| Maybe this is you. You have always wanted a | | | | Like cars, a new motorcycle can depreciate rapidly |
| motorcycle, but have never taken the leap and | | | | once you take it off the showroom floor. Some can |
| bought one. When you were young, your parents | | | | lose up to 30% (or more) of value during the first |
| were dead-set against a motorcycle of any kind. So, | | | | year alone! My advice is to look for a cream-puff 2 |
| you gave up, bought a car and lived your life. But | | | | or 3 year old motorcycle that has low mileage. In my |
| now, you are an adult, and you are ready for your | | | | experience, the vast majority of bikes will have |
| first motorcycle. | | | | extremely low mileage - often 2,000 miles per year - |
| But, how should you go about shopping for a | | | | because the owner either finds out he or she really |
| motorcycle? What should you look for? What bike | | | | doesn't like to ride, and that they can be inconvenient |
| would be best for you? I'll try to answer those | | | | in cold/inclement weather. |
| questions for you using some of my experiences as | | | | I like the cream-puffs that were stored inside and |
| a first-time motorcycle buyer, years ago. | | | | maintained meticulously. The truth is, there's not |
| Use Your Brains | | | | much in price that separates a cream-puff from an |
| That's easy enough to say, but how do you do this? | | | | average used motorcycle. Buy the cream-puff. |
| Chances are, you're probably drooling over the latest | | | | Purchasing Your Motorcycle |
| crotch rockets. That is your first no-no. for a | | | | So, you think you've found the perfect starter bike |
| beginner, you really should be concentrating on finding | | | | for you? Before you hand over your cash, I want |
| a motorcycle that won't kill you. My first bike was a | | | | you to do a few things - first. |
| 50cc moped. I learned to do everything but go fast. | | | | Bring someone else that has experience with |
| I'm not suggesting you go down that low, but you | | | | motorcycles. Another pair of eyes is a great thing to |
| should be looking for something that will be | | | | bring along. They can spot things you would |
| somewhat forgiving of mistakes. | | | | overlook, things that could cost you a lot of money |
| Maybe something in the 350 cc to 500 cc twin range | | | | if ignored. Plus, if they are an experienced rider, they |
| might be a great first motorcycle. These bikes are | | | | may be able to see if the motorcycle is appropriate |
| powerful enough to be safe in traffic, are usually light | | | | for you. If your "expert" says to pass on this one, |
| enough to maneuver around, and won't be so | | | | relax. There are literally thousands of motorcycles out |
| powerful as to pop a wheelie if you get careless with | | | | there just waiting for you! |
| the clutch. My first "real" road bike was a Honda 350 | | | | Call your insurance agent and get a quote on |
| twin. Yes, it wasn't the fastest thing on the roads, | | | | insurance for that bike. Chances are insurance will be |
| but I learned how to ride, and ended up putting | | | | very inexpensive, but if you've had a few tickets or |
| about 25,000 miles on that old machine. And, knock | | | | an accident, that insurance may cost you an arm and |
| on wood, I never had any accidents. | | | | a leg. Better know costs before the purchase. |
| Some of the older cruiser bikes, like a Harley | | | | So far, so good. You like the bike and your |
| Davidson, may seem like a bargain as a great started | | | | motorcycle friend likes it as well. Now, find a local |
| bike. They are relatively inexpensive to buy and | | | | motorcycle shop (with a good reputation) and have |
| there are many for sale. But, they can be quite | | | | the bike checked out mechanically. This inspection |
| heavy and difficult to maneuver as compared to the | | | | should cost you less than $100, and it may be the |
| smaller bikes I listed above. I have nothing against | | | | best insurance policy you ever bought. Once again, |
| Harley Davidsons, but some of the older Harleys can | | | | full knowledge will help you make a good decision. |
| be quite the maintenance nightmare at times. That's | | | | Of course, these are only a few tips on buying your |
| why I would look for a Japanese bike to start with. | | | | first motorcycle. Do yourself a favor and pledge to |
| They can be quite cheap, and most are very reliable. | | | | be a good rider and take care of you and your new |
| Should You Buy A Brand New Motorcycle? | | | | motorcycle! |