7 Points Checklist for Buying Your First Motorcycle in 2024

2. Define the purpose of buying the motorcycle:

Do all the calculations and have a clear image of what you need and your honest reason for buying the motorcycle. Here are different types of applications you can use your bike for:

• Daily commute: You can consider something that is comfortable and fuel-efficient bikes like Suzuki SV650 or Honda CB500F.
• Adventure and Touring: You can go with high-power and fun-to-ride bikes like BMW GS or KTM 790.
• Performance and Thrill: High-speed/accelerating bikes like Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R or Yamaha YZF-R1 can be an appropriate choice for such an experience.
• Cruising: In this case, you should choose a relaxed bike maker like Harly Davidson or Royal Enfield.

These are just some broad categories but you can also look for other options based on your own decision.

3. Take a test drive and inspect the motorcycle:

Take a long test drive and don’t settle until you get an idea of the motorcycle’s performance. Here are some points one must focus on while taking the test drive:

• Low-speed handling: Test manoeuvrability, steering feel, and stability at low speeds, simulating tight traffic situations.
• Engine and throttle response:Pay attention to smoothness, power delivery, and vibration at different RPMs.
• Braking performance:Also, it’s essential to test the brakes in a controlled environment. You must ensure they have adequate stopping power and feel progressive.
• Suspension and comfort: Ride over different road surfaces to assess bump absorption and comfort for longer rides.
• Ergonomics and riding position:Ensure the seating position is comfortable, with good reach to controls and visibility.
• Confidence and feeling:Ask yourself questions like does the bike feel comfortable and safe to ride.

4. Beware of hidden costs:

While buying your first motorcycle, take someone knowledgeable with during billing, who clearly understands the motorcycle sales process. Look closely at the ex-showroom price, calculate all the bill components, and see if the total price makes sense.

5. Embrace budgeting:

It may sound old school, but budgeting should be your first priority when getting a motorcycle for the first time. It helps you with future budget projections and makes a better decision.

6. Review servicing and aftersales services:

By owning a motorcycle for the first time, learning about your vehicle will take some time. Meanwhile, if an issue arises with your bike, you’d have zero ideas about fixing it. That’s why it is very important to have a good after-sales service from the dealership. So, have a transparent review of companies/dealer’s after-sales services.

7. Get all the essential accessories:

You must prioritise getting all the essential accessories. This ensures you have a comfortable ride and doesn’t compromise safety on the road.

Now that we’re fully prepared to take the right steps, here are the red flags you must avoid while buying a motorcycle for the first time.

1. Falling for the Deals Too Good to be True: You need to keep in mind that everything comes with a cost attached and nothing is free. If anything is too good to be true, there’s a catch and you should be careful while finalising the deal. Never fall for cheap deals and fraudulent offers when buying a motorcycle for the first time.
2. Not doing proper research: It is advisable to be patient and never rush into buying a bike. While buying your first motorcycle, it should be done with proper research and understanding.
3. Ignoring the Policies: Check the warranty and other related policies carefully to see what’s covered under it. Checking everything in advance will ease the process of claiming the warranty and any related perks.

Here are the accessories you must have while buying your first motorcycle; the list is based on priority so that you can choose accordingly.

Top Priority:

1. Safety Gear: Helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. These are non-negotiable for protecting yourself in case of a crash.
2. Visibility:Reflective gear and/or a headlight modulator to increase your visibility on the road, especially at night.
3. Maintenance: Motorcycle chain lubricant and tyre pressure gauge. Regular maintenance ensures your bike runs smoothly and also increases safety.
4. Basic Tool Kit:Having essential tools like screwdrivers and pliers can help with minor repairs on the go.

Medium Priority:

1. Tank Bag: This offers easy access to essentials like a phone, wallet, and sunglasses while riding.
2. Phone Mount:Convenient for navigation and music, premium phone mounts ensure secure mounting of the device.
3. Windshield:It provides comfort on longer rides by reducing wind fatigue.

Lower Priority:

1. Luggage: Saddlebags or tail bags are useful for carrying additional gear and are not essential for daily rides.
2. Security: Motorcycle chains or locks and ground anchors are a must for security. It is important for preventing theft but prioritise safety gear first.

Now that you’ve understood the key points to consider, here’s a one-stop shop to buy a new or used motorcycle in Melbourne. Moreover, if you want to get any motorcycle-related services, Motor Cycle City is your go-to option. We have experienced engineers and staff ready to offer the best services.

Also, if you are planning to buy your first motorcycle, Motor Cycle City is one of the most trusted dealers of various brands of bikes. Having served countless vehicles for the past 35 years, we are a renowned supplier of reliable new and used bikes. We assure you the best in class motorcycle sales, servicing, accessories, and related services. If you are buying your motorcycle for the first time, our team is there to assist you anytime. You can call us on 03 9663 1200 or email us at mccity@iinet.net.au.