.
4. Haggle
The listing price of the motorcycle you’re considering doesn’t have to be exactly what you’ll pay for it. If you’re willing and able to haggle, you could end up getting a much better deal than you would’ve thought. At a minimum, you could end up getting a few freebies tossed in when you buy your first motorcycle.
With the right dealer, this shouldn’t be a problem. Make sure you stay confident as you negotiate, and you shouldn’t have a problem getting this done. Staying calm and being polite also helps with this, and it could end up working out much better than you would’ve thought.
5. Time It Right
Vehicle prices go up and down all the time, with some months being much more affordable than others. If you’re flexible with when you buy your first motorcycle, it could be worth waiting until the prices start dropping. You could end up saving much more than you would’ve thought.
March, June, September, and December are some of the better months to buy. Dealers will have quarterly sales targets to meet, so they’ll be more willing to haggle to make the sale. You could end up saving more than you’d think, so there’s no reason not to consider waiting a bit.
Factors To Consider When Buying Your First Motorcycle
When you’re going to buy your first motorcycle, each of the above steps can be more helpful than you’d think. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a few other things you’ll need to keep in mind. You’ll also need to know of a few specific factors and be able to focus on and tell them apart.
They’ll let you choose your first motorcycle much more easily, with some of the more notable factors including:
- Engine Size – Some motorbikes are more powerful than others, and these could be too much for you to handle when you first start out. Getting a less powerful one can be recommended, as it lets you get more comfortable with them. A 250cc motorbike can be a great way to start, and you can upgrade in time.
- Fuel Efficiency – Like any other vehicle types, different motorcycles have different fuel efficiencies. This directly affects the cost of driving your motorbike, so it’s worth focusing on fuel efficiency when you’re buying. The more efficient it is, the better, as it’ll be more affordable to keep on the road.
- Ongoing Costs – Gas isn’t the only cost you’ll need to worry about with your motorcycle. You’ll also have to worry about insurance, maintenance, and repairs. Get a general idea of how much these will be for you every month, and make sure it’s something you can afford.
With those in mind, you shouldn’t have a problem finding and buying your first motorcycle and making sure it’s the right one for you.
Buy Your First Motorcycle: Wrapping Up
If you want to buy your first motorcycle, the excitement could get the better of you. You’ll end up rushing out and getting the first one you like, which mightn’t be the best approach to take. Instead, you’ll need to follow a few specific steps and keep a few factors in mind when you’re buying.
You’ll put yourself in a much better position and end up with the best motorbike for you. There’s no reason not to spend the time on it before going to the dealership.
