What to Consider When Buying a Motorbike

How to navigate this liberating purchase.

Purchasing a motorcycle, although one of the most liberating acts one can do, can also be daunting task at that. What style of bike to go for? Am I made to ride a motorcycle? Do I want to make a statement with a Harley-Davidson?

If you ask me, there’s really only one manufacturer worth considering when shopping for your first – or new – bike, and that’s Harley-Davidson. Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson has been a symbol of the iconic American dream. But more than that, it not only has established itself as a trusted, reliable workhorse of the road, but it has immortalised itself as a level of ‘cool’ that very few can rival.

@moto_feelz

Whatever you go for, here are a few things to consider when shopping for your new bike...

Where are you riding?

How do you want to use your motorcycle? Will you be shredding the city streets? Are you after something with a sportier edge? Or do you simply want a bike that is made for long, epic road trips? These are all factors to consider when purchasing a bike to suit your lifestyle.

Where are you riding?

@wasaliveonce

New VS used

Trading in the car for a motorcycle can save costs – buying a brand new bike might not be realistic, and might not be the wisest choice for your first set of wheels. There are a ton of quality second-hand bikes on the market, but just be wary of factors like service issues, past damage, appearance, and how many kms the bike has done overall.

New VS used

@hugoariza_08

Don’t overestimate your ability

Riding a motorcycle isn’t like riding a car. Your awareness and reaction to variables on the road needs to be 100 percent accurate. More than that, don’t go for the quickest bike on the market if you’re a newcomer or simply want a bike to get you from A to B. Learning to ride on a bike with a smaller engine will make you a better driver in the long run.