Have you made the decision or are you in the process of deciding to buy a new motorcycle? Will this be your first bike or a replacement? Have you done your homework, research, etc.? Are you prepared to “walk away” if the negotiation with the sales staff fails? These questions along with other important decision making criteria are covered in this series of articles designed to help insure that you obtain the best deal possible when purchasing a new bike. Even though some of these steps may seem mundane, all are necessary to give you the advantage/edge that you need. Each persons individual economics is different so these guidelines are meant to be applicable and adjustable to your particular situation.
If your new bike purchase is to be your first, it is your duty to become as informed as possible. Having said that, consider why you have decided to buy a bike. Is your mind made up on one brand in particular or are you open to viewing larger possibilities from other manufacturers? Will it be for transportation needed in your daily activities or just something to do for fun? What size and type of motorcycle do you desire? How much money have you budgeted for your purchase? Will you have a trade in? Are you paying cash or financing? Are you an experienced rider or a newbie? Do you have your motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license?
First and foremost, if you have never ridden a motorcycle or it has been a long time since you sat in a saddle, take an approved motorcycle riding course. Why? If you are new to riding, this allows you to first and foremost determine if riding is right for you. It is a lot less expensive to pay for a safety course and gain some riding experience rather than buy a bike only to find out later that riding is just not for you.
Taking an approved class also completes a primary step in the purchasing cycle. Upon graduation you simply take your certificate or card to your local DMV and they should grant you a motorcycle riding endorsement on your drivers license.
Another point to consider is that taking a class is a lot more forgiving than taking a DMV riding exam only to fail. It is estimated that 90% of new riders that opt not to take an approved motorcycle riding class fail the DMV’s road and skills test. In some states, Florida being one, the DMV no longer gives motorcycle road tests. It is required that all new riders take an approved motorcycle riding class. By approved, I mean those courses offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or like institution. If you live in a different state, check with your Department of Motor Vehicles for their requirements.
The knowledge and skill set that you cultivate by taking a class helps prepare you for the differences in riding a motorcycle vs driving a car. Believe it or not, no matter how subtle, riding a motorcycle is a different type of experience. Balance and acuity are fine tuned by taking a class. Knowing how to ride defensively by learning from the experience of seasoned riders is worth its weight in gold. After all, you do want to be a safe, conscientious rider for your protection as well as the other people who use the road way do you not? Your enjoyment and safety depends not only on mastering the art of riding a motorcycle but also the realities of the traffic around you.
Some approved organizations that offer basic to advanced rider classes are;
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
California Motorcyclist Safety Program
Chicago Motorcycle Training – LRN2RYD
Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program Courses
Nebraska DMV Approved Motorcycle Safety Training
Advantage Motorcycle Training – Texas MSF Approved Courses
State of Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles – Motorcycle Training
Harley Davidson riding classes
The above are only a sampling of courses offered. A search for Approved Motorcycle Training should yield more choices for the area in which you live.
That concludes our first topic. Be sure to bookmark this page for easy reference and to read future articles on the steps involved in purchasing a motorcycle.
Rudolph Chuites is a consultant/writer for www.floridamotorcyclist.com.
He can be contacted at rudolph@chuites.com
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