Tips For Buying Your First Motorcycle
Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team
Ask any motorcycle owner and they’ll tell you it’s hard to beat the feeling of riding your new bike on the open road. Gliding through the fresh air as you cruise by other drivers, you’ve got the coolest ride on the road and everyone knows it. But before you snag a deal on a used bike or grab a new one straight off a dealer’s lot, you’ve got some research and riding practice to do. Ask yourself these questions before buying your first motorcycle.
Am I an experienced motorcycle rider?
Before buying a motorcycle, make sure you feel comfortable and safe operating one. The best way to gain experience is by taking a local motorcycle safety course. In some states, you’re required to pass a safety class before getting your motorcycle license. Even if your state doesn’t have this requirement, it’s absolutely necessary to master the basic safe riding skills before you take one on the road. And above all else, you must get your license before owning a motorcycle.
What do I want to use my motorcycle for?
Once you’ve passed your safety courses, earned your motorcycle license and are comfortable riding, you still shouldn’t run out and buy the most luxurious, powerful bike on the market. The types of activities you’ll use your bike for will inform a lot of other decisions you’ll make early on, so make your very first decision a solid one. Is your new motorcycle going to be your main means of transportation to and from work? Will it be your weekend joyriding vehicle? While there are motorcycles that could fit a variety of uses, narrowing down your reason for riding will simplify your search.
Should I buy a used or new motorcycle?
The answer to this question can go in a lot of directions, but to keep it simple, base your decision on your comfort level and experience driving a motorcycle. Since it will be your first bike, we recommend you get comfortable with a quality used version since a less-experienced rider is much more likely to ding, dent and drop (tip over) it early on.
When looking for a used motorcycle, exercise the same caution you would if you were buying a full-size vehicle:
Ask for and check the motorcycle’s VIN. When you check a motorcycle’s VIN, you’ll be able to see if it’s been in any accidents, if it’s been damaged, if its title has ever changed hands or if that make of bike has ever been recalled.
Give it the eye test. Do the tires look worn? Is the paint chipped, or does the frame have any dents? A simple once-over of the bike can give you a good idea if its owner has taken care of it. While a dinged up bike doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering, it should give you more reason to look into its functional condition and ask the owner about the bike’s history.
Have a mechanic look at it. There’s no better way to judge a motorcycle’s condition than to have a professional examine its inner workings. Ask the seller if they’d be comfortable letting a mechanic take a look at the bike. Make sure to hire a mechanic who specializes in motorcycles, and for a small fee, you can get an idea of the quality of your potential purchase.
Ask for receipts or documentation of maintenance. A bike’s entire history can’t be uncovered by a VIN check and a mechanic, so ask the seller if they’ve kept record of the all the work done on the bike. An experienced seller will be able to give you the ins and outs of what they’ve done to the bike, so it’s a good sign if their answer is “yes.”
How much power do I need?
You can generally gauge a motorcycle’s power by checking the engine’s cubic centimeters (CC), which tells you the size of the engine. This is usually included in the name of the motorcycle (Kawasaki Ninja 250, Harley-Davidson Street 750, etc). If you’re an inexperienced rider, a motorcycle with a ton of power might be appealing, but ask yourself if you’ll really need it. It’ll likely cost you more and will have a steeper learning curve than a bike with a lesser CC, so you’ll be better off sticking to a motorcycle with a smaller engine for your first go-round. There’s no magic number of CC in a beginner’s bike, but just remember that bigger isn’t always better.
How heavy should my bike be?
As a beginner, you’re probably going to drop it a couple times. Whether you bump it while its parked, or simply lose your balance while waiting at a red light, you’re going to need to pick it up — and few things are more nerve-racking than holding up traffic while you struggle to get your bike back in riding position.
Heavier bikes often have more power, so picking a lighter motorcycle is almost always in the best interest of a beginner.
What kind of motorcycle should I get?
