Sep. 23, 2024
Your very first motorcycle is an exciting time for new riders. It's your entry into the fast-paced, thrill-seeking world of motorcycling. A chance to explore your adventurous side and the freedom of jumping on your bike at a moment's whim.
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Since every rider is different, there is no hard and fast rule about buying a bike. It all depends on what you want to use it for. Some people commute while others take their riding off-road. The right bike should fit your needs and circumstances.
Your buddies will probably throw a lot of advice your way, which is great, but often it will be advice about what they like in a bike. Since you'll be the one riding it, doing your own homework is the first step toward finding that perfect beginner motorcycle.
The ideal bike depends on what you'll be using it for. If you were shopping for a car, you wouldn't get an all-terrain vehicle just to commute to work, and the same logic applies to motorcycles.
Look for something that's both safe and practical. With so many models out there, it can be hard to know where to start as a newbie, so here's a basic rundown to get you going.
Commuting: If you're travelling to work or university, having a motorcycle that's easy to handle and park is crucial. You don't want to be caught out in a tight parking lot because you decided to grab the biggest bike you saw.
Cruisers are ideal for commuting because they're usually comfortable and ergonomic. If you're travelling every day, especially for long distances, don't neglect your bike's comfort.
Adventure Riding: Adrenaline junkies sometimes make the mistake of picking the most powerful bike in the shop, which they inevitably struggle to handle. It's your very first bike so choose something that lets you stay in control.
An adventure bike should have suspension and a light frame so it can tackle any off-road obstacles and bumps you might encounter.
Leisure: This is a broad category and largely depends on how often you'll want to ride. If you're strictly a weekend rider, you might consider style more important than comfort.
There's a huge spectrum of bikes to suit casual riders, from cruisers to scooters and heaps more. Your own style and taste will decide which of these appeals to you the most.
As the name suggests, these bikes are designed for casual riding and are a popular choice with new riders. The low seat height is very beginner friendly because your feet touch the ground, helping with balance, while the toned-down horsepower and relaxed riding position make for smooth driving.
Cruisers are generally stylish and highly customizable but tend to be on the heavy side which isn't ideal for tight cornering.
Best suited for: Commuting, day trips, city riding, passengers.
Sport bikes are light, ultra-fast motorcycles that are perfect for track racing. You'll need some serious skill to handle one of these, so think twice if you're an absolute beginner. These powerful machines will also hike up the cost of your motorcycle insurance.
A sports bike has a crouched riding position like you'll see in MotoGP, so don't expect overwhelming comfort. Unless you're specifically getting a bike to hit the racetracks, stay away from a sports bike for now and go with something more manageable.
Best suited for: Racetracks, freeways, solo riding, short tours.
Naked bikes are all-rounder motorcycles that form a middle ground between a cruiser and a sports bike. These well-rounded bikes are the most conventional looking with an upright riding style that's popular with beginner riders.
You can find these in a ton of sub-types and sizes, which is a double-edged sword because it's so hard to pinpoint the right bike.
Best suited for: Commuting, passengers, city riding, medium-length touring
Touring bikes are perfect for those long, cruisy road trips. Made with long distance and comfort in mind, they're usually comfy enough for two people to sit in all day. You can find models with multiple high-end features and plenty of luggage space.
While they may tick a lot of boxes, tour bikes aren't exactly beginner friendly. They tend to be heavy and have big engines, so think twice about this one if you're a new rider.
Best suited for: Long rides, passengers, touring, carrying cargo.
If your idea of motorcycling is seeking adventure, these bikes are built to handle tough conditions. Adventure bikes are the four-wheel drives of motorcycles and will see you through terrain that most other bikes can't handle. They're lightweight, comfortable, and won't break the bank either.
Adventure bikes are halfway between a conventional motorcycle and an off-road bike. They're ideal for people who love to hit dirt tracks as much as they enjoy the open road.
Best suited for: Off-road riding, adventure riding, city, commuting.
A sub-type of naked bikes, these stylish motorcycles have great speed and handling. While lightweight and highly customizable, cafe bikes are often criticized for prioritizing looks over function.
Cafes are good beginner motorcycles and great for commuting, but don't offer much in terms of comfort. They look pretty sweet but don't expect to get much long-term use out of them.
Best suited for: Commuting, passengers, medium distance touring, city/weekend riding.
