A new motorcycle is probably one of the most exciting things you will buy in your life. So you probably don’t want to ruin the experience by buying the wrong bike. If you are a new rider or is thinking about upgrading your bike, here are several mistakes to be aware of before you make the purchase:
Not Test Riding the Bike
Buying a motorbike is not that different from buying a car. You are essentially buying a new vehicle and to make sure it works, you need to give it a test ride. Don’t buy a motorbike after staring at glossy photos on a shopping site or in the brochures sent by a seller. Even if you know the specs of the bike like the back of your hand, you must ride it to make sure that the model is a good fit for you. There are also certain features you might want to check yourself before a purchase, such as the safety features. The seat should be at an ideal height and your riding position must be comfortable. You may not be able to fully realise these things just by reading other people’s reviews. Therefore, don’t buy without giving the bike a test ride first.
Buying a Bike That’s Too Advanced for You
Desperate to get your hands on a brand new 2018 Street Glide? No matter how great a bike maybe engineered and built, if it’s not for you then it’s not for you. Some bikes come with advanced features that require sufficient riding skills to master. If you are a beginner level rider, don’t spend tens of thousands of dollars on a cool new ride that you are not experienced enough to ride. Think of it this way. Would you want to bench press 200 kilos on your first day at the gym? You might not want to do that even on your tenth day at the gym. Likewise, don’t ride a bike that’s just too powerful for your skill level. You would only be wasting your money. If you are a still a relatively new rider, buy an affordable bike that meets your essential needs and use it until you get sufficient riding experience to upgrade to a better bike.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Bike
Are you sure you need a sportsbike? Or would your needs be better served by a standard commuter bike? As there are many different types of bikes available these days, make sure you buy a model that meets your real life requirements rather than your desires.
Judging the Bike Based on Cubic Capacity
The power of bike engines are measured in cubic centimetres or CCs for the volume the machine has mix fuel and air. Some rider think that higher cubic capacity means a more powerful and just generally better bike. Well, this is a misconception. Engines of modern bikes also have various other features that you might want to consider. A higher CC may not necessarily translate into a great bike model. Therefore, read about all the feature of the engine before you buy. Don’t forget to compare different engines of similar models so you can make the best decision. Do your research so you don’t fall into the cubic capacity trap.
When shopping for your next motorcycle, make sure to avoid the above mistakes.
