Motorcycle Buying Tips-How To Buy a New Bike

Many new riders are buying motorcycles everyday to help save on gas and lower their cost of living. This article gives tips and shopping advice on how to buy a motorcycle. It will help you have a better buying expierence and has some helpful links to help you get started.

Before you go out to shop for a motorcycle theres a few things you need to know first. Grab a pen and paper and write these simple things down.

1. Consider what you have now. If your a first time rider ask yourself "what will i be using this motorcycle in replacement of"? If you own a motorcycle think about your bike and what you like and dislike about it
2. Budget- write down a number. Not just any number, one that you want to spend on your investment. now take that number and subtract $500. Thats the amount you should be spending on your motorcycle and i'll tell ya why in a minute.
3. The bike is an important factor. Write down the size of the bike you are looking for, the style (sportbike or cruiser), and other things you want your new motorcycle. If your new to the world of motorcycles you can check out this blog on different types of motorcycles.
4. What is your return on investment. Buying a motorcycle is a big investment. How will you benifit? By this i dont mean that you'll save money or you just wanted a new one. This is a thinker. What will happen once you save the money? What will you use it for? Get deeper into your feelings about the matter. If you have an investment goal in mind and can make a better rationalization for yourself, you will have less or no buyers remorse after the deal is done.

The Gear

Buying the right motorcycle gear is important when considering riding. It is the difference between a headache and a trip to the hospital.

• Gloves- These things are a must when riding. One time at bike week i was riding a little 50cc and crashed in the road at about 15 miles an hour not wearing gloves. Your hands are the first thing you stop yourself with. a nice set of gloves can be purchased for around $30-75 bucks and are well worth the investment.
• Boots-Although i do recommend a good set of riding boots, anything that fits your ankle is ok. Shoes that will fly off in a wims notice should not be worn when riding. A good set of riding boots can be baught for around $80 and up.
• Helmet- This is the most of the most crucial importance. It is the difference between life and death. There are many artices out there explaining the differences between motorcycle helmets and which are the best to buy.

When making a decision on investing in a new motorcycle theres a few different things to consider.

1. Most important...Who are you buying it from? This goes with used bikes too(but more crucial). If you dont trust the person your dealing with or something seems off in the deal dont just sign away. Shop around for a more trusing individual to buy from and you will be a lot happier with the outcome.

2. What type of warranty does it come with? Some bikes come with 2 even 3 years worth of coverage while other comparable models come with 1.
3. Can you afford it? If it does not fit in your budjet and you know its the right bike for you, you may want to consider used.

The used market is a whole different story. You have to be careful when buying used and make sure you are buying it from a trusted individual. Motorcycles are not like cars. You do not get a carfax report with every motorcycle purchase. None the less here is a few tips for you to consider when shopping for a used bike.

Check out the tires on the bike. Look for wear on the tire and see if it is cupping (meaning the tread is not round. Also look at the side of the tire where the tread lines start. Do you see cracking? If so the tires are starting to dry rott and need to be replaced.

Check the drive system. If it is a chain check out the play at the bottom. It shouldn't move but 1.5 inches. Also check out the adjuster in the back. It will gauge the amount of "strech" the chain has left in it. If it is further back then the chain is worn more. If the bike is shaft driven check out the hub where it meets the drive shaft. Check for oil. there should not be any. Look on the bottom. If there is, the seal might need to be replaced and could cost as much as $600

Check all fluids. Including Oil. If the oil is dark you should know whats up. any good dealer would change the oil before selling a bike.

Hear the bike run. Let it warm up to at least 150 degrees and then hold the throttle at about 2500 rpm's. Listen for a popping or hard-running sound. This will give you an indication on if the spark plugs need to be replaced.

If your buying a used bike and it has over 3000 miles on it its a good idea to get a warranty with it. I know it costs a little extra but trust me its worth it in the end.

Manufactuer certified programs- Most people dont know this but some mfg.'s like Suzuki have "Suzuki Select" which means the bike meets used quality standards by the factory. These bikes are sold at participating dealers who have above average customer service awards and is honored by Suzuki for this. When buying a bike from programs like this you can save money on extended service plans and you will have a piece of mind that the bike was thouroughly inspected by a factory certified technition.

Hop on Cycle trader to search for bikes your looking for. Find out where the local dealerships are and find out what they have. Just remember when shopping for a bike keep in mind, getting the best price doesnt always mean your getting the best deal. Shop for whats most important to you and try to find the best deal. Dont get distracted by bells and whistles.