There are many things to think about when purchasing your first motorcycle or upgrading your current model as an experienced rider. You must decide between new and used motorcycles, determine your budget, and find a motorcycle that suits your riding style.
After discussing how to purchase a used motorcycle, today we will discuss how to purchase a brand-new motorcycle. This motorcycle buying guide lists a series of seven steps that you should take into consideration when setting out on your own.
Do Some Proper Research
Many new bike buyers splash out on a gorgeous new machine only to discover it’s too heavy, too uncomfortable, too unwieldy in town, too difficult to get down the side of the house, too unpleasant for pillions, too complicated, too basic—the list is endless. Test your driving skills as much as you can.
You must be completely honest with yourself about your intended use for the bike and your level of expertise. The natural tendency is to purchase the largest, flashiest, widget-laden device you can manage, but you may be happier on a smaller, simpler bike (and you can use your savings on riding vacations, gear, insurance, etc.)
Get Insurance Quotes
The majority of people tend to focus on the motorcycle’s price or the plethora of awesome motorcycle gear, accessories, and parts they want to outfit themselves with right away. However, you shouldn’t wait to look into insurance costs until you’ve already signed the dotted line to purchase a motorcycle.
You must have complete coverage if you are financing this new motorcycle. This part can quickly become expensive for inexperienced riders or those with a criminal record!
To keep costs lower, consider:
- Lower displacement engines: Insurance costs are typically lower for smaller motorcycles.
- MSF courses: With proof of training courses, you can frequently receive a sizable insurance discount.
- Compare quotes from competing companies: Different motorcycles are classified, well, differently by different companies.
Of course, you can’t compare prices until you decide which motorcycle you want to buy. Your decision may be aided by insurance in this situation. It’s possible to be comparing two motorcycles with similar sticker prices, but one may cost 50% more to insure. Early discovery of that information can assist you in making a wise purchase and reveal the true long-term ownership costs.
You should also think about options like accessory coverage or gap insurance to further protect your equipment and your finances. The former can be used to ensure the clothing you’re wearing and accessories you’ve added to the motorcycle, whereas the latter is intended to cover the difference between what you still owe on the loan and what your insurance will cover in the event that the motorcycle is totaled beyond repair.
Financing A Motorcycle
Getting financing for a new motorcycle has benefits and drawbacks. Debt does not necessarily have to be a bad thing if it is managed responsibly. Younger consumers should borrow money to purchase a motorcycle (and make on-time payments!) can help establish a credit history and boost your credit score.
In addition, financing reduces the likelihood that you will end up “bike poor,” by spending all of your money on the motorcycle itself and having minimal funds left to outfit yourself with the appropriate protective riding gear, insurance, parts, etc.
It pays to compare financing options, just like it does with insurance. Undoubtedly, your dealer will provide financing, and that offer might be the best one for you, especially if the manufacturer is providing incentives like low or even 0% interest rates. However, there are times when you can also get a good deal from your bank or neighborhood credit union.
In any case, consider more than just the monthly payment and consider the commitment you’re making. Before you realize you’re being charged interest during those three months, three months with no payments sound appealing. A good reality check is to add up the total payments you’ll have to make to see how much you’re really paying for that motorcycle.
Make sure you know what you’re getting into because debt is a subject that elicits strong feelings and opinions.
Find A Dealer
that has a good local reputation. Ask your fellow bikers, people at your neighborhood bike meet, or clients at the dealer. Trust your gut; if previous customers are ambiguous, the salesperson doesn’t seem sincere, you think their advice isn’t sound, or you feel pressured to make a purchase, look somewhere else.
There are many top-notch dealers in the area who want to win your business for the long term, and that means treating you right. In our opinion, it’s better to spend a little more money with a good dealer than to save money and receive subpar service.
The same logic holds true for online bargains: you’ll save money, but you might pass up on receiving helpful local support. We’d try requesting that the neighborhood dealer match the online price.
