The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Motorcycle: A Beginner's Handbook

6 Things to Consider When Shopping For Motorcycles For Sale

Owning a motorcycle is more than just a means of transportation. It’s a statement. It lets the world know you embrace the thrill of the open road. If you lead a lifestyle of freedom and adventure, you probably will find riding culture easy to embrace. The challenge is finding the motorcycle for sale that checks all the right boxes, which can be difficult for first-timers.  

With so many different motorcycles available on the market, narrowing down your selection can feel overwhelming. To help simplify your purchase process, consider these important aspects of your first motorcycle. 

Determine Your Motorcycle Budget and Purchase Plan

Buying a motorcycle should be a highlight, not a burden. To prevent overextending yourself on the purchase, start by figuring out your budget and how much you can realistically afford. Consider the total cost of ownership, which includes:

• Cost of the motorcycle. Used models are less expensive to purchase than new ones.
• Upgrading your driver’s license to include a motorcycle endorsement, which can include safety or riding course completion.
• Taxes, registration, and insurance.
• Fuel expenses.
• Estimated maintenance and repairs.
• Essential riding gear like helmets, gloves, boots, and more.  

After setting a preliminary budget, consider how you plan to purchase your bike. 

• All cash: Paying in cash is the simplest way to purchase a motorcycle and can often help you negotiate a better price. However, it requires that you have enough savings to cover the full cost of the bike upfront.
• Financing: If you don’t have the full amount available in cash, financing through a bank or credit union is a common purchasing practice. Although you’ll end up paying interest, financing allows you to spread the cost over time.
• Layaway: Some motorcycle dealerships offer layaway plans that allow you to pay for the bike in installments before taking it home. This can be a good option if you’re saving up but want to lock in a specific bike at a dealer.

Determine Your Riding Style

Setting a budget narrows down your motorcycle selection to your price range; however, there are still plenty of choices to make! Next, consider your personal riding style and how you plan on using the bike.  

 The type of riding you prefer significantly influences the type of motorcycle that’s best for you.

• Standard: Standard motorcycles, also known as naked bikes or roadsters, offer a neutral riding position and are widely considered excellent all-around bikes. New riders appreciate their balanced performance and ease of handling.
• Touring: Touring bikes are built for long-distance travel and comfort. They often come equipped with features like large fuel tanks, comfortable seating, storage compartments, and advanced infotainment systems. A touring bike is a great option if you plan on taking extended road trips.
• Sport: Sport bikes are designed for speed and agility, with a focus on performance and handling. They are ideal for riders who enjoy fast-paced riding; however, they are generally not as comfortable for long rides due to their narrow seating. Suzuki motorcycles and other sport bikes are powerful, requiring you to be confident in your riding abilities.
• Cruising: Cruisers are known for their classic styling and comfortable riding position. Inspired by the motorcycles of the 1930s, cruising bikes are a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern-day engineering. Plenty of available aftermarket customizations make cruising bikes a top choice.
• Adventure: Adventure bikes are versatile machines capable of handling both on-road and off-road riding. If you plan on mixing your riding between pavement and dirt trails, an adventure bike knocks out two birds with one stone.

Consider Motorcycle Capabilities and Power

Choose a motorcycle that matches your current skill level and confidence. You can always upgrade later as you gain more riding experience and improve your skills.

Use the following tips when considering motorcycles for sale:

• Start with a manageable power level: Control is the key to a lifetime of incident-free riding, so opt for a bike with moderate power that you feel comfortable handling. This will allow you to build your skills and confidence without the added risk of an overpowered bike.
• Focus on balance and control: Look for a bike that offers a good balance between power and weight. A lighter bike with a more forgiving power delivery will be easier to control and maneuver, especially at low speeds.

Identify Key Features You Need

When choosing your first motorcycle, consider what features are important for your riding style and needs.

• Additional storage: If you plan on taking long trips or need to carry extra gear, look for bikes with built-in storage compartments or the option to add saddlebags or top cases.
• Bluetooth capability: For riders who want to stay connected on the go, Bluetooth capability allows you to pair your smartphone with your bike’s infotainment system for hands-free calls, music, and navigation.
• Crash bars: Crash bars can provide extra protection for your bike and help prevent damage in the event of a fall or low-speed tip-over.
• Windscreen: A windscreen can help reduce wind fatigue and improve comfort on longer rides by deflecting wind away from your face and body.

Consider what features are non-negotiable for you and use them as criteria when evaluating different motorcycles for sale. 

Take a Thorough Test Drive

Never buy a motorcycle without test driving it first. Your height, weight, and strength must be a relative match to the bike, so a test drive is an essential step in confirming the fit and feel of the machine.

It’s also your opportunity to see how the bike performs on the road. Pay close attention to:

• Comfort: Assess how comfortable the seat is and whether the riding position feels natural to you. Make sure you can easily reach the handlebars, foot pegs, and controls without straining.
• Control: Test the bike’s responsiveness and how it handles turns, stops, and accelerating on the highway. Ideally, you feel confident in your ability to control the bike in various situations, including stop-and-go traffic, winding roads, and on wet terrain.
• Fit: The perfect bike should feel like an extension of your body. Make sure it’s the right size for you and that you can easily put your feet on the ground when stopped and don’t struggle to keep it upright. 

Consult With a Professional

By this point, you should have a general idea of the bike you want and the amount of money you’re willing to spend. However, as a new rider buying their first bike, you likely still have questions. And they’re likely hyper-specific questions, such as key differences between Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles. Or you want to know which motorcycles require the least maintenance.

Whatever the case may be, it’s always best to get advice from a seasoned professional immersed in motorcycles and riding culture. Talk to an expert at a motorcycle shop near you. They can answer your questions, explain financing options, and help guide you to the bike that meets your needs, budget, and personal preferences.

The other benefit of visiting a motorcycle dealership is that they carry all the essential riding gear and safety equipment you’ll need for when you hit the road. Being on a bike means exposure to the elements and riding surface, so a DOT-approved helmet, riding gloves, and protective gear are must-haves. 

How to Find Motorcycles For Sale Near You

Choosing your first motorcycle is an exciting and transformative experience, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. By considering your budget, riding style, bike capabilities, and essential features, you can find a motorcycle that fits your needs and enhances your riding experience.

 The lion’s share of your motorcycle research can be done online. After narrowing down your selection, visit a motorcycle shop near you, preferably, one with a sizable indoor showroom where you can see a variety of options.