Dirt bikes are strictly for riders who live for off-road terrain. They're generally not made to be ridden on the road and will need to be towed to your riding destination.
Off-road bikes are designed to take a beating. The tall suspensions and knobby tires will help you tackle the roughest dirt and mud tracks.
Dirt bikes are made with a very specific purpose in mind. If you want something that's capable of riding on the road as well, an adventure bike might be more practical.
Best suited for: Off-road riding, adventure riding.
Made to be ridden on or off the road, these versatile bikes come in a wide range of engine sizes. While not as 'off-roady' as adventure bikes, they have a high ground clearance and all-purpose tires that make them great for urban riding.
Dual-purpose bikes are lightweight and simple to maintain. If you're looking for a jack of all trades that leans slightly towards the roadside of riding, they're a solid choice.
Best suited for: Off-road riding, passengers, commuting, urban riding, commuting
Scooters are light, easy-to-control bikes, and a good starting point for absolute beginners. While they lack the power of motorbikes, scooters are great for those tight city streets and zipping around traffic.
Scooters are generally way better for your posture, and they have the great fuel economy. They have an automatic transmission, so you won't need to bother with changing gears. The overall lack of horsepower means they tend to struggle on freeways.
Mid-sized scooters range between 125 to 250cc. Unlike smaller sizes, they can keep up with traffic and comfortably take a passenger. They're still light and the seat height is close to the ground for easy balance.
Scooters in the mid-range are simple to maneuver and have an electric start and automatic transmission. Most of them have a terrific fuel economy.
Best suited for: City riding, commuting.
Ranging from 300-850cc, maxis are far closer in power to a motorcycle. They look and feel more like a traditional motorcycle, with more boot space and freeway capability. Maxis are comfortable and ideal for long-distance riding. They're the best option for taking a passenger.
While they're more powerful than mid-sized scooters, that also means more bulk and less maneuverability. Your individual needs will determine which is the better option.
Best suited for: Taking passengers, freeway riding, long-distance trips, commuting.
While your decision will need to be practical, there's no reason you shouldn't look good while you ride. A motorcycle is a reflection of your style and individual spirit. You should look and feel in charge every time you step on it.
No matter what you use it for, ride with something that feels like an extension of yourself. Owning a motorcycle is a personal experience, so much more than a car, so make a wise decision but choose something that you know you'll love.
It seems obvious but sitting on a bike is the only way to gauge how comfortable it is. Motorcycles aren't a one-size-fits-all deal, so make sure it feels good with your particular body shape. You won't always be able to test ride because of liability issues, but sitting on the bike will tell you a lot.
Try to spend 5-10 minutes on a bike you're thinking of buying. You should feel relaxed and be able to plant your feet flat on the ground, which will be necessary for balance when you come to a stop. Your arms should feel relaxed on the handlebars and the weight should feel like it won't affect your handling, so try not to get anything too heavy.
Budgeting for your first bike is a tricky balancing act. You don't want to blow the bank but it's important not to cheap out too much. Spending that little bit more can sometimes make a big difference, so make sure that you get value for what you spend.
Aside from the bike itself, which will cost around $5,000-$10,000, you'll need to get yourself some insurance and riding gear. Motorcycle users are some of the most vulnerable people on the road and protective clothing is the best way to reduce the risk of injury.
You'll need to get a helmet, pants, jacket, gloves, and boots. Thankfully there are a ton of styles out there for modern motorcycle clothing, so you won't be limited to hard leather. Expect to spend around $800-$1,200 on your riding gear.
For more detailed info on clothing, check out our Beginner's Guide to Motorcycle Gear.
Going with a second-hand bike is something every new rider should consider. Used bikes can be bought ridiculously cheap. There are a ton of old motorcycles sitting in garages just waiting to be snapped up.
Of course, you'll be giving up the security that comes with buying a shiny new bike. If you're looking to save some money but uneasy about not having a warranty, buying a used bike from a dealership is also an option.
The thing about first motorcycles is they're not meant to last. You're still learning the ropes and will almost certainly drop your bike a number of times in the process. Think of it as something temporary that will be upgraded once you've gained more experience.
It's tempting to grab a powerful motorcycle, but beginners should be wary of taking on more than they can handle. Anything under 600cc is recommended for new riders so they can keep in control and stay safe.
