Around 90,000 new motorcycles were sold in Australia in 2019, and off-road bikes are among the favorites. It is not a surprise since Aussies love the unmatched freedom and the thrill from riding a motorcycle.
Whether you want something for your daily travels or adventure, you have to carefully decide when it comes to buying your first motorcycle. If you are new to riding a motorcycle, you must go for a LAMS compliant motorcycle, like Yamaha MT 07. These motorcycles are made for learners, so it has enough speed and easy to handle.
So, what are the factors that you need to consider when buying your first motorcycle?
The purpose
You should choose a motorcycle based on how you are going to use it. As a new rider, it is crucial to consider the purpose and the safety of your motorcycle. While choosing from tons of models can be daunting, knowing the specific needs can help you narrow down your search.
If you are going to use it for your daily commute, you must look for a motorcycle that is easy to control and park. It should be comfortable and goes well with your frame, particularly if you will do a lot of long rides. Cruisers are the best commuting motorcycles that offer comfort and appealing ergonomic design.
It is vital that you buy a motorcycle that you are able to ride as a beginner. Buying a too powerful and hard to handle motorcycle is a common mistake among new riders. If you want something for adventure rides, get a bike lighter frame and suspension. This will allow you to hit off-roads and bumpy trails with ease of control.
How much should you spend?
Several factors affect how much you are going to spend on your first bike. These are the upfront and long-term costs. It is crucial that you know the pros and cons and studies the financial breakdown of owning a motorcycle.
The motorcycle itself got the largest chunk of the upfront expenses. Beginners are expected to spend around $5,000 to $13,000 on their first bike. Buy motorcycle with not more than 655cc engine, comfortable ergonomic design, and an ABS or anti-lock braking system.
Then, it would be best if you bought gloves, boots, jacket and helmet. Wearing these gears reduces the risk of injuries and death by around 40% during an accident. Gears normally cost between $800-$1200, depending on where you buy it.
Lastly, the fuel, which is the long-term cost. Motorcycles are known to be a fuel-efficient mode of transportation. A regular motorcycle can use 3.92 liters of gas every 100 kilometers, and that’s 10.8 liters of gas for cars.
What type of bike engine should you get?
As a new rider, your top priority should be buying a bike that you can easily control. The type of the engine depends on the model that you are going to choose.
New riders should go for two-cylinder motorcycle with not more than 655cc engine. Something more powerful can be dangerous, putting you and the bike at risk.
Remember to choose a bike according to your area’s LAMS or “Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme.” For instance, Yamaha MT 07 with 655cc engine and weighs 182 kilograms.
These are the things that you need to consider in buying your first motorcycle.