The answer depends heavily on the kind of riding you plan on doing. There’s a variety of different styles of motorcycles out there, but let’s break it down into four basic categories:
Standard motorcycles. These bikes are just what their name implies — they’re basic. They can be adequately used for commuting, cruising or road-tripping, are good for first-timers, and generally don’t have features that intimidate or get beginners in trouble. Their seating position isn’t as relaxed as other options, but can still be described as comfortable.
Cruisers. These bikes generally have a laid-back style seat that make, you guessed it, cruising comfortable. These bikes tend to sit a bit lower than others and tend to be a bit heavier, but if you’re well-practiced in keeping a motorcycle upright at stops and love a relaxed drive around town, this might be the style for you.
Sportbikes. Of all the bikes mentioned, these might be the most identifiable on the road. These motorcycles feature a leaned-forward sitting position, engines capable of high speeds and are generally not suitable for beginners. Standard motorcycles are much closer to sportbikes than cruisers, so if you’ve got your heart set on a one in the future, we highly recommend you get more than comfortable with a standard motorcycle first.
Touring motorcycles. If you’re looking to use your motorcycle for long road trips or commuting to work, you might want to keep a touring bike in mind. Oftentimes these bikes feature adequate storage and features similar to that of a full-size vehicle, such as a stereo, comfortable seating and a large fuel tank. However, those features push these kinds of bikes into a higher price range. If you’ve got the budget for it, go for it — but consider whether your first bike should be new or used.
How much should I spend on a motorcycle?
Ready to start your motorcycle-buying journey? Start off smart by setting a budget before looking online or visiting a dealer. As with any new hobby, it’s easy to go overboard and throw around too much money in the name of excitement. But later, if your passion fizzles, you might end up with a hole in your wallet. Establish a maximum amount you can afford to spend on a motorcycle and don’t get caught up in the excitement of a brand new toy.
Make sure to include the cost of gear, routine maintenance, and motorcycle insurance into your budget. Your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) can help you get the right kind of coverage for your new bike to protect it, and you, from damage or an accident.
Related Articles
- Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles are becoming more popular every day. And like electric vehicles, they’re disrupting the industry and challenging traditional manufacturers to produce a better bike. With more electric sport bikes entering the market annually, newcomers are starting to draw serious attention.
And conventional bikers are taking notice. From saving on gas bills to riding a smarter bike, old-school motorcyclists find dependability and decreased maintenance costs a major driver as well. A few manufacturers have electric bikes that have been on the market for about a decade. And others are following this trend — with the new rides rolling off the production line soon. Take a look where the market is at, and where it’s headed, with our primer on electric motorcycles.
Extended Riding-range for Battery Powered Motorcycles
Manufacturers are plugging new tech into their electric bikes, scooters and motorcycles. Lithium ion battery R & D continues to produce more energy efficient ways to ride. Here are a few ways these powerful batteries are charging the industry.
Better mileage
Many manufacturers have pushed the range that their bikes can travel before running out of a charge with their latest offering.
Fast charging
New quick-charging battery systems keep your downtime to a minimum. A few producers are currently promoting a charging pack that’s 50% quicker than previous models. The most aggressive of these charging systems boast a 100% charge in just 60 minutes.
Battery guarantees
Some groups are offering unlimited battery warranties that extend for five years.
Regenerative braking capability
One big benefit of electric motorcycles is their ability to re-capture energy. By converting braking and coasting momentum into a real-time recharge, that energy is used over and over again.
Electric motorcycles vs. gas
When compared to the range that a conventional 1000cc sports bike gets, some e-motorcycles travel just as far on a full charge as they would on a full tank of gas.
E-motorcycles Accelerate Faster
One of the coolest things about electric motorcycles is the immediate torque and acceleration they have. By not depending on a clutch or a multi-speed transmission, these rides really move. There’s an electric motorcycle for every kind of rider. Whatever bike you choose, remember to leverage a motorcycle insurance discount with our suite of motorcycle safety course options.