Many riders aren't aware that horsepower is more important than engine size. CCs refer to how large the engine is, while horsepower (hp) is the power of the engine. So a really heavy bike will have less horsepower because of the extra workload the engine has to take on.
Motorcycle insurance is mandatory by law in Australia, so you'll need to get it sorted before you hit the road. The cover you get will depend on your riding habits, the value of your bike, and your age. Doing some research will help find which policy best fits your needs.
They say a sucker is born every minute, so don't be one of them! If you've arranged to meet up with a seller, come prepared so you won't get taken advantage of.
Ask the seller a few probing questions to get a sense of the bike's history. This can include why they're selling it, the bike's crash history, where it's been stored, and the service history. Any large gaps in the service history is a red flag.
Get on the bike before you consider handing any cash over. It should feel comfortable and start without issues. Check the brakes and let it run for a few minutes to see if it still idles smoothly.
You can also run an online check of the plates to make sure the bike hasn't been 'borrowed'. Watch out for sellers that don't have a road-worthy certificate. A seller that actually takes care of their bike will usually have one. Getting a bike roadworthy can sometimes involve some major hidden costs, so be careful you don't get stitched up with them yourself.
Harley-Davidsons are absolute beasts. They're big, loud, and insanely iconic. Contrary to popular belief, Harleys come in all kinds of models; touring, street, and electric just to name a few.
While certain models are considered beginner friendly, you'll need to ask yourself if it's worth buying one as your very first bike. It takes time to find your feet as a rider, and you might be better off getting a Harley as your second bike.
If you're set on getting a Harley that's absolutely fine. Just make sure it feels comfortable and avoid the temptation to buy a total monster that you won't be able to handle.
Your first motorcycle should be something you feel comfortable with that fits your particular needs. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can &#;grow into&#; a bike. You'll be uncomfortable and unsteady on the road which can lead to sticky situations.
Motorcycling is all about freedom, so focus on finding something that feels right and lets you enjoy the beauty of riding without interruption.
It's tough to know how much to spend on your first motorcycle. Generally speaking, expect to spend at least $5,000 if you're buying brand new. A second-hand bike will obviously come cheaper. How much cheaper depends on if you go through a dealer or an online marketplace.
You'll still need to fork out some cash for motorcycle insurance, registration, and your learner test. Buying second-hand will also mean a transfer fee and potentially a road-worthy certificate.
Your first bike is exactly that. It's not meant to last forever and you'll need to shop with this in mind. Once you've honed your skills and figured out the type of riding you want to do, that's the time to start thinking about your second bike.
Motorcycles need regular maintenance, some of which you can tackle yourself like chain lubrication while servicing and major maintenance requires a trip to a mechanic.
Don't make the mistake of skipping your gear for short rides. A quick trip to the shops can turn gnarly without the right protection, so tow that line between chaos and control by suiting up every time you step on your bike.
Our beginner's guide to Buying your First Motorcycle Jacket has some great tips, and you can read up on lower body protection in our Guide to Motorcycle Pants.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit motorcycles for grown ups.
As a learner, your motorcycle should have an engine somewhere between 250-600cc. There are several reasons for this, like the lower price point which also makes the bike easier to sell once you're ready to move on.
It also makes the motorcycle easier to control. A bike with a smaller engine performs great at low power levels, compared to a charged-up beast that seems to have a mind of its own. Smaller engines will allow you to develop your skills at a comfortable rate.
So you&#;ve learned how to ride, passed a safety course, and are ready for buying a motorcycle. Whether you plan to just ride for fun on the weekends, or to make a fuel-efficient bike your new commuting vehicle, there&#;s a lot to consider before making this purchase.
For a first-time motorcycle buyer in particular, it will take time and careful consideration to decide the type of bike you want, your budget, where to buy, and so much more. But once you hit the road on the perfect bike, you&#;ll be glad you did your homework first.
This ultimate guide should prepare you for buying a motorcycle, covering everything you need to know before and during the buying process.
Jump to&#;
Before You Buy a Motorcycle
Types of Motorcycles
Where to Buy a Motorcycle
New vs. used motorcycles
How Much Does it Cost Buy a Motorcycle
Financing a motorcycle
Costs of owning a motorcycle
Motorcycle maintenance costs
The Best Motorcycle Models and Brands
Looking for More Affordable Motorcycle Storage?
