How To Choose a Motorcycle

Ok, so you have fallen in love with motorcycle riding, now you need to complete the most important task of them all and that is to buy your first motorcycle. But how do you choose? Here are some guidlines to follow and dont forget with over 30 years experience in the motorcycle industry we know a thing or two about bikes so please feel free to ask any of our staff, they all ride and love motorcycles!

1. In Western Australia the law states that everyone must first start out on a motorcycle no larger than 250cc engine capacity. This allows a novice rider to build confidence and skills on a lighter more basic motorcycle before moving upto a larger capacity bike twelve months later. Depending on your motorcycle requirements a 250cc bike may be all you will ever need.  

2. Recognise your need for a motorcycle. There are Cruisers, Street bikes, Touring bikes and Sports bikes, and each of them cater to specific riding styles. Cruisers are popular due to their low seat height and comfortable riding position, whilst Touring bikes offer huge fairings for wind protection, comfortable seats for rider and pillion and are generally larger capacity bikes. Sports bikes offer razor sharp handling, superb brakes and accelleration that can only be likened to being shot out of a cannon. A bike that may be ideal for heavy traffic conditions may not be ideal for long distances, or for using as a weekend thrill ride. Ask yourself - do you love the torque of a V-Twin engine, or does a 0 to 100km an hour rush excite you? Be realistic in identifying where and how much you will ride your motorcycle before you make the purchase.

3. Know what is available. Spend time to identify the different variants available based on your requirement, and study each carefully. Each bike has its own characteristics. While some have excellent handling abilities, others blast away in a straight line. Be realistic in your assessments. Checking out a final shortlist may help you identify distinct preferences and dislikes, which will help you make an informed choice at the time of purchase.

4. Choose a bike that suits your body type. Since bikes come in different shapes and sizes just like humans do it is important that your bike is ergonomically suited to you. Try test riding the bikes you have shortlisted. You will be amazed at how different each riding experience is. Some may require you to sit in uncomfortable postures, some may have a more manageable center of gravity, some may have a higher seat, and some may have uncomfortable handlebars. You need to take a ride on the bikes to determine which bike fits you best so that riding can be a great experience in the long term.

5. Decide if you want a new or used bike. Whilst a used bike will give you less guilt if you dent or scratch it, consider that the long-term operational costs of the bike may be slightly higher than a new bike. Conversely new bikes come with a full manufacturers warranty for extra piece of mind. If you are not absolutely sure of your riding skills, you may buy a used bike, master the art of motorcycling and the graduate to a new bike when you feel the time is right.

6. Financing your new or used bike is a popular option as it allows you to budget on a weekly or monthly basis. Certain finance packages allow you to purchase the motorcycle new or used, and you can include the cost of your riding gear and insurance so its all covered in one easy payment. Like anything that has an engine motorcycles require routine servicing to keep then in good working order and depending on the mileage of the bike service costs will vary depending on the work that needs to be done. So make sure you have a checklist ready of all these things before you invest in a motorcycle. 

7. Finally make sure you also choose passionately, Discretion is the key word here. You may follow the checklist word for word and end up buying a bike that is merely functional and does not actually excite you. In the long run it may take the passion of riding out of you. So even while you make a logical decision choose with passion too. Get a bike that will excite you every minute you are on it.

Follow this checklist and be the proud owner of a bike that fulfills all of your needs and yet is a joy to ride.