You have recently passed your motorcycling basics, have successfully undertaken the safety course, and are now looking to purchase your first motorbike or scooter. This is an exciting time, but if you’re brand new to the world of motorcycles, it is one that you need to navigate very carefully.
There are many brands of motorbikes or scooters that are available, and you will need to consider some very basic factors when choosing the ideal one for you.
In this article, you will be guided through some of the key things to work out when choosing the right scooter to help you make an informed decision.
Keep Performance Realistic
When asked what type of motorbike they would ideally want, most people will say something similar to a Harley-Davidson, even though this is an incredibly powerful motorbike that is not suitable for everybody. Ideally, you want to stay away from anything that has an engine larger than 600cc, and it is always safer to learn to ride a slower and safer bike, such as those on BMG Scooters. Then, you can upgrade to a Harley in a few years if you want to!
Identify What You Need
Why are you purchasing a scooter? Is it to commute to and from work? Or are you looking to tour the country on it? Will you be riding it in lots of traffic? Because motorcycles and scooters differ greatly in size and shape, you will need to consider individual needs when choosing the ideal bike for you. For instance, if you aim to commute with a bike, you will need one that is slim and comfortable rather than one that makes a lot of noise and goes quickly.
Its Size
Scooters and bikes come in many different shapes and sizes and equally, so do humans. So, as odd as it may sound, it is always ideal to aim to try a bike on for size and take it for a test drive, which is an advantage of purchasing a bike from a dealer. You’ll be able to feel a bike that is more suited to you, and you’ll know what you are looking for. For instance, you don’t want to be investing in a sports bike that will cause you to lean forward or put strains on your wrists, which you would only be able to identify if you took the bike for a test run.
New or Used?
Many people opt to buy a used scooter when it comes to their first purchase, but newer bikes come with the safety of a warranty. You have the additional comfort of being able to return them if there is a flaw. Pre-used bikes can be better for beginners as there is less to worry about with aesthetics being damaged, but they can be more problematic in the long run as they are not as reliable.
Budget
You need to consider the budget that you are willing to spend on your bike, not only during the purchase but the monthly costs and taxes. You also need to budget the cost of other things like safety gear and routine maintenance too, to see if this purchase is affordable.