Hello and happy November, everyone! We don’t know about you, but here at eTags we are totally psyched for the autumn and all the yummy cozy things this change of season brings. Things like hot apple cider and pumpkin bread and falling leaves in all kinds of warm colors. So you might ask, why in the world would we turn our thoughts to motorcycles now. Isn’t this a topic more suited for the spring and summer?
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Well, yes and no. Sure, it makes sense to want to peel off the layers and hop on the back of your favorite two-wheeled vehicle when the weather turns mild and the sun has returned after the winter. But also, we know a few (we mean, a lot) of folks who ride all year long. Of course with caution or not at all when the elements get in the way of safety and/or comfort.
In general, for the die-hard motorcycle crew, it is never really the wrong time for a joyride.
But what if you are not a motorcycle owner? What if it’s only been a sweet, distant dream to call a Harley or a Triumph or a Ducati your own. And what if now is the time? Well, right before the madness (and sales!) of Black Friday sets in, what if now is the time you find yourself ready to take the leap and become part of that exclusive world of motorbike folk?
Well, first of all, congratulations! And second, we thought we’d help out a bit and provide a list of important things to consider when purchasing a motorcycle. Because no person is an island, and it takes a village, right? So without further ado, here we go:
You want to ask yourself, what will your primary use of the vehicle be?
Purpose.
Is your aim to get into dirt biking, easy riding, commuting, or racing? Basically, what type of bike are you exploring? Is speed on the top of your list, or is storage space your number one priority? Because there are many manufacturers as there are types of motorbikes (nearly) often it can be more useful to determine how you will be using the bike before you even consider which brand (or brands) to explore.
Fit.
Once you’ve decided on the kind of riding you’d like to do, it’s important to test out different styles to see what fits. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to motorcycles, and what may be perfect for your brother or aunt may not even come close to suiting you. The height, width, and weight of the bike are all factors to keep in mind when choosing a ride. You want to be sure of comfort and control – both are equally as integral to a good and safe ride.
Ability.
On the heels of assessing the fit for your body, it’s imperative to not overestimate your abilities. Of course abilities can change, and do change with education and practice, but if you’re new to the world of motorcycles, it’s usually a good idea to start off with a more basic model. This way you have the peace of mind that allows for the learning curve that is undeniably present with a new skill.
There is always the possibility of upgrading to a bigger, faster model with more bells and whistles…when you are ready.
Reviews.
Yes, we know that these days everything gets a review…maybe to the extreme. But in this case, it’s smart to do your research. Have you read reviews about the model? Has it proven to be lucky or a lemon? What do current or previous owners have to say about this bike? Are people holding onto this motorcycle for years, or does there seem to be a lot of turnover? A little investigation can go a long way in helping you make the choice that is right for you. And while you’re at it, get yourself on as many bikes as you can, test drive and make your own review for each trial run…
Maintenance & Repair.
This is a multi-faceted one, folks. We’re going to say that fuel efficiency falls into this category, because it is part of maintenance, we think. So if the bike you chose is one you will use for a daily commute, you will want to review factors like miles-per-gallon and if there are service centers and mechanics in your area who service your brand of motorcycle. You’ll want to consider where you will store your ride and if it will be exposed to the elements, what kind of protection options are available. No wants to get stuck with a vehicle that is difficult to service, repair or protect!
Cost.
Speaking of upkeep, it’s smart to know before you purchase a motorcycle that even though it will likely be far less expensive than buying a car or a truck, there are still many factors to remember. The upfront price of the bike is only one piece of the puzzle. There will be other costs like accessories such as your helmet, riding jacket, boots, gloves. Not to mention the usual expenses such as titling, registering and, and insuring your new wheels.
We can help with the title and tag part, by the way! That’s what we do, here at eTags. We help folks like you transfer titles and register their new vehicles online in a jiffy. So instead of making an appointment at the DMV, waiting in line, and spending all that time, you could get it all done super fast and simply with us.
Simply head over to our site, choose your state (NY, MD, FL, CA, CT, OH) from our drop-down menu, and select the choice that best suits your needs. And if you’re not one hundred percent certain of how to proceed, no need to fret. We’ve got a whole team of experts waiting to lend a hand. You can reach out to us at any time with any questions or concerns, be they motorcycle related or not. Because as always, here at eTags, we’re here to help!
