What Kind?
First off, what kind of bike are you looking for? A heavy hog that roars like a lion? A speedy street bike that makes your hair stand on end? For the beginner, it is a good idea to research the pros and cons of the popular models of motorcycles. These include Cruisers, Sportbikes, Touring, DualSport and Standard. If your purpose is to take day trips to destination sites, then a high-quality Touring bike is the way to go. However, if you feel the need for speed, then a Sportbike may be a better fit. Interested in off-road riding? A DualSport bike will provide the necessary handling to navigate rough terrain. Take some time to consider your lifestyle, the amount you want to spend and the purpose of owning a motorcycle before making a purchase.
New or Used?
Another question newcomers to motorcycle culture will ask is if they should buy a new or used bike. Many experts recommend buying used first, since it will take some time for you to get comfortable riding. Also, like cars, buying used for your first go round will give you the chance to tinker with the engine and understand how these machines work. Buying used will not only cost less, but give you a nice training model to experience some typical breakdowns that you will soon learn how to fix. It’s better to make mistakes on a cheap, used bike than a costly, top-of-the-line Harley-Davidson.
Get your Gear
Don’t be fooled; owning a motorcycle requires a lot of responsibility and these machines are not toys. Riding a motorcycle can be very dangerous and before you rev the engine, make sure you have the right gear to protect yourself. A high-quality helmet, leather jacket, riding gloves, biker boots and eye protection are just a few of the items you will want to have to keep yourself safe from road rash, debris and other riding hazards.
Be Legal
Having a driver’s license doesn’t mean you can legally operate a motorcycle. You will need to get a motorcycle endorsement on your license before riding. It makes sense to take a motorcycle safety course that will cover the basics of the bike, the rules of the road and skills that can prevent dangerous accidents.