Looking to buy a motorcycle? Ask yourself these five questions first.

Owning a motorcycle is a big dream for lots of people, but it’s not just a decision you make overnight. Buying a motorcycle is not the same as buying a car; there’s a whole other set of steps you need to take and things you need to know. You have to understand the safety procedures, learn how to ride, and even get a motorcycle license.

Needless to say, buying a motorcycle on an impulse could be a huge mistake, especially when you don’t have the correct information. You’ll want to buy something you’ll enjoy riding long-term, not just today. Before you buy, ask yourself these five crucial questions.

Do I have the training to ride safely?

It’s no secret that motorcycle riding can be dangerous. The lack of protection from an enclosed vehicle makes crashes more serious, and because motorcycles are less visible than cars, collisions with occur more frequently.

There are a few ways you can reduce your risk. First, be sure you have the basics covered—a motorcycle license, the required safety gear, and enough experience to know what you’re doing. From there, it’s a good idea to take a rider training course, like one from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

You should also brush up on your defensive driving skills. Unfortunately, most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who don’t see the motorcyclist. Car drivers share the responsibility and have their own safety concerns, but knowing how to adjust your own riding in dangerous situations is a good way to protect yourself against less-cautious drivers.

How am I planning to ride?

Different motorcycles are designed for different uses. Consider how you’ll use your new bike.

Are you just looking for something to take short distances within your city? A sports bike might be appropriate. On the other hand, if you’re planning on traveling long distances, a comfortable, lower speed bike would be more suitable.

Knowing your riding needs will help you determine which kind of bike to purchase. Figure out what’s most important to you, and you’ll be able to weight comfort, speed, and looks much more easily.

How much experience have I had?

You may feel the urge to buy the highest performance and fastest bike, but as a new rider, you have to remember your capabilities. Try to stick to slower bikes, at least when you’re first starting out. As a rule of thumb, don’t purchase anything with an engine more than 900 cc.

It might not be the coolest bike, but you’ll be glad you choose it once you take your first real ride. And it likely won’t be your last bike—once you get a handle on riding, you’re free to upgrade to a more exciting one. Learn how to ride properly, so you don’t make the mistake of purchasing something you aren’t capable of riding safely.

Will I be happy with my choice tomorrow?  

Don’t become so blinded by a bike you fell in love with that you forget all practical implications of your purchase. Do your research, and make sure it’s the right bike for you.

It may look cool, but that doesn’t mean it’s your best option. You might be surprised to find the bike you were chasing after really wasn’t a good fit for you, and you like another one much better.

There’s a variety of motorcycles made for different body types and sizes, and you’ll be most happy with one you’re comfortable riding.

A test drive isn’t always possible, but if it is, take it! Especially when you’re new to biking, getting a feel for the different kind of bikes will help you make a better decision.

How much can I afford long-term?

The price you purchase your bike for isn’t the only cost that goes into owning a motorcycle. You’ll have to get safety gear, pay for insurance, and do regular maintenance. These extra costs can rack up quickly—so remember to consider them. Ask around and see what bike is most cost-effective when it comes to insurance, and also talk to different providers.

If you want to buy a used bike, you might save on the initial purchase, but you could end up dealing with damages and performance issues later on. It might still be worth it in the long run, but you will want to think it through before deciding.

Ready to buy? We can help!

Whether your heart is set on a new motorcycle or a pre-owned model, Nuvision can help you purchase the bike of your dreams. For more information on our motorcycle financing options, click here.

Want to take your new bike for a spin? Join us at The Freedom Ride!

Come out to The Nuvision Freedom Ride on July 4^th to celebrate the heroic men and women in our community. We host this event each year to raise awareness for the military and first responders who serve our community. If you’re interested in joining us, click here to RSVP or find more information.