Before You Buy

Have you been thinking about buying a NEW bike? Do you have questions that you would like to have answered before you walk into the dealership? Well hopefully this will give you a little heads up on what to look for when buying your new bike.

If you are new to the riding world then listen up. DO NOT buy a bike that is out of your power range! Never feel pressured to "keep up with the Jones' ". This attitude is setting you up for failure, serious injury, or even the "D" word. Know your limitations.  Don't be afraid to take the Rider's Safety Course that is offered by most large dealerships. These training courses will give you the skills to avoids major accidents and teach you that there is more to riding than loud pipes and leather. Also, most courses will lower your insurance rates and most are recognized by states as a replacement for the required driving test needed to obtain your license.

Now, on to knowing what bike is the one for you. Depending on what type of bike you want, sport or touring, will determine how you look at engine size, power, and simply how far you can handle riding it in one sitting. Don’t be afraid to spend months looking at all of your choices. Make sure that you feel comfortable and that you can balance the entire weight of the bike. Also make sure that you can in fact touch the ground without hopping back and forth from foot to foot. Make sure you are not crunched up with your knees to your chest, but make sure you can reach the brake pedal and shifter and still have a slight bend in your knees. Take the time to sit on the bike as if you were riding and feel how the handle bars fit your posture. If you have to conform your body around the bike, it’s not the one for you and you will not get the pleasure that comes with riding.   

If your are comparing engine size between a touring model such as a Harley Sportster to a sport model such as a  Hayabusa...STOP! You cannot compare the two. Just because both are close in cc (cubic centimeter) size, does not mean they will react or even feel the same. For example, if you are looking at a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 cc and a Suzuki Hayabusa 1300 cc, the difference will be substantial. The Hayabosa will produce about 156 horse power at the rear wheel and has an average top speed of 180 mph. The Harley, on the other hand, will generate about 65 horsepower at the rear wheel and generally won’t break 100 mph without a fight. Not so similar now.

Regardless of make or model, there are certain things to look for. If you have your heart set on a certain bike sitting in the showroom, then be sure to ask the salesman for certain things. ALWAYS ask for the PDI (pre-delivery inspection). Have them go over it with you to explain what exactly was checked during this inspection. Make sure that the bike has AT LEAST fifteen (15) to twenty (20) miles on it. Yes this means that is not 100% new, but it does show that it has been for its pre-delivery test ride to ensure that all of the proper systems are working i.e. the ECM, charging system, starting system, ignition system, oiling and lubrication systems, fuel system, gauges ect. 

Ok, so you found the bike that fits, what’s next? Safety safety safety! GET A HELMET! Don’t go and get a novelty helmet because it’s lighter weight and looks cool. Full face helmets with a SNELL rating are the best and the most reliable in the event of a accident. SNELL helmets meet and surpass DOT regulations. If a SNELL rated helmet is a little out of your price range, then at least go DOT.

There are other things to keep in mind regarding safety. If you are going to ride always wear pants and ankle supporting boots with good gripping soles. By wearing pants and boots you minimize the chance of burns and accidental falls. Leather will help you in the event of an accident but it DOES NOT prevent all injuries. If you are well dressed and are wearing the proper safety equipment the chance of serious injury does decrease.

Now that you know what will help you stay safe let me say this.....HELMETS WONT PROTECT YOU FROM STUPIDITY! Be safe and cautious. Always pay attention to others around you. As stated earlier, take the Rider's Safety Course. Here you will learn all about knowing how to react in a moment’s notice. You are now one of the smallest vehicles on the road. Before you ride check the weather conditions. Try to avoid rain at all costs. Even the smallest amount of water on the road will mix with the oil soaked pavement giving it an icy effect.

On a final note and most likely the best safety tip I can give everyone.................

NEVER DRINK AND RIDE!

STUPIDITY CAUSES ACCIDENTS....ALCOHOL CAUSES BOTH!