Start Smart and Have Fun

Your First Motorcycle

So, you've finished a Motorcycle Safety Course for new motorcyclists! You have taken the written test at your local DMV, passed with flying colors, and are ready to select your first motorcycle.

Your first motorcycle is a very important decision. This will be the motorcycle that you will always love, the motorcycle that you wish you had kept after it has been sold and you have moved on to a larger, more powerful machine. Just remember to have fun while you shop!

I have attempted to select several new motorcycles, from several manufacturers, based on the following criteria:

• Priced between $4,500. and $6,500.
• Weight between 350 pounds and 500 pounds.
• A minimum engine size of 450cc and a maximum engine size of 900cc.
• A minimum of a 2.5 gallon capacity gas tank.

The cost of a new motorcycle may vary from dealer to dealer. I encourage you to shop your local motorcycle dealer, either in person or by telephone. Many dealers now have sites on the Internet where you can shop for selection and price. Don't overlook the used motorcycle market. Once again, shop your local motorcycle dealer or go to the Internet. There are numerous sites on the Internet that allow you to shop by brand, year, price, state and in some cases, telephone area codes. You may get the best price from an individual owner who offers his or her motorcycle for sale on the Internet, but if you buy a used bike from a dealer, you can often negotiate for a limited warranty.

If you have friends that ride, ask them about their first motorcycle or their current motorcycle. Ask them what they like and dislike. If you have a friend who is an experienced rider and has owned several motorcycles, you may want to take him or her with you while you shop for your "perfect" first bike. Just remember, this is YOUR first bike. Make sure that YOU make the final decision.

Once you have narrowed your choices down to two or three motorcycles, do some research. Once again, numerous sites on the Internet provide detailed information on almost every model of motorcycle. Your local library will have current and back issues of various motorcycle magazines. Most articles will present the good and the bad points of each motorcycle, but you, as the rider, must make the final decision. If you decide to buy a used motorcycle, two sites on the Internet, www.kbb.com and www.nadaguides.com, provide the "market" value of most motorcycles, back to the early 1980s. This can help you determine if the current owner is asking a "fair" price for the motorcycle. Just remember, don't buy the first bike that you see. Shop around!

Riders come in all shapes and sizes. So do motorcycles. Before you buy, ALWAYS, ALWAYS try the motorcycle on for size. Make sure that you are able to sit on the motorcycle and have both feet flat on the ground. Make sure that the motorcycle fits YOU!! You may not always get a "demonstration" ride on the motorcycle, but you will be able to sit on it and move it around. Only you can determine if you can handle the motorcycle. Never let the motorcycle handle you!

Now, you have made your selection and you have your new "baby" home. Now the fun really begins!!.

There are many opinions and many articles written about the areas listed below. Perhaps in the future we will pursue each of these areas separately. But, while we are waiting..

Select the best helmet that you can afford. Make sure that it fits and is comfortable.

Always wear the proper attire when you ride, just like you did when you took the motorcycle safety course.

Stay physically and mentally alert.

Never ride outside of you own "comfort zone". In other words, ride your own ride. Never let yourself be "pressured" into situations that YOU are not comfortable with.

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Remember, this is not the motorcycle "gospel" according to Steve. Just the rambling of an old motorcycle rider with thirty years experience of buying, selling and most importantly, riding motorcycles.

Author:

Stephen N. Mathlery
I hope that this article helps you with your purchase. It was over thirty years ago that I purchased my first motorcycle and I remember the day and the bike as if it were yesterday. Drop me a line at smath@richmond.infi.net and let me know about your new motorcycle. Until then, ride safe and I hope to see you on the road.

Thanks for visiting VirginiaWind.

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