Motorcycle Buying Guide
Buying your first motorcycle is an incredibly exciting experience, but it can be hard knowing which model best suits your needs. There are so many options on the market that it can be overwhelming! We've gathered up a few important things you’ll want to consider to make sure that you’re purchasing the right bike. If you want more tips or want to explore motorcycles for sale, get in touch with us at Blackmans Cycle Center in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
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 too 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.
Consider the Size of the Motorcycle
Different motorcycles will give you different riding experiences. A smaller bike will be easier to handle, which is especially helpful if you are just learning how to ride. A larger bike will offer more stability. This can make it easier to tackle tighter corners and windy roads at a higher speed, which can be a good fit for more advanced riders. Think about your riding level and what motorcycle size would best suit you. You want to avoid buying something bigger than you can handle.
Types of Bikes
There are many different types of motorcycles on the market tailored to different styles of riding. Think about how you hope to use your motorcycle and then pick the ideal category for that approach. If you want a stylish bike for city riding, you'll love the aesthetic of a cruiser. If you want a motorcycle for long-distance riding, you'll love the rider comfort offered in a touring bike. If adrenaline-pumping performance is what you want, check out sport bikes. Here’s a roundup of some of the most popular styles of bikes:
Cruisers
When most people picture a motorcycle, usually an image of a cruiser comes to mind. They get their name from what they are designed to do—cruise around the open highway. Anyone new to motorcycles will appreciate how easy they are to handle, while expert riders will appreciate their classic style.
Cruisers use large-displacement V-twin engines that are tuned for low-end torque and packed with incredible power, often exceeding 1,000 ccs. This means you won't have to shift as frequently to accelerate and maintain control, which makes cruisers easier to ride than some other styles of bikes. Without a doubt, you'll get a lean, mean, high-performing beast when you buy a cruiser!
Touring Bikes
Equipped with all the power you need to roll down highways with ease and the amenities you want for a long haul, touring motorcycles are the best choice for long-distance riding. The high-end features are quite useful and make spending time on the bike more fun and comfortable. If you’re going to be riding long distances, you’ll need space for carrying cargo. Touring bikes usually offer some form of a luggage rack system to make this possible. Saddlebags are extremely common and provide plenty of storage in a way that keeps the bike’s center of gravity as low as possible, which makes for better handling.
Sport Bikes
Sport bikes are designed for fast, fun riding. These machines are built for the racetrack, but they’re just as quick and agile on the highway. Fuel economy and price aren’t at the top of the list of features here, but while you might be paying a bit more for gas and the initial investment, you’ll have all the power and speed you could ever want from a motorcycle.
Dual Sport
A dual-sport motorcycle features the basic design of an off-road or dirt bike. These bikes are excellent for people who have to travel on dirt or gravel roads. Dual-sport motorcycles sometimes share design features with adventure bikes that are designed for long-distance trips across rough terrain. These machines make for great commuting bikes thanks to their fuel-efficient engines and maneuverability.
We hope this buying guide has come in handy as you search for the bike of your dreams. When you’re ready to check out some high-quality motorcycles for sale, give us a call or visit Blackmans Cycle Center in Emmaus, PA. We welcome all our friends visiting us from Allentown!