Motorbikes, race bikes, superbikes — these are the kinds of electric motorcycles you might have already seen on the market. But if you’re more of a cruiser or a tour bike fan, don’t be discouraged. You’ll find there’s perfect ride out there to fit your needs. And best the best part? They’re all lightning fast off the line.
220 mph, zero to 60 in 2.0 seconds
The heavyweights on the market can hit 60 mph in two seconds flat with a top speeds around 220 mph. Now that’s cooking!
Peak performance via onboard energy management
Newer battery-controlling software allows you to ride like you would with a normal bike. And you won’t have to worry about burning through your battery.
Hydraulic brakes helps you stop on a dime
Folding in automatic breaking systems (ABS) technology, these fast bikes come equipped to slow down smartly — and quickly. And American Family’s advanced riding course can help seasoned bikers up their game, which is even smarter.
Electric Bikes Require Less Maintenance
One big win for e-motorcycles is that there are fewer moving parts. And that translates to lighter, less-expensive maintenance schedules. It’s true, some of the electronic motorcycles have a higher initial price tag. But the money saved across the life of the bike can help to offset that up-front investment. Here are a few other important electronic motorcycle maintenance details:
No oil means no oil changing
Owning an electric motorcycle is just plain easier. No checking and changing the oil or filter.
Tune ups are a breeze
No spark plugs, clutch or timing belt to replace. No fuel filter to change. In the long run, less maintenance helps to justify the higher price tag.
Less moving parts
Because e-motorcycles are really just an electric motor and drive train, there’s less worry. You won’t have to keep an internal combustion engine up and running.
Smarter ebike tech
Bluetooth-enabled smart phones can hook into many of the e-motorcycle’s stats. A sampling includes maps to known charging stations, carbon footprint data and financial comparisons of money saved over conventional gas-powered bikes.
Electric Scooters Are Gaining Momentum
With some scooters reaching top speeds around 50 mph, e-scooters are also gaining popularity. The Super Soco is targeting more aggressive riders with their TC MAX, which push above 60 mph. The Vespa Elettrica is made for urban commuting with a more conservative 30 mph limit. Like e-motorcycles, these models also come equipped with an app. You’ll get a wide array of data and stats that inform your ride.
Do You Need Insurance for an Electric Motorcycle?
Yes, you should take a look at your motorcycle coverage options to best protect your ride, and remember to check in with your American Family Insurance agent. Reducing your carbon footprint can help you contribute to a greener world, and getting an electric motorcycle might be the way to go. With it, you’ll enjoy performance, convenience, versatility and all the other cool benefits that are part of being a biker. Ride on!
This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.
This article does not afford or guarantee coverage.
- Insurance for a Moped or Scooter
Whether cruising to class, work or out for a leisurely ride, a moped or scooter is a convenient way to get from point A to point B — plus, they’re great on gas!
When you hit the road, you have your helmet and other riding gear ready to go, but you’ll want to make sure you have that extra layer of protection in place — motorcycle insurance.
Is it required to have insurance for a moped or scooter? Let’s find out.
- Top 10 Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle
So, you’ve decided to buy a used motorcycle. Good for you! You’ll probably save money on the bike itself, and you can reap additional savings by avoiding setup, delivery and dealer fees if you’re buying from a private seller. The last thing you want though is for your used bike to break down or have surprise damage and problems.
- Get Your Motorcycle Ready for Spring
When the snow finally melts, winter says its goodbyes and you welcome the arrival of spring, there’s one thing on your mind: getting your motorcycle back on the road. While you give your motorcycle regular maintenance during the warmer months, it likely needs a little bit more love after hibernating all winter. That’s why we put together a list of motorcycle maintenance tips to get you ready for the spring.
