Buying a motorcycle, especially the first one, is an important and responsible step. The point is not only in significant financial costs, but also in the fact that a motorcycle is a vehicle of increased danger, which means that you need to choose it very, very carefully.
Varieties of motorcycles
First of all, it is desirable to understand the existing types of motorcycles, their distinctive features, advantages and disadvantages. So, today you can choose from the following classes: sports bike, classic, enduro and cruiser. Within each class there are many subclasses and branches, however, in principle, all motorcycles belong to one of these four types.
The choice of a specific class depends on your needs and expectations. Sports bikes are distinguished by high speeds, short gears, and a specific rider's position on the hands. For everyday city driving or long-distance travel, classic motorcycles designed specifically for this are much more suitable. Enduro motorcycles are designed mainly for cross-country driving, although nothing prevents them from riding in the city. Finally, cruisers are comfortable cars with an extended fork, a two-tiered seat and lots of chrome details. The most famous cruisers in the world are produced by Harley-Davidson.
Besides famous brands such as Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and others, there are motorcycles from China on the market. They attract buyers with a low price, for which, however, you have to pay in quality.
Having decided on which class of motorcycle you want to buy, you can start looking for a suitable offer. Naturally, from the point of view of quality and safety, it is preferable to buy a new motorcycle in the salon, but in practice this is not always possible. The point is that the prices of new motorcycles of quality brands are comparable to the prices of used cars. Most novice motorcyclists prefer to buy used motorcycles that are inexpensive, especially considering the fact that after a year and a half, many of them are thinking about purchasing a more powerful motorcycle, taking into account the adjusted requirements and driving experience.
Buying a used motorcycle
You can buy a used motorcycle either in the same showroom or from a private person by ad. In any case, it is necessary to approach the issue of selection and technical inspection of the future "iron horse" as carefully as possible. It is not uncommon for a motorcycle in an emergency or frankly poor condition to be repaired "hastily" in order to sell it to an inexperienced buyer. If you are unsure of your skills and knowledge, it is best to seek help from a tech-savvy friend. Also, good used motorbike options can be found on motorcycle club sites. As a rule, at the end of the season, prices are much lower than in spring, so it is better to buy a motorcycle in late autumn.
When purchasing a motorcycle, do not forget to take care of protective equipment. At a minimum, you will need a helmet, a jacket with elbow protection, and special boots. All this can also be bought not only in the store, but also by ad.
Do not pay too much attention to the mileage of the motorcycle, as you can never be sure that it is not "twisted". Better to concentrate on the technical condition. Do not forget to check the engine and frame numbers, check for fluids, brake pad wear, and engine smoothness. Do not hesitate to ask the seller clarifying questions regarding the past operation of the motorcycle, after all, getting a good quality product for your money is a normal human desire.
