| Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. It | | | | the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, gloves, |
| needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is | | | | and jacket meant for motorcycling. |
| sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However | | | | All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. |
| no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list | | | | Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be |
| that will help him or her make a great selection. | | | | wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) |
| 10 musts before paying for a motorcycle: | | | | course see: . |
| 1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in | | | | Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for |
| tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight | | | | recommendations on good starter bikes. According to |
| down centerline and forks. | | | | dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for a |
| 2. Take along a list of models and their pros and cons. | | | | beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, |
| Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales person. | | | | and Buell Blast. |
| 3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other | | | | Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks |
| mechanics. | | | | good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb is |
| 4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank | | | | the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in glove. |
| and wheels. | | | | Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A large part |
| 5. Ask about service and warranties. | | | | of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and instinct. So |
| 6. Get details of accessories and other musts like | | | | choose a motorcycle with care so that you get long |
| helmets, rear view mirrors and so on. | | | | hours of riding as well as comfort and safety. |
| 7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and riding | | | | Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your time |
| position. | | | | in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle |
| 8. Read up on bikes in discover Today's Motorcycling. | | | | websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find out |
| Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, bike | | | | what offline prices of motorcycles are and compare |
| care and more. | | | | features as well as prices, service contracts, and |
| 9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a light-weight | | | | warranties. Many people find that the best deals are |
| bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike that only pros | | | | available on the internet. Others feel a motorcycle |
| can ride. New riders should aim for a four-cylinder of | | | | must not be bought without viewing and test riding. So |
| less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports machines and | | | | get all your thoughts and options in order before you |
| 150cc for everyday use. | | | | make a choice. |
| 10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in | | | | |