5 Things To Keep In Mind Before Getting Your First Bike
Modified On Apr 9, 2023 03:46 PM By Nishaad Joshi for Royal Enfield Classic 350
- 1986 Views
- Write a comment
Finances, type of motorcycle, gear, and more, we’ve talked about it all
Starting to ride a bike is a thrilling moment in one’s life. It marks the start of a life filled with thrilling encounters and immeasurable memories. And in today’s dynamic world, irrespective of what you’re buying a bike for, you’re spoilt for choice. How do you decide on your first motorbike then? Here are five things you should keep in mind before putting your hard-earned money down for a bike:
1- It Should Fit Your Intended Purpose
It makes sense for a newbie to be familiar with all the kinds of bikes on sale. This will assist you in selecting the ideal bike for your requirements and riding style. Some might love revving their bikes to the redline, while some want a laid back riding experience. So your top goal should be to decide on a motorcycle that fits your intended purpose. Almost all motorcycles fall under one of these seven types: cruisers, sportbikes, streetfighters, tourers, ADVs, cafe racers and off-road bikes.
For those who are confused about the purpose of their bike could venture into the ADV space, for they are the most versatile, do-it-all ones.
2- Plan Your Finances
We are borderline obsessed with motorcycles but having to sleep on your motorcycle itself because you ended up selling your house to get the one you wanted isn’t something we advise. You need to budget wisely, explore all kinds of finance options and see what suits your pocket. Never buy a bike you can just about afford, because you need to have a financial buffer for running expenses and maintenance too. And the more expensive the bike, the more money you’re going to have to set aside. It’s always a good idea to ask existing owners to get an idea of how much these costs can run up to.
3- New or Used, That Is The Question
While the used-bike market is often looked down upon and ignored when purchasing your first bike, we’re here to tell you that a well-kept used motorcycle could be an excellent choice. It’ll hurt less when your bike inevitably falls and they’re obviously available at a price that’s reasonably lesser than brand new ones. Once you feel like you’ve outgrown it, you could start shopping for a new one.
4- Keep In Mind Your Skills
A great place to start, as a beginner purchasing his/her first bike is to be aware of your skills. 150-200cc bikes are considered great beginner bikes in India, as going further up the ladder might get you a bike whose power intimidates you. You’ll then be a risk, not only to yourself but also to the other riders on the road.
5- Gear Please!
In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, along with a good bike, you'll also need high-quality riding gear. A full-face helmet, riding jacket, riding pants, a pair of gloves and boots are all necessary and this is one area we do not recommend you skimp on quality, at all!