Top Tips When Choosing Your Motorcycle

Whether you are buying a new motorcycle or a used one, it is important that you consider certain factors. Remember, buying a bike is much different than purchasing a motor vehicle. That is why before you buy a motorcycle, you need to consider things like what type of riding you will be doing, the safety aspects you need in your bike, and whether you are buying a motorcycle for leisure rides on weekends or your commuting needs.

The Different Types of Motorcycles

Before you hit the bike market, it is important that you understand the different types of motorcycles that are available. Knowing these options can help you choose the right bike for your needs and the type of riding you will do.

Take, for instance, some of these more popular types of bikes:

Cruiser Bikes

Cruiser bikes are a great option for beginners and experienced riders who own a variety of different motorcycles. This is because these bikes are great for riders who want a more relaxed ride in an iconic “chopper” style motorcycle while still having many customizable options. These motorcycles also tend to be heavier, larger, and built for long-haul comfort rather than speed.

Sport Bikes

If you want a bike made for speed, then a sports bike is a great option. These bikes offer superior handling. However, they do need a certain level of experience to ensure safe riding.

As a result, when you are first starting out as a rider, you should consider purchasing a sports bike at the lower end of power before upgrading to a more powerful sports bike.

Touring Bikes

If you want to spend long periods on the open road, you need a motorcycle made for long and comfy rides. For these types of excursions, touring bikes are the way to go. However, these motorcycles are the heaviest of the bikes available, so if this is your first motorcycle, they may not be ideal for you.

These bikes also come with powerful engines, significant trunk space, and high-end features and technology to ensure your riding experience is exactly what you always want it to be.

Naked Bikes

These bikes have become popular in recent years because it is a motorcycle that fits right between the iconic cruiser bike and the popular street bike. These bikes are perfect for beginners because they offer a more upright riding style, but any type of rider can purchase this style of bike.

Adventure Bikes

These motorcycles are halfway between a motorcycle and an off-road bike, making them perfect for touring wild places like the desert. Although these bikes are built for the ultimate adventure, meaning they have powerful engines and rugged, versatile features, they are also great for those who love conventional riding.

Find the Bike with the Right Fit and Weight

One common mistake people make when buying a motorcycle is they fail to check if the bike is the right weight and fit for them. This is key for an ideal ride since getting the ergonomics correct can ensure that you have better handling and control of your bike, as well as a comfortable ride. That is why when choosing a motorcycle, you want to find one where your arms reach the handlebars with the ability to turn side to side without having to shift in your seat.

You should also be able to keep your feet on the pegs comfortably, place your legs flat on the ground, and reach and operate the brakes and controls easily. If you cannot push the bike around manually or lift it off the ground, it may be too heavy for you.

Make Sure You Consider Your Budget

When you are purchasing a motorcycle, you need to consider your budget. Don’t forget that apart from the motorcycle, you will also need quality riding gear, including a motorcycle helmet, riding pants, gloves, boots, and a jacket, as this gear can ensure you have a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

For these reasons, as you are weighing your options, you may want to consider used bikes. Not only are they cheaper, but when you are first learning how to ride a bike, you may experience numerous scratches and dings on your bike. As a result, it may make more sense to get a used bike now, and once you outgrow it and become more experienced, you can begin looking to buy a new one.

Review Your Insurance Options

When you purchase a motorcycle, you will also need to have a motorcycle insurance policy on your bike before hitting the road. These insurance policies must cover the same things that a typical motor vehicle policy would, including liability insurance for property damage and bodily injury damage. It may also be a good idea to get collision insurance that can help replace or repair your bike if you are involved in an accident, as well as underinsured motorist insurance that can protect you against motorists or other drivers who do not have a sufficient insurance policy to cover your medical bills and the full extent of your losses.

Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Unfortunately, no matter how much you prepare and research to ensure you purchase the best bike to stay safe on the roads, accidents still happen, leaving motorcyclists dealing with life-threatening injuries, excruciating pain, and astronomical medical bills. However, if you have been harmed in a motorcycle collision due to the wrongful actions of another, a motorcycle accident attorney at Pacific West Injury Law can help protect your rights.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out how we can fight for the justice and damages you are entitled to.