Before you buy your first motorcycle, it helps to be prepared for what lies ahead. Many riders make similar mistakes and then regret their choices, so we put together this short list of a few things to remember before you buy a motorbike so you can get the most out of it and enjoy years of riding.
Don’t be put off by the zealots
Whatever the brand, there will be riders who love it and riders who hate it. If you find a motorbike that seems to have everything you want and need, but some people dislike it simply because of some preconceived/stereotypical ideas about it, it’s best to ignore them. Some of the most obscure bikes out there have passionate supporters, and some of the most popular bikes will be passionately hated by others. But the good thing is that there are more than enough bikes out there to keep everyone happy. Here are 4 key things to consider when buying your first motorcycle.
Skill level
If you’re inexperienced in riding motorbikes, it can be quite daunting if you’re looking for a new bike because of the huge amount of choice out there. If you’ve had little experience on a bike, it’s best to start with something light and easy to ride that doesn’t have more power than you need or can handle. Your first bike doesn’t need to be your last one, so you can think of it like a gateway to the world of motorcycling.
Training
One way to improve your skill level is through training. Many courses are available that will help you gain confidence on the road within a relatively short time and help you to be safer on the road. Just as people use driving instructors to teach them to drive a car, a riding course can make the difference in you becoming a much better rider. Take a look at the benefits of advanced rider training.
Features
Some motorbikes have gadgets which place them pretty close to cars in terms of features, while others can be quite bare bones. Some features, such as ABS, have made motorcycling much safer, so it can sometimes be worthwhile paying a little extra to get a motorcycle which helps you to be safer on the road. Other features, such as self-balancing technology, you can probably do without, plus they’ll cost you a lot more.
Gear
When the weather is scorching, it may be tempting to ride in shorts and a t-shirt, because what are the chances of you having an accident? Motorcyclists have to prepare for the worst because if an accident happens, you don’t have side airbags or a chassis to keep you (relatively) protected. Sliding along hot asphalt can remove many layers of skin and give you permanent disfigurement, as well as lifelong pain, just as a helmet might make you sweat or feel uncomfortable but it’s the one thing that could keep you from brain damage or death.
Other road users
One thing which is pretty much impossible to control is other road users. Drivers often don’t look for or notice motorcyclists, which can have devastating effects. It’s best to ride so that it’s as easy as possible for other road users to see you, such as by avoiding staying for too long in blind spots or not assuming that a road user has seen you, even if they appear to be looking right at you.
Insurance
Motorcycle insurance should not be taken for granted. While it won’t stop you from getting physically hurt in an accident, it can at least help to alleviate the financial hurt. Swann Insurance has helped thousands of motorcyclists in Australia have peace of mind on the roads. Find a level of motorcycle cover that suits you.