5 Motorcycle Buying Tips to Make Your First Purchase Easier

First of all, you need to know how you'll be using your bike. Is it going to replace your car on your daily commute around town? Or are you taking it to the open road with your buddies for some weekend excursions and road trips? Or, perhaps you need something more fuel-efficient for your new Uber Eats gig?

If you are planning to ride your bike mostly around town, then you probably want a motorcycle that is compact, easy to handle, and has good fuel economy. Generally, bikes that are good for city riding have smaller frames, thinner tires, and agile handling.

If you're thinking of taking it to the highways on the weekend with your buddies, then you may want a bigger bike that offers more comfort, more horsepower, better fuel economy, but most of all, one that's suited for long periods of riding at a time.

You've been drooling over the Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Honda, BMW or even the Aprilia. Unfortunately, these are not exactly the best bikes for new riders. Expensive top-of-the-line motorcycles can have up to 1500cc engine. But as a beginner, you definitely won't need all that power for torque. Instead, aim for something 600cc or smaller. Anything more gives the bike an extremely sensitive throttle which can be challenging for beginners to get used to.

And just as important as the engine size is the actual size and shape of the bike. If you are a beginner, you probably want to start with a bike that has a relatively low seat height and handlebars. This way, it will be more comfortable as you get used to riding.

Do you want to a new bike from a dealer or buy a used one from a third party? You may have the opportunity to purchase a used motorcycle from a dealer, but that is not always a guarantee.

Do you plan on taking out a loan, or have you saved up enough cash to purchase your motorcycle? In many circumstances, motorcycle loans are secured loans. This type of loan requires the motorcycle to be used as collateral for the amount being financed. Not all lenders will finance motorcycles, or they will classify them differently than an auto loan. These loans are often charged higher interest rates.

Some people prefer to pay cash for their motorcycle, and doing so has its benefits. Some dealerships may even offer discounts for those paying cash for their bike.

First of all, you will drop your bike at some point. It happens to everyone. Plus, minor scuffs and scrapes are part of the learning process, no matter who you are. That's why you should try to get a bike that isn't going to make you sob uncontrollably when you eventually have that first tip-over or scrape.

Second, it's not going to be your last bike. Don't worry about looking cool and sexy on your first or "learner bike" — you won't. If you're a beginner, get a beginner's bike. The reward? Learning to ride correctly and learning how not to die on a motorcycle.

Third, motorcycle riding may not be for you. Perhaps you find this out too late after financing a hefty purchase. You might be better off purchasing a used one until you know how to ride, have determined the type of motorcycle you ultimately want, or even decide if you like being out on the open road free of four metal walls. You will fall, you will wipe out, so you should stay away from new motorcycles while learning.

Just like purchasing a car, the historical background matters. Here are the questions that you need to have answered before buying the motorcycle that you are looking into:

• Has this motorcycle been in any accidents?
• Does the motorcycle have a clean title? Lien release? Rebuilt title?
• Does the VIN on the motorcycle match the VIN on the title?

The motorcycle history may be a price negotiation point, especially if there are any undisclosed accidents. Checking into it may also be a saving grace should there be a lien on the title.

You also need to check specific areas when you are purchasing a used motorcycle, including the overall appearance, frame, exhaust, clutch, brakes, suspension, chain and sprocket, tires and wheels, fuel tank, coolant, oil, cold start and the electrical system.

Being safe when on a motorcycle should always be in the front of a rider's mind. Like operating a car, some specific rules and habits should be followed, even on only two wheels.

There are different requirements when it comes to licensing and insurance between Canada and the United States. Whether you are looking to gain licensing in British Columbia or Ontario, you will be required to meet the minimum requirements and take a road skills test before gaining your motorcycle licensure. Licensing in the United States varies by state. Almost every state requires motorcycle riders to have a license and insurance before taking them to the open road.

You should always check with your insurance provider about covering your motorcycle when you get a new one. Even if you only add it to your coverage for the season you are riding, many states and provinces will require you to have it.

1. Always wear a helmet – head injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, and wearing a helmet can reduce the severity in some cases.
2. Wear the appropriate gear – leather isn't just for looks. Most riders wear it because it adds a layer of protection for the skin, especially in accidents where road rash is common.
3. Follow all traffic rules – traffic laws are in place for safety, not to be a buzzkill.
4. Drive defensively – there is a difference between being a defensive driver and road rage. Defensive drivers anticipate other driver maneuvers to avoid accidents. Road rage often results in accidents.

When all else fails, you can help keep yourself safe by using a motorcycle dash cam. When accidents occur, it can be devastating, especially when motorcycles are involved. Let a dash cam tell your story if you aren't able to.

Yes, there are motorcycle dashcams on the market - and we carry two of the industry's best motorcycle dash cam on our website. The Thinkware M1 Motorsport Dash Cam and the VIOFO MT1 Motorcycle Dash Cam.