by 
The number of people riding a motorcycle has increased dramatically over the past few years, with more than 114,300 new bikes registered in the UK last year. This is a massive 9.3% increase from the previous year. However, what these figures don’t tell us is why so many people choose to ride motorcycles.
After speaking to many motorcyclists, we discovered that the main reason people choose this type of vehicle is that riding a motorcycle gives them a sense of freedom. Another reason is that motorcycles are much cheaper to purchase and run. If you like the idea of owning a motorcycle, but don’t know where to begin, here are some of the things you need to consider before you make a purchase:
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1. Your Budget
The very first thing you need to work out before you start looking for a motorcycle is how much money you have available to spend. When working out a budget, you need to consider the amount of spare money you have to spend on a vehicle and the cost of insuring and running the vehicle.
Besides that, it is really important to think about the money that you will have to spend on a monthly basis for maintenance. You will also need a little extra available at all times in the event that the motorcycle breaks down. This is one thing that most people do not think about. If you spend all your money on the motorcycle but you do not have, for instance, the cash needed to register it or road taxes, you need to go for something more affordable.
2. New or Used?
Once you know your budget, you can determine whether you can afford a new motorcycle or are looking at buying a second-hand one. There are pros and cons to both of these options.
While new motorcycles come with a warranty, they are much more expensive. The warranty is important because it means repairs will be covered in the event that something is wrong with the bike. At the same time, there is a higher possibility that monthly maintenance costs will be a lot lower, especially during the first years of ownership.
With used motorcycles, the huge advantage is that the initial cost will be a lot lower when compared to new motorcycles. But the monthly maintenance costs tend to be higher and repairs are much more likely. Also, even if you do get a warranty from a used vehicle dealership, it will be a lot less than with the new bike option.
3. Model and Make of Motorcycle
From touring bikes to cruisers and choppers, there are many different motorcycles to choose from. Before you start looking for a motorcycle, it’s a great idea to research the different options, so you know what you are looking for.
It is worth mentioning that some people prefer the riding style of the chopper while others want the speed of the sports motorcycle. Riding position does count and there are cases in which you will not be comfortable with the style of the vehicle. Also, some models and makes are better in terms of reliability.
The bottom line is you need to learn as much as you can about the make and model of the motorcycle you will buy. The more information you have, the higher the possibility you are going to make a correct choice so you end up with a vehicle that will be great for a long period of time.
4. Your Physique
Like motorcycles, our bodies come in different shapes and sizes. Thanks to this, your physique should be a determining factor in the motorcycle you choose. You will want to find a motorcycle that suits your size and shape. To do this, you must try out a range of motorcycles to find one you feel comfortable on.
The best thing you can do is to visit the dealership and go on a test ride. These are available in more dealerships than you might think. Even if you cannot take the motorcycle on the road because of store policy, you will most likely be able to at least get on top of it to see if the riding position will be comfortable for your body.
5. Can You Get Replacement Parts?
Another important consideration before buying a motorcycle is whether you can get spare parts. Although the motorcycle might work perfectly when you purchase it, if a problem occurs, you will want to know that you can get the parts to fix it. You can do this by contacting a spare parts business such as Double R Parts. They will be able to tell you how easy it is to get parts for your motorcycle.
Never underestimate how difficult it is to get replacement parts when they are needed. This is especially the case for older models that are no longer being manufactured. While some custom options might be available for them, they would still cost a lot more than you would initially think.
6. Engine Size
If you are a novice motorcyclist, choosing a motorcycle with a small engine is advisable. However, if you have more experience, you might want to go for something a little bit larger. The same can be said about the size of the motorcycle since being in control of a heavy one that is very powerful will require more strength.
Conclusions
Before buying a motorcycle, there’s a lot to consider. As well as thinking about the type and model of motorcycle you would like, you also have to think about several other things, including how you will pay for it. Make sure you consider all of these things before making a purchase.
Also, if you do not know much about motorcycles in general, the best thing you can do is to have a mechanic give you recommendations. This is especially true when you decide to purchase a used motorcycle. It would be impossible for you to determine the running condition of the vehicle without the help of someone with knowledge.