Before you buy a motorcycle, there&#;s a lot to consider. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether buying your first bike is the right move &#; and if it is, what type of bike to look for and where to start your search.
Before anything else, think about why you&#;re looking at buying a motorcycle in the first place. Is it for you? Will you have a passenger riding with you? Do you plan to commute? Ride off-road? Take short rides on weekends? Take long-distance rides?
Asking yourself these questions now will help you hone in on exactly what you&#;re looking for in your new bike, which will help you answer other important questions, like what type of bike to consider, or where to buy your motorcycle.
The things that you need for your bike will be largely informed by what you plan to do with it. If you plan to take long trips, you&#;ll need a comfy seat, storage, and a windshield. If you plan to commute, you&#;ll need a bike that&#;s reliable and fuel-efficient.
If you plan to ride your motorcycle every day, your needs will be a little bit different than if you just plan to take it out for an occasional ride for fun. It&#;s perfectly OK to have a motorcycle you only use once in a while! But be realistic about this, as you&#;ll need to budget for safe storage for your motorcycle if you don&#;t plan to use it often.
An important factor to take into consideration when deciding what kind of motorcycle to buy is your own riding ability. If you&#;re a beginner, you&#;ll be more limited because you should only ever buy a bike that you can master. Buying a bike that you plan to grow into as you increase your skills will only result in you being intimidated by your motorcycle, at best. At worst, you could be seriously injured or killed if you lose control while trying to ride it.
Motorcycles come in a virtually endless array of shapes and sizes, which is good news, because so do human bodies. You&#;ll want to take your own size and shape into consideration when choosing a motorcycle. For example, a huge, heavy chopper might not be the right choice for someone who&#;s very short and slim. On the other hand, a small sport bike might be uncomfortable for someone who&#;s very tall or has a heavier build.
It&#;s possible to finance a motorcycle in some cases, but you&#;ll still want to think about the overall cost of the bike and how that fits into your budget. How much can you afford for a down payment? Can you afford the monthly payments? Does it financially make sense to take out a loan and pay interest on top of the price of the bike?
And when thinking about your budget, make sure to account for added expenses that come with owning a motorcycle. You&#;ll need to buy safety equipment, pay for maintenance and upkeep, and rent storage space if you don&#;t have a garage with room for your bike.
In addition to shapes and sizes, motorcycles come in all kinds of types for different purposes. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming, so we&#;ll go into more detail about all the different types below.
There are many different types of motorcycles to choose from. Here, we&#;ll dive into seven common types:
This is the most common and conventional-looking type of street motorcycle with an upright riding position. In other words, when most people picture a motorcycle, a naked or standard bike is what they see.
These bikes can come with engine sizes ranging from 250 cc to cc. They&#;re available in a very wide range of sizes and price points from many different brands.
These are bikes that are well suited to city riding, commuting, taking medium distance trips, and riding with passengers.
Cruisers are distinct because of their more relaxed riding position and the way many riders customize them to fit their own personal style. They&#;re typically lower to the ground and come in a variety of sizes and engine types, which means they can be small and fuel-efficient, or large and stylish depending on what the rider wants.
These bikes are well suited to city riding, commuting, riding with passengers, and short trips, like day trips.
Dual purpose bikes combine features from street legal motorcycles and dirt bikes that are designed for more adventurous, off-road riding. That means that these bikes are completely street legal, but also have the build and high clearance necessary for off-road riding, as well.
Dual purpose bikes come in a wide array of sizes, engine types, and horsepower. They&#;re a good fit for riders who want to do city riding or commuting, but also want to do more adventurous riding or need to navigate dirt or gravel roads.
Sport bikes are modeled after racing motorcycles, which means they&#;re sleek and lightweight, with the rider in a crouched-forward position. These are designed to be fast and powerful, and require expert riding skills. They also come with higher insurance rates than many other kinds of motorcycles.
Sport bikes are well suited to highway riding and short tours. They&#;re not ideal for cities or commuting because they can run very hot while sitting in traffic.
Touring motorcycles are made for long-distance trips. They&#;re designed to be comfortable for one or two people to spend all day riding, and are generally fairly large and powerful.
These bikes are well suited for long-distance trips and riding with a passenger, but also make great commuting bikes because of how comfortable they are to ride.
