Buying a motorbike is a very exciting purchase! But there are a number of things you’ll need to know and consider before taking the plunge and buying your new bike.
What is your budget?
Motorbikes vary in price dramatically, so the first thing you’ll need to do is work out what sort of money you can afford to spend on a bike. If it’s not much, then you might want to consider something like a used 125cc scooter instead – they’re generally cheaper than larger motorcycles, but they’re still fun to ride!
If budget is a major constraint, it’s a good idea to check out your second-hand bike options as well – you might be able to find a bargain!
What will you be using your bike for?
You’ll also need to know what you’ll be using your bike for – if you just want something cheap to get around on short distances then it probably doesn’t matter too much about having the latest model with all the bells and whistles. However, if you want a reliable transport solution that can handle motorway journeys then you’ll actually need something with a few more horses under the bonnet.
How are you going to finance it?
If you don’t have the cash to pay upfront, then you should obviously check out your motorbike finance options! The other benefit of finance is that it can spread the cost of your bike out over time so you aren’t paying huge chunks every month.
It’s a good idea to compare your best motorcycle finance options online, for example by using an online comparison website. You’ll be able to see all of your options in one place and make an informed decision about which loan is right for you.
What are your safety concerns?
Having a bike to get around town on is great – except when you’re not really in control of it. New riders can take time to master even the most basic manoeuvres, so make sure you don’t rush into buying your first bike until you feel confident about riding safely.
If possible, try asking for lessons or taking some practice sessions before you buy a bike – or even better, get a friend to teach you!
This will give you the opportunity to learn how to handle your motorbike safely and responsibly. It will also help to keep your costs down in the future because if you end up having an accident, then it’s going to cost a lot more than just paying for a few lessons in the first place!
What other costs are involved with financing a bike?
When you buy a bike the initial cost shouldn’t be your only concern – there are so many other things to think about.
For example, keeping it running will be expensive – petrol isn’t cheap these days and bikes can eat through fuel even faster than some cars! Plus there’s insurance to consider too.
