Maybe this is you. You have always wanted a motorcycle, but have never taken the leap and bought one. When you were young, your parents were dead-set against a motorcycle of any kind. So, you gave up, bought a car and lived your life. But now, you are an adult, and you are ready for your first motorcycle.

But, how should you go about shopping for a motorcycle? What should you look for? What bike would be best for you? I’ll try to answer those questions for you using some of my experiences as a first-time motorcycle buyer, years ago.

Use Your Brains
That’s easy enough to say, but how do you do this? Chances are, you’re probably drooling over the latest crotch rockets. That is your first no-no. for a beginner, you really should be concentrating on finding a motorcycle that won’t kill you. My first bike was a 50cc moped. I learned to do everything but go fast. I’m not suggesting you go down that low, but you should be looking for something that will be somewhat forgiving of mistakes.

Maybe something in the 350 cc to 500 cc twin range might be a great first motorcycle. These bikes are powerful enough to be safe in traffic, are usually light enough to maneuver around, and won’t be so powerful as to pop a wheelie if you get careless with the clutch. My first “real” road bike was a Honda 350 twin. Yes, it wasn’t the fastest thing on the roads, but I learned how to ride, and ended up putting about 25,000 miles on that old machine. And, knock on wood, I never had any accidents.

Some of the older cruiser bikes, like a Harley Davidson, may seem like a bargain as a great started bike. They are relatively inexpensive to buy and there are many for sale. But, they can be quite heavy and difficult to maneuver as compared to the smaller bikes I listed above. I have nothing against Harley Davidsons, but some of the older Harleys can be quite the maintenance nightmare at times. That’s why I would look for a Japanese bike to start with. They can be quite cheap, and most are very reliable.

Should You Buy A Brand New Motorcycle?
Like cars, a new motorcycle can depreciate rapidly once you take it off the showroom floor. Some can lose up to 30% (or more) of value during the first year alone! My advice is to look for a cream-puff 2 or 3 year old motorcycle that has low mileage. In my experience, the vast majority of bikes will have extremely low mileage – often 2,000 miles per year – because the owner either finds out he or she really doesn’t like to ride, and that they can be inconvenient in cold/inclement weather.

I like the cream-puffs that were stored inside and maintained meticulously. The truth is, there’s not much in price that separates a cream-puff from an average used motorcycle. Buy the cream-puff.

Purchasing Your Motorcycle
So, you think you’ve found the perfect starter bike for you? Before you hand over your cash, I want you to do a few things – first.

Bring someone else that has experience with motorcycles. Another pair of eyes is a great thing to bring along. They can spot things you would overlook, things that could cost you a lot of money if ignored. Plus, if they are an experienced rider, they may be able to see if the motorcycle is appropriate for you. If your “expert” says to pass on this one, relax. There are literally thousands of motorcycles out there just waiting for you!

Call your insurance agent and get a quote on insurance for that bike. Chances are insurance will be very inexpensive, but if you’ve had a few tickets or an accident, that insurance may cost you an arm and a leg. Better know costs before the purchase.

So far, so good. You like the bike and your motorcycle friend likes it as well. Now, find a local motorcycle shop (with a good reputation) and have the bike checked out mechanically. This inspection should cost you less than $100, and it may be the best insurance policy you ever bought. Once again, full knowledge will help you make a good decision.

Of course, these are only a few tips on buying your first motorcycle. Do yourself a favor and pledge to be a good rider and take care of you and your new motorcycle!