What to Look for When Buying a Motorcycle
Deciding to buy a motorcycle is an exciting step! However, before you can enjoy cruising down the city streets on your new ride, you’ll have to choose the right model. This will require thinking about what you want from your bike and what’s going to work for you. We’ve listed some of these considerations below so when you check out our selection of motorcycles for sale at Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, Louisiana, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.
Set a Budget
A great place to start is establishing a budget. Here you accomplish two goals. First, you set a limit to avoid overspending. This eliminates overly expensive options, which helps you avoid buying a model that's beyond your price point. A budget also helps you get the best option for your price point so that you don’t unnecessarily skip features or specs that you can afford.
There’s also gear, gas, registration, documentation, and maintenance that will affect how much you can afford on a long-term basis, beyond the initial price tag. Ask your dealer about financing options that they may have to make paying off the bike a little easier.
One way to make the most of your budget is to explore used motorcycles. These models are going to be offered at a lower price due to depreciation. With a little research, you can find a budget-friendly quality model that is like new.
Consider Your Riding Style
Another basic consideration that you’ll want to think about is how you're going to use your motorcycle. This goes beyond simply riding around. Think about where you’ll be riding and for how long. If you’re just looking for something to add thrill to your morning commute, then a cruiser or even a sports bike will give you exactly what you’re looking for.
As your rides get longer and longer, you’ll probably want to start looking at touring motorcycles. These machines are better equipped for long rides since they come with more comfortable features and more storage space. A dual-sport motorbike is another excellent option. These models share design features with adventure bikes, which are designed for long-distance trips across rough terrain.
Size
When it comes to size, you’ll want to place a priority on comfortably controlling your bike. You should be able to easily reach the handlebars and foot controls while maintaining a comfortable riding posture that won’t fatigue you too quickly. Many motorcycles come with a one-size-fits-all kind of build, so if you’re having trouble finding a model that fits you, ask about upgrades you can make to bring the controls closer to or further away from you.
Keep in mind that a bigger bike is also going to be tougher to handle, especially for newer riders. A heavy bike requires a lot of experience and core strength to control. As you gain more experience and spend more time on your motorcycle, you might welcome the extra stability a heavier model provides.
Sometimes looking at a particular bike won’t tell you if it’s going to be the right size for you. That’s why you’ll want to start taking test rides as you get closer to choosing a particular model. This way, you can gauge how easy it is to reach the controls, how the bike performs, and if you like the way it feels.
With all this in mind, it’s time to start looking at some high-quality motorcycles for sale here at Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, LA. We have plenty of options for riders of all skill levels. You just have to let us know what you’re looking for! We proudly serve all of Rapides Parish and Lafayette.
