You have decided to buy a motorcycle. Maybe you have visions of yourself flying down the highway, the wind whipping past your head as you wave and grin at all of those poor people still trapped in their little tin boxes. Maybe you haveve always wanted a motorcycle, and now, finally you are ready to purchase. Whatever the reasons, the decision to purchase a motorcycle leads to the questions what kind should I purchase? Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Harley the choices are limited. Should I buy a new motorcycle or a used one? What should I look for in a new motorcycle? What should I look for in a used motorcycle? Read on to find out the answers to these questions, and more.
FAQ Which type of motorcycle should I buy?
A) Some people just love Yamaha bikes, others think that Suzuki bikes or Honda bikes or Kawasaki bikes are the best on the market. Still others prefer Harley Davidson bikes or other brands. The main thing to keep in mind when buying your first motorcycle is that if you have had little or no previous riding experience, you are going to fall, quite a lot in fact. With this in mind, be sure that the bike that you choose is one that can be fixed easily. Some experts recommend the Suzuki GS500 for learners, since it is small and free of excess chrome and farings that can be costly to replace.
You should expect to invest much of your new bike fund in high quality safety gear, like helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, etc. Since you already know that you will be falling down a lot, you should plan ahead and minimize damage by choosing, first and foremost, an affordable, well made helmet. There are many different types of helmets, but first time riders shouldnt give into the temptation to skimp on quality. Many companies, like Scorpion helmets, offer lower priced options as well as the high end products used by commercial racers.
FAQ) Should I buy a new motorcycle or a used motorcycle?
A) This depends on your personality and your budget. For first time riders, used bikes are often recommended because of the increased risk of repair costs. Finding a used bike isnt difficult, thanks to the Internet, newspapers, magazines, etc, but you should plan on bringing someone with you who knows more about motorcycles than you do when you begin to look at used bikes for sale. This person can ask questions that you may not think of, and can help you inspect the bike properly.

Buying a new motorcycle isn’t always easy. There’s a lot of information out there to steer car buyers in the right direction, but very little for the average motorcycle buyer.
The first step to buying your new motorcycle is deciding which type or model style is right for you. Most people group bikes into three distinct categories: Street, Dual-Purpose, and Off-Road. But, those who know bikes well understand that there are many more subcategories of motorcycles to contend with on the sales block.
The biggest mistake beginning riders often make when purchasing their first motorcycle is settling for a low-budget street model (usually costing around $3,000 new). The problem is, these bikes have little power and can often sport an uncomfortable ride.
Touring Bikes are considered the Cadillac of motorcycles. Although still considered a street bike, this model is built for comfortable highway riding and long trips. Featuring a large powerful engine, touring bikes are very heavy and can be difficult to maneuver, especially at high speeds. These bikes are great for experienced riders and those who do a lot of highway riding. In-town and city riders should avoid them. Price too is a consideration when buying a touring bike since the prices for one of these models ranges form $10,000 to $20,000.
Cruisers are a more classic looking street bike and are by far the most common style of bike offered by today’s dealers. Style and comfort is key to the cruiser, which features large comfortable low-to-the ground seating. Another benefit to the cruiser style: the liberal use of chrome and loud exhaust note, two things many riders enjoy in their bikes. The cost for one of these can range form $5,000 to $20,000.
Sport Bikes are another sub category in the biking industry and are very popular among younger riders. Built for performance, sports bikes don’t offer much in the way of comfort or convenience. These lightweight bikes feature the ultimate in aerodynamics. Not good for long trips, sports bikes are meant for just that: sport. Although relatively inexpensive (ranging from $5,000 to $20,000), sports bikes often carry higher insurance premiums do to a perceived risk by insurance carriers
Standard Bikes aren’t as popular as they once were, but are still best for beginners since they are well-balanced, well powered and relatively light-weight which makes them easier to handle. Good for both city use as well as highway riding, standard bikes are a wonderful option for regular ordinary bikers who just want reliable transportation.
Motocross Bikes are meant solely for off-road use. They feature small engines and are extremely lightweight (usually weighing a mere 150-300 pounds). Used for recreational riding, motocross bikes are relatively inexpensive usually ranging in price form $1,500 to $6,000.
Dual-Purpose Bikes, on the other hand feature knobby tires and a high center of gravity that works well for off-roading, but still have headlights, turn-signals, and emissions control to make them street-legal.
As you can see, there are a lot of different kinds of bikes for a lot of different kinds of riders. The most important things to consider when choosing a bike of your own is:
-Your size and strength.
-Your experience and ability.
-Your budget.
Once you’ve narrowed your choices to the style you want most, it’s time to hit the showroom floor to see what your favorite manufacturer have.