Tips for Buying Your First Motorcycle

Whether you are looking for a vehicle to get you from point A to point B for less money or you are finally fulfilling that boyhood dream of owning a motorcycle, it pays to do a bit of research before making an investment in your first bike. Like cars, motorcycles come in many styles, shapes and sizes. You need to be aware of motorcycle safety issues, as well as make an informed decision about which type of motorcycle is the right fit for your needs.

What type of Ride do you need?

Short Commute, Local Riding for Less

If you simply want to save money by driving a smaller vehicle to work each day, you will want to start by comparing small street bikes and scooters (mopeds). You want something designed for paved roads, which means smooth tires and generally smaller wheels. If you need a full speed vehicle for driving on highways start by looking at small, standard street bikes. If all of your commute is in town, however, and there is no need to reach highway speeds or cover distances more than a few miles, you might find a scooter-type model sufficient. They are often subject to fewer licensing requirements and there are electric models available, as well.

Long Distance Commuting or Travel for Pleasure

If your motorcycle dreams include riding cross country for vacations and frequent road trips, you are looking for a cruiser or a touring style of street bike. Cruisers are your classic bikes--Harley-Davidson, Choppers--where you ride feet forward and in an upright seating position or with a slight lean back. The touring style is going to have shields and screens that afford more protection from the elements while riding. The size of the gas tank will be larger for covering longer distances.

Fun and Speed

If your motorcycle purchase is all about having fun and riding fast, you are probably looking for a performance or sports bike. These are the motorcycles where you sit slightly forward or lean over the gas tank to become more aerodynamically in tune with the bike. They generally aren't comfortable for long distance riding and you probably wouldn't want to ride them to work in your dress clothes, but they are fast and maneuverable. The beginning rider may want to take it slow and get some tips from expert riders before taking off.

Mountain Climbing, Back Roads Driving

If you aren't so much focused on getting from here to there, but more interested in riding where no other has ridden before, you are probably going to be happier with an off-road bike. The key is larger wheels and knobby tires for superior traction. These bikes will be smaller and of light-weight, but rugged construction. Most of these bikes won't include features that make them road-worthy, such as indicator lights, so unless your off-road course is in your own backyard, you'll have to consider how you are going to get your bike from home to your riding destination, as well.

Additional Tips:

• Take a hands-on rider safety course before you show for your new ride.
• Always wear protective gear, even if you are just going down the street to the grocery store.
• Excessive speed and being unable to negotiate a curve are the two most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Know your bike, your limitations when riding the bike, and learn to ride it well before putting yourself out there on the streets.
• Just like in any vehicle, never drive if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs.