10 top tips when buying a motorcycle
Friday, 1 July 2011 4:03 PM
You may have had your heart set on buying a motorbike for years or could be looking to add to your collection. Either way, it's important to enter into the world of motorcycle sales carefully to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
In order to make sure you find your dream bike at a price you're happy to pay, there are many points to consider.
The first thing to decide is whether you want to buy a brand new vehicle or get a second-hand one. If you're the first owner of a two-wheel motor then you have the reassurance that it is in a good condition and will last a long time.
However, by purchasing a used bike, you might find that you can get one of your dream <a href="https://www.phmotorcycles.co.uk/Bikes/yamaha.html">Yamaha motorbikes</a> or Kawasaki motorcycles at an excellent price – and you may be able to ride off with your ideal motorcycle sooner than you think!
If you're buying a used bike, then you can get a greater sense of reassurance by purchasing from a large dealer that has a good reputation for good quality stock.
Therefore, it is worth checking out the dealer thoroughly so that you know that you'll be buying a motorcycle that is in tip-top condition. It's a good idea to ask when the bike was last serviced, whether it has a warranty and if it has an MOT.
The next step is to decide what type of vehicle you're going for. Do you see yourself riding around on a small scooter, an off-road bike or a cruiser?
You may have had a picture of you riding on dirt tracks or you might be more interested in a little two-wheeler to ride around the city. When you've picked the ideal type of vehicle, then you can decide what model you are going to purchase.
When going to see the motorcycle, you should do more than simply take a look at it and sit on the bike – although this is important, too, as it will tell you whether it suits your body shape and if you feel comfortable on it or not.
Remember to make sure your feet can touch the floor and your arms can reach the handlebars!
It's also important at this stage to ask yourself what you plan to use the vehicle for. If it's simply a motor to get from A to B then you can pick a small one that can nip in and out of traffic easily. However, if you plan to go on long trips with your motorcycle, then you'll need to pay attention to the features it offers.
Does it have space to put luggage, attach storage or keep your helmet? You might also want to consider if you'll want a passenger on your two-wheeler. If so, then you'll need to look for a bike that has a spare seat at the back.
After you've found one that you can see yourself riding, it could be worth doing further research on the brand to see how much spare parts are likely to cost, what the manufacturer's guarantees are like and what sort of accessories you'll be able to get further down the line.
There are lots of things to think about when you're considering buying a bike, but the biggest piece of advice is to determine what you want your motor for – whether it is weekend trips away with your friends or a little run-around – then you'll be able to identify your perfect vehicle with ease.
You may even find that you're riding your dream motorcycle before you know it!motor