The Forgotten Costs
There is a bewildering array of motorbikes and there are many well-known names of motorcycle manufacturers. The confusing part is when looking at all the various brochures. One bike has a 125 cc engine and another has 650 cc and there are many other engine sizes. For the uninitiated it must be similar to when looking to purchase a car for the first time. To some extent it is down to personal choice and the cost of the motorbike. Then there are different bikes which can be ridden for specific, leisure purposes. Gone are the days when the main choice was between a Honda motorbike and Lambretta scooter.
After the decision has been made regarding which bike to buy there is then the kit. There is a large choice of motorcycle helmets which are absolutely essential for safety. The majority of bike riders seem to wear leathers, yet again from a safety aspect. It is imperative to shop around for bike insurance. There is a large choice of cover available at very different prices. Perhaps it is worth considering one of the comparison sites to do the leg work. Ensure all the quotations are “like for like” so that they can be compared properly. The majority of insurance companies will allow the insurance premiums to be paid by monthly direct debit.
Once the bike has been purchased, together with all the necessary kit and the bike insurance, then is the time to start enjoying your purchase. If possible try and keep it garaged overnight. This will reduce any possibility of the bike being stolen. Make sure that the bike is cleaned on a regular basis and serviced at the appropriate times. A new bike depreciates most in the first twelve months. Many people chose to purchase a bike which is second-hand specifically for this reason. Buying a bike when it is still relatively new, rather than brand new, can save a tremendous amount of money. This will also reduce the cost of the insurance as the value of the bike will be lower.
Whatever the reason for buying a motorbike, ensure that the correct licence is in place before taking it out on the road. Once someone has a motorbike there is a good possibility that they will remain an owner for many years, whether or not they also purchase a car. As long as the bike is well maintained and driven sensibly it can be a good family friend for several years. Even though there may be many bikes bought in a lifetime, people always remember buying their first motorcycle.