How to Buy a Motorcycle

Choosing the motorcycle that's right for you is not an easy undertaking. Your height and riding ability must get just as much consideration as the price of the bike and your bank account balance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycles
• Motorcycle insurance
• Consumer reports on motorcycles, new and used
• Traffic rule books
• Motorcycle jacket
• Eye protection for motorcycle riders
• Motorcycle gloves
• Motorcycle pants
• Federally approved motorcycle helmets

1. Stay with a smaller cycle, ­no more than 250 cc,­ until you have ridden several hundred miles. Don't try a big bike until you have been riding for a year or more.

2. Make sure the motorcycle fits you. Your feet should reach the ground when you're sitting on the seat.

3. Be sure the headlight and taillight, the front and rear brakes, the turn signals, the horn and at least one rearview mirror are working properly before making a purchase. Note that you need mirrors on both sides to survive in traffic.

4. Remember that it's also a good idea to have reflectors along the sides of the motorcycle.

5. Be aware that new motorcycles and equipment should meet all vehicle code specifications for the state or province in which they are sold. Check your equipment and be certain it's up to code if you are importing your motorcycle or buying a secondhand bike.

6. Be certain your motorcycle has an adequate muffler, keep it properly maintained and do not modify it to make it louder. Note that California motorcycle exhaust systems (both highway and off-road) cannot have cutout, bypass or similar devices.

7. Display your license plate on the rear with a sticker showing the latest month and year of registration. Keep the plate clean and clearly readable.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[PerfectWillie]

on 4/29/2008 California will not register a new bike that does not have a factory installed CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC EPA STICKER. Make sure that your new bike has one if you plan to register it in California.

[PerfectWillie]

on 4/29/2008 California will not register a bike without a CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC EPA STICKER. Make sure your bike has one if you plan to register it in California.

on 11/22/2005 Watch for brake and clutch levers with ground-flat ends - a sure indication the bike has been dropped at speed.

on 11/22/2005 Stay away from bikes that have been modified unless you feel comfortable evaluating the modification. Bike owners will often modify a bike and make it either unrelieable or unsafe.

on 11/22/2005 One of the best investments a new or experienced rider can make is to educate themselves. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) classes are offered in most states & include classroom & riding instruction (on their bikes). They teach skills and safety.