Buying A Motorcycle? 3 Tips For Newbies
Congratulations on making the decision to purchase your first motorcycle. To make sure that you enjoy your first bike, there are a few things that you should consider doing before you sign on the dotted line.
Tip #1: Enroll in a Rider's Safety Course
To ensure that you feel safe and confident before you purchase and ride your bike, you should consider enrolling in and taking a motorcycle safety course. These courses are specifically designed with novice riders in mind and will introduce you to the basics and essentials of motorcycles.
If you take the course before you buy a motorcycle, it may be able to help you in determining the most appropriate bike for your individual personality and lifestyle. In addition, it may help you get a discount on your insurance premium.
Tip #2: Buy the Appropriate Gear
Aside from taking a motorcycle riding course, before you can safely ride a motorcycle, you need to make sure that you have the appropriate riding gear even when it is warm outside. A helmet is the most obvious, and you should consider a helmet that is certified by the Department of Transportation. In some states, it is mandatory to wear a helmet, so it is important that you check with your individual state's laws and regulations to ensure that you are in compliance.
Other gear to consider includes gloves, ankle-protecting boots, jeans/pants, and a padded jacket. While this may seem like overdoing it in the summer, this gear is made specifically for motorcyclists and will allow air flow.
Tip #3: Go on Test Drives
Since this is your first bike, you aren't going to be positive on the type or size of bike that you need. Therefore, the best way to ensure that you don't purchase a bike that is far beyond your experience or skill level is to take a few out on test drives. In reality, the last thing that a novice rider will need is a high-performance bike regardless of how much it is desired or how great it looks. In addition, you won't want to get a bike that is too small or too tall for you, as this will lead to you being unable to maneuver and control it while riding. Don't rush; take your time finding the right bike for you.
If you need help finding the best motorcycle for you, go to a local dealership and talk to a salesperson. That's what they are there for – to help you find the bike that will best suit your needs. However, it doesn't hurt to do some of your own research before you go, and you can find lots of information in bike magazines, online motorcycle chat rooms, etc. Your first bike purchase is a big one, so don't take it lightly.
Contact a company like Worth Harley Davidson North for more information and assistance.