| Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. | | | | the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, |
| It needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is | | | | gloves, and jacket meant for motorcycling. |
| sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However | | | | All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. |
| no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list | | | | Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be |
| that will help him or her make a great selection. | | | | wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) |
| 10 musts before paying for a motorcycle: | | | | course see: . |
| 1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in | | | | Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for |
| tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight | | | | recommendations on good starter bikes. According to |
| down centerline and forks. | | | | dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for |
| 2. Take along a list of models and their pros and | | | | a beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, |
| cons. Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales | | | | Yamaha, and Buell Blast. |
| person. | | | | Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks |
| 3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other | | | | good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb |
| mechanics. | | | | is the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in |
| 4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank | | | | glove. Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A |
| and wheels. | | | | large part of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and |
| 5. Ask about service and warranties. | | | | instinct. So choose a motorcycle with care so that |
| 6. Get details of accessories and other musts like | | | | you get long hours of riding as well as comfort and |
| helmets, rear view mirrors and so on. | | | | safety. |
| 7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and | | | | Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your |
| riding position. | | | | time in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle |
| 8. Read up on bikes in discover Today's Motorcycling. | | | | websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find |
| Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, | | | | out what offline prices of motorcycles are and |
| bike care and more. | | | | compare features as well as prices, service contracts, |
| 9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a | | | | and warranties. Many people find that the best deals |
| light-weight bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike | | | | are available on the internet. Others feel a |
| that only pros can ride. New riders should aim for a | | | | motorcycle must not be bought without viewing and |
| four-cylinder of less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports | | | | test riding. So get all your thoughts and options in |
| machines and 150cc for everyday use. | | | | order before you make a choice. |
| 10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in | | | | |