Motorcycle Tire Maintenance
Start where your bike meets the road and give the tires a thorough check before you start the engine. Here’s how you can make sure your motorcycle’s wheels are ready for spring:
Check the tire pressure. You always want to check your motorcycle's tire pressure when your tires are cold, which shouldn’t be a problem since it’s been in your garage since last fall. Grab a tire pressure gauge and your motorcycle’s manual and see if they’re within the recommended range. Underinflated tires will cut down on your gas mileage and overinflated tires will be more susceptible to wear and other damage. Plus, they’re both much more dangerous to drive on.
Give them a closer look. Take the time to look closely at both tires and spot any cracking or other signs of a leak like punctures. If you notice wear, swap out the tires as soon as possible. Driving on a damaged tire is never worth the risk.
Know your tires’ story. Different styles, brands and types of tires will have different lifespans and fare better in certain conditions. If you bought your bike used, you should have gotten details on how long the tires have been used, mileage and where it was driven. Research the specific tire model, its lifespan and find its date code on the actual tire. If you’re not sure, take your bike to a repair shop or dealer to get more info and an inspection.
Check Your Motorcycle’s Brakes
The brake system is probably the most ignored part of your motorcycle. When it works, you don’t think about it — and when you notice something wrong, you need to take it in right away. Avoid an expensive and potentially dangerous problem by checking these parts of your brakes:
Check the brake fluid. Motorcycle manufacturers’ recommendations will vary, but the general rule of thumb is that you should change your brake fluid at least once every two years. Refer to your owner’s manual and manufacturer tutorials if you want to do it yourself, or hand the job off to a pro.
Making sure your brake fluid is within the recommended range, however, is something you can do every time you hop on your bike. Make sure it’s at its maximum level at the start of spring by checking the gauge usually located near your handlebars for your front brake and near the back tire for the rear brake. If it’s low, fill it with manufacturer-recommended brake fluid.
Peek at the brake pads. When brake pads wear down and aren’t replaced on time, your bike could suffer some seriously damaging and expensive consequences. Most brake pads will have an indicator visible without having to take your bike apart, so make sure you understand how it works and how it indicates that a change is necessary. And if you’re not comfortable handling the job yourself, it’s not all that expensive to outsource it to a mechanic.
Inspect the Interior of the Motorcycle
Once you’ve checked the parts of your bike that keep you on the road and stop you when you need to, it’s time to check out some of the parts not visible to the naked eye:
Check the oil. You may have changed your oil and replaced the filter when you winterized your bike, but if not, you’ll want to do that now — it’s good to give it a healthy start to the riding season.
Test your battery. When your motorcycle sits still for months at a time, especially in less-than-ideal weather, your bike’s battery’s life can be shortened. It’s smart to charge it occasionally throughout the winter months, but if you forgot to do so, it may need replacing. If you’re having trouble getting your battery to work, remove it and take it to a local hardware store that offers battery testing.
Look at the fuel filter. Your motorcycle’s fuel filter is crucial to the health of your engine. Give your bike a clean start by replacing the fuel filter and filling it up with a fresh tank of gas before you take it out for a long ride.
Check the bike’s spark plugs. Most manufacturers will recommend that you check your spark plugs every 4,000 to 5,000 miles, but even if you didn’t ride your bike that much last year, you should still inspect them. Take a look at each one individually and keep an eye out for oil leakage, ash deposits or overall wear and tear. If you notice wear and tear or are concerned about their condition, replace them — they’re a small price to pay for a clean-running ride.
Inspect other often-ignored moving parts. The chain, kickstand, throttle shifter — all these parts can get dried out and even rusty while in storage. And while they’re considered minor when compared to your tires, brakes and engine, they’re still important! Lubricate where you need to and avoid having to make a frustrating fix early in the season.
Once you’ve inspected and tested your motorcycle, clean and shine it up make sure you're ready to ride with proper etiquette before you take it out on the road — then, make sure you’re protected from the unexpected with the right motorcycle insurance. Your American Family Insurance agent is dedicated to making sure your coverage is customized to fit your specific needs. Get in touch today and get the peace of mind you deserve.
