Feature: Are You Ready to Own a Motorcycle?

Things You Should Know Before Buying a Two-Wheeler

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Owning a motorcycle can be a huge responsibility, and it’s one that many new motorcycle owners aren’t quite ready for. Buying a bike for the first time is an exciting moment, and it can give you a sense of freedom and independence you’ve never quite had before. The options of available technology are broader than they’ve ever been—from screaming street bikes to huge cruisers to new electric options.  

And yet, owning a motorcycle can be quite tricky. There’s a lot of upkeep and costs on the horizon for you, and even though you feel ready to take on the opportunity, it’s worth double checking. So, here’s what you should keep in mind before actually making that motorcycle purchase.

Taking on the Cost

You already know the upfront cost of the bike you want to purchase, but what about the cost of all the add-ons you’ll need? Insurance, for example, can be a hefty one. But you’ll still have to fork out at least $500+ a year for the privilege of simply using the cycle itself under the most lenient of insurance terms.

Similarly, motorcycles tend to wear down a lot quicker than cars, and you might be in and out of the mechanic’s shop a lot more often. With each visit, you may be facing a fee of at least $200 for any necessary changes or upgrades. 

Riding Can Be Risky

Of course, using a motorcycle as your main vehicle can be risky, as it’s going to be the smallest thing on any road you drive down. Indeed, the number of motorcycle deaths by state can be staggering to find out, and knowing that you’re taking on this amount of risk can be too much for some people.

Of course, there’s plenty you can do to make the experience safer, such as wearing a helmet, leaving space and looking multiple times before making a cross. You can also avoid driving under dangerous conditions, such as bad weather, and wear high visibility clothing when going out in the evening or at night.

Dealing with the Maintenance

Following on from the point about cost, it’s important to delve a little deeper into the maintenance issues many motorcycle owners face. Let’s start with the tires on your bike–they’re going to wear down at a faster rate than you’re used to, and you may need to switch them out at least twice a year.

You might be looking at $150 a set, or you may be looking at $500 a set–it’s entirely down to what your motorcycle needs, and that’s another thing you should consider when picking your preferred model. This price may not even include labor, so be careful when choosing a brand and mechanic.

And remember, if your motorcycle breaks down, paying for the fix may also take you right out of pocket, and could cost upwards of $800 to get your bike back into working condition.

Owning a motorcycle can be a lot to deal with. Make sure you understand the basics, and what costs you’ll be facing as an owner.

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