Browse The Motorcycles
You have now reduced the number of motorcycles on your shortlist and have looked into your financing and insurance options. Almost ready to make a purchase. But it never hurts to make another pass. Your eyes may be opened to options, features, and styles that you had not previously considered as you stroll around the dealership floor. Also, it’s fun!
Ask the salesperson if you can sit on the bikes without being afraid. No amount of research can guarantee that the position of the handlebars, the height of the seat and footpegs, etc. will make you comfortable. People are much more likely to purchase a new ride once they develop an emotional bond with it, so the salesperson should be more than happy to let you try it out. It’s a win-win.
The moment you fully embrace your motorcycle nerd status is also at this point. Ask all the questions you can think of. If it helps, bring a list. Don’t be shy; the salesperson is there to assist you. In the end, this step will significantly increase the likelihood that you will be satisfied with your purchase in the future because you cannot get answers to questions you do not pose.
Make Sure You Understand The Depreciation
This is how much the bike’s value depreciates each year, and for new bikes it is significant: on average, the bike loses 20% of its value in the first two years. Since the depreciation curve doesn’t start to flatten out for another six years, you’ll be losing money every year even just from owning a new bike.
Sure, go for it if you’re willing to put up with this. If not, you must consider used bikes, where the depreciation has already been paid for by a previous owner. Looking at used prices for models you’re interested in can show you significant variations in depreciation; Harleys, for instance, don’t depreciate as much as Japanese sportbikes.
Determine The Price
It’s a common misconception that dealers are making a ton of money on brand-new motorcycles. In reality, the margins are quite thin for entry-level bikes with small engines. Because of this, the price itself might not be subject to much negotiation. Having said that, there are methods for making your money go further and buying more things.
If you don’t need the most recent model year, you can typically find some excellent deals on leftover models from the previous year that the dealer has in stock. In this case, the dealer wants to sell that motorcycle almost as much as you do, so you can typically leave with a sizable discount.
Value additions like accessories, clothing, warranty plans, and prepaid service deals can also help you save money. Don’t be afraid to inquire about these. You’re about to purchase a ridiculous motorcycle. Dealers are frequently more willing to include some worthwhile extras at this time to sweeten the deal.
Timing
You could save money if you can be flexible when making purchases. Dealers are eager to close deals because business is typically slower in the middle of the winter and they all have goals to reach, which are typically based on quarterly sales. As a result, it is wise to negotiate at the end of March, June, September, and December.
Complete The Sale
This period of time is the twilight before dawn. You probably detest paperwork if you’re not an accountant. This is the stage where some dead trees get signed, regardless of whether you are paying cash, obtaining financing through an independent bank, or getting a loan from the dealership’s staff. Although it isn’t enjoyable, this is your final opportunity to confirm that everything is in line with what you agreed to in Step 7.
Pick Up The Bike
You now proudly own a brand-new motorcycle! Congratulations. You undoubtedly can’t wait to start making tracks on the countless miles of tarmac that lie ahead. However, as Juba said to Maximus at the end of Gladiator, “Not yet, not yet.” There are a few more steps you should take before leaving the dealership.
The salesperson should first take you through all the details and features of your particular motorcycle. The blinkers have a way to turn off. How are electronic aids like ride modes and traction control set? Where is the toolbox? Although it may seem unimportant, it is nonetheless crucial. Be thorough.
Second, ask the salesperson to introduce you to the service department. It’s always a good idea to get to know these people and learn their preferred methods of scheduling service appointments since they are likely the ones you will interact with most at the dealership.
Finally, all that’s left to do is transport your brand-new motorcycle home after you’ve proudly and responsibly purchased it. You should definitely give this some thought, as one Zillan discovered the hard way after purchasing a new bike in Ohio in January and then having to ride it home.
If you are not a confident rider, you may want to consider trailering the motorcycle home, asking the dealer if they can deliver it, or bringing a friend who is an experienced rider who can drive your purchase back to your driveway safely.
Don’t Feel Pressured To Ride The Bike Home
Request delivery if you’d prefer to become accustomed to the bike on your neighborhood roads without being observed by a crowded showroom. Good dealers will gladly comply without treating you like a moron.
