Bike Buying 101: How To Get The Best Deal On a Motorcycle

You know the dreadful feeling when you buy something you’ve always wanted and then you find out you could have been smarter as there are far cheaper deals? Not snooping Motorcycle around for long enough can really leave a mark on your wallet, not to mention it can ruin the enjoyment and kill all the fun in the aftermath.

If you’re preparing to buy a motorcycle, don’t let this scenario happen to you. Buying a bike is the type of purchase that has to be well thought through and planned, so try restraining yourself from making any impulsive decisions. Be smarter than that: read on to find out how to get the best deal on a motorcycle.

Assess Your Wants and Needs

Before you start looking for shops and best deals, figure out what you are searching for. Are you an experienced biker who is looking for a stronger, better performing motorcycle or perhaps a beginner in the bike world purchasing his first ride? There are dozens of options on the market, so you need to narrow down your choice and understand what is it that you’re seeking for – a sports bike, cruiser, scooter, enduro, or customs. Consider the optimal weight and height of the motorcycle, type and size of the engine, riding position and the comfort of the seat, pricing range that you’re comfortable with, as well as the accompanying costs.

Once you have a vague idea of what you’d like, conduct further research to explore all your options. Not only will this help you get a fuller understanding of your own expectations (and how they resonate with reality), but it will also prevent the possibility of sale persons tricking you into buying something more expensive you don’t actually want.

Visit a Dealership

After you’ve reasoned with yourself what you want and need, look for the best dealership. You can find your dealer through websites such as CycleCrunch, that allow you to browse through the offer of new and used bikes in your area. Of course, nothing can replace seeing the bike in person, so once you’ve picked your dealership – it’s time to go and have a look at the offer live. Don’t be shy to ask the salesmen any questions you may have about a certain motorcycle model. Never assume anything or make a purchase if you still have some dilemmas. Treat the sales representative as the knowledge source. It could happen that you want to buy a bike with one idea in mind and left the dealership with a whole different one. Of course, you don’t want to get tricked by business, but let the trained employees help you with their expertise. Always take the bike for a test ride to see how it performs and how do you feel in the rider’s seat. If you’re not 100% sure of what you want, it’s better to sleep on it.

Understand the Costs

When deciding on the motorcycle you want, there are various costs you have to take in mind. In addition to the actual price you pay for the bike, you also pay the sales tax, dealer fees (these can go anywhere from $300 to $1000), title transfer, as well as for the riding gear. There are also maintenance costs and the money you’ll have to put out for gasoline. And don’t forget the insurance: according to The Balance, annual insurance coverage can go between $100 and over $3000, depending on a number of factors, including the type of the bike and the insured time period you choose. Spread the burden of payment by planning ahead, bargaining, and researching the price ranges in your area.

We all know it’s shockingly easy to fall for the beauty of two-wheelers and even spend life savings in a jiffy on them. But with just a little bit of effort and savvy thinking, you can get the best deal and buy the motorcycle of your dreams without crippling your budget.