For riders who want a motorcycle comfortable enough for long distances, but with style, speed, and power, there are sport touring bikes. These combine features that make long-distance riding more comfortable with stylish design and powerful engines.
These bikes are well suited for just about any kind of riding, but are particularly great for riders who want a high-performance bike on all kinds of different roads.
In recent years, electric motorcycles have become a more and more popular choice among riders who want city-friendly bikes. Electric motorcycles typically have a battery range of about 50 miles, and can be recharged using a household current. These aren&#;t the fastest or most powerful motorcycles, but they&#;re incredibly cost-efficient.
These bikes are well suited for city riders and commuters who don&#;t need to travel long distances.
When choosing the right type of motorcycle for you, the most important thing to consider is your riding skill &#; particularly if you have limited experience.
It&#;s all too common for newer riders to choose a bike that they think they&#;ll &#;grow into,&#; but that&#;s actually incredibly dangerous, because they don&#;t currently have enough experience for the bike they&#;ve chosen. Whatever type of motorcycle you choose, make sure it&#;s a size and horsepower that you can master. If you need a more powerful bike later, it&#;s easy to trade up.
There are a lot of different places you can buy a motorcycle, either new or used.
For a new bike, you can shop directly from the manufacturer, or go to a dealer.
For a used bike, you can shop at dealerships, or look for an opportunity to purchase the bike you want directly from its previous owner. In this case, you can watch classifieds publications and online marketplaces where people post used motorcycles for sale.
Another option that many people may not consider is a motorcycle show. These happen all over the U.S. and give riders an opportunity to see a wide variety of types of bikes from different manufacturers and sellers. This is a great choice if you don&#;t know exactly what you want and would like to compare options. Shows can also be great spots for getting a good deal on a bike.
There are pros and cons to both new and used motorcycles, and ultimately, this decision will come down to personal choice and what&#;s most important to you.
If you buy a new bike, you&#;ll be the only person who has ridden it, and it will have low or no miles. It will likely come with a warranty. You&#;ll be able to choose any specifications or customizations you want, and you&#;ll have the latest technology and safety features available. The downside, of course, is that a new bike can be very expensive, and its value depreciates very quickly.
If you buy a used bike, you&#;ll likely save a significant amount of money on the cost of the motorcycle itself, as well as saving in the long run if you ever trade up for a different bike, since a used one won&#;t depreciate as much or as quickly. The downsides are that your choices will be more limited by what&#;s available in the market, and a used bike may not be as reliable. You can mitigate this risk by looking for a used motorcycle that isn&#;t very old, or has low miles (under 20,000 miles is a good benchmark).
For beginner riders, many experts recommend looking for a used motorcycle for a few different reasons:
Motorcycles vary a lot in cost. It depends on what kind of bike you&#;re getting, whether it&#;s new or used, what customization or upgrades you want to add, and more. For a standard/naked motorcycle without a lot of bells and whistles, prices might start around $. For a more powerful touring or cruising bike, prices can easily reach tens of thousands, especially with customization.
Almost all motorcycle dealerships will offer some kind of financing. You might also be able to secure a loan through your own bank, especially if you have good credit. Be wary of third-party lenders who offer motorcycle financing &#; they likely charge higher interest rates.
If you&#;re considering financing, think carefully about all the factors involved. Paying interest on a motorcycle loan can add significantly more to the already high cost of a new bike. If you can&#;t afford to pay for your motorcycle outright, it might make more financial sense to look for a used bike, which will be much cheaper.
In addition to the bike itself, there are many other costs that come with owning a motorcycle, including:
Motorcycles, like any other vehicle, need ongoing maintenance to stay in good shape. Luckily, motorcycles have small, open engines that are often less complicated than the mechanical systems of a car or other vehicle. With some education and practice, you can save costs by learning to do some motorcycle upkeep and repairs yourself.
According to CarLogos, these are the top motorcycle brands in the world. If you&#;re looking for a reputable, reliable brand to buy your motorcycle from, this list is likely a good starting point.
Motorcycles come with a lot of ongoing costs. Storage doesn&#;t have to be one of them.
With Neighbor, you can find space to store your motorcycle or other vehicle for, on average, 50% less than what traditional self storage costs. Plus, it&#;s safe, close to where you are, and helps bring communities together.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of e scooter maintenance. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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