 
This Web site is an easy
guide
that gives you tools and information that will help you make
the
right decision when choosing a motorocycle.
Introduction
You have decided that you want to purchase a
motorcycle.
You start to consult with your friends and
relatives, look through web-sites (like this) and ask yourself
what kind of motorcycle is good for me ?
In this web-site I will give you the tools that will help
you
come to the right decision.
Riding a
bike
for the first time
Your first step would be to purchase a good book on how to
ride a
motorcyle - you can check the internet, but I am sure your
local
library will have one as well. - read the book
carefully. Dont
give in to the urge to jump on the bike and go.
Take your bike to a big parking lot or somewhere similar (a
wide open space), and with the help of the book learn not only
about the road, learn about your bike, for example how the
steering and breaks work, how to turn etc. It is
advisable to do all this at first with the engine off and with
a
friend pushing you of course.
Take a
course with a
reputable Driving School:
Presumming you have taken and passed your motorcycle
driving
test (if needed in your country of residence).
You can now drive on the open road but still be carefull -
it
is still recommended to take a friend with you in a car when
it is
your first time on your own on the open road - your friend in
the
car should drive directly behind you so as to block any other
cars
on the road getting too close to you.
Make sure you are wearing a helmet and
proper
protective clothing - this is not an option.
Next, make sure your motorcycle displays the proper
licensing
information and that you have insurance and that you have it
with
you.
License
The First thing to do before purchasing a motorcycle is to
get a
driving license. You have to check out the driving laws of the
country that you are residing in .If you intend to ride in
the city than check if you need a license, because in
some countries you do not.
The Motorcycle for
Beginners
You are going to make mistakes with your first motorcycle.
I
bought a Suzuki dr250 in 1990 and fell off it a few times in
my garage. You want to start off with a simple, cheap,
standard motorcycle and be prepared to see it fall over a few
times while you get used to riding it. Just make sure that the
bike
runs well, has good tires and brakes, and is insured. After
you've
taken the
MSF course, you'll need to get lots of practice. Some of that
practice may involve simple spills that may cause some damage
to
the bike. That's why you don't want to spend $20,000 for a new
bike as a starter bike
NEW OR
USED?
To purchase a new bike or go for a used one
-
dont try and make a hasty decision.
This section will help you out, just relax
and
read on...
A New Bike: Any reputable motorcycle
dealer
will stock new bikes, and most of these dealers specialize
in
(Harley Davidson, Buell) or two brands of bikes (like a
Yamaha/Suzuki). Also some will have the major Japanese brands
)
and European bikes on display. If it is your first time You
should
go and visit a few of the dealers so as to get a feel of the
choice of motorbikes there are on offer and this is also a great
way to learn what style, size, manufacturer and peg layout
suits
you best.
The alternative to get a feel of the motorbike
market is to browse the web of course (such as this one for an
example), in addition there are many motorcycle magazines on
offer. - If you have made the decision to purchase a new bike
then
you should be very sure that what you are getting for your
money
is the very best.
A tip on purchasing a new bike:
As we presume it is not only the first time you are
purchasing
a bike it is also the first time you have ever riden one - so
before you spend your hard earned cash take into consideration
that the bike is going to fall a lot and get damaged. So
even if you are purchasing a new bike then choose a less
expensive
one at the beginning for example; chrome can be cheaper to
replace
unless there is extensive damage and bikes with no farings or
gobs
of chrome are the cheapest to fix up like the Suzuki GS500 for
example.
Some manufacturers are making bikes with smaller engines
which are ideal for learners - so it is best to ask your
dealer
what they recommend.
A Used Bike: Used bikes are definately
recomended
as it wont hurt your pocket so much when the bike falls and
get
damaged.
You can find lists of used bikes in the Internet, local
newspapers/magazines or notices in shop windows, however it is
recommended to take someone with you who is knowledgable about
bikes, so they know to ask the right questions such as
accidents
on the bike maintenance questions and so on.
Buying a used motorcycle from a dealership:
This is also a viable option however the price from a
dealership will probably be much higher for a used bike then
anywhere else, however dealerships claim that they drain and
replace the fluids (oil, brake, gas, coolant) and give the
bike a
check over, if they find anything that needs replacing, they
do
that as well (tires, etc). Unfortunately this cannot be
proven.
Enduro,
Honda or Kawasaki are just some of the popular brands of
motorcycles that you will come across in your hunt for the
best
motorcycle within your budget, whether you are a first time
rider
or an experienced biker.
Other
things to remember when purchasing your first motorcycle
whether you need the bike for motocross or dualpurpose are the
best motorcycle accessories that you will need such as,
motorcycle boots, driving gloves, trousers, motorcycle rain
protection, saddle bags, motorcycle apparel and motorcycle
goggles.
If you
are
in the category of first time rider it is very important to
enroll
in a good reputable motorcycle driving school, where
they will
teach you the best riding tips as well as to how to
become an
experienced rider.
You can learn
more:
Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable and fulfilling
adventure.
This paragraph is about
counter steering
to enable new riders who want to ride safetly and to
improve
performance and handling of the motorcycle.
all about
helmets
& riding a motorbike safely
The motorcycle
history from the end of 1800' until almost
today. This
history is delivered to you from the most important
motorcycles
ever built and how they influenced the industry, accessories
for motorcycles
and information for motorcycle riders.
The
Harley Davidson story &
History
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