Tips For Buying Your First Bike

Scooters are quite easy to handle and offer a storage unit. Moreover, scooters are quite cost-effective when compared to motorbikes.

Whereas, bikes provide more control and stability to the rider, allowing you to reach your destination comfortably. Most people in India prefer a motorcycle because of its powerful engine that lets you travel long distances effortlessly.

• Know the Functionality of Your Bike

A very important factor to consider before buying a bike is to think about where you will use it and also, your area of residence. For example, most Indian bikes are made to be ridden on tarred roads, but buying a superbike for congested city roads is a very bad idea. Similarly, if you are looking for a bike to go on trips, you should choose a cruiser style bike rather than a sports bike.

• Decide the Model You Wish To Buy

There are plenty of bikes with different models you will need to choose from. They all have different purposes, so make sure the bike you wish to buy fits your purpose. Once you have decided on the functionality of your bike, the decision to buy a type of bike becomes easier. Some popular types of bikes are- sports bikes, cruiser bikes, muscle bikes, racing bikes, dirt bikes, among others. Most consumer-focused bikes in India are economic and highly fuel-efficient, making it a good choice for the masses.

• Consider Your Experience as a Rider

Just say you have learned how to drive a bike using your family or friend’s vehicles. By the time you are ready to buy your first bike, chances are that you are already a pretty good rider. However, if this is the first time you are going to be around a bike, it is best to get an entry-level or commuter bike, which falls in the range of 100 to 150cc and has easy handling and ride quality. Once you have an ample amount of experience and practice in handling a bike, you can upgrade to more powerful machines.

• Take Budget and Fuel Efficiency Into Account

The most important aspect of buying a bike is your budget. You will need to decide how much you are willing to spend on your new bike. In today’s automobile market, you can find bikes that start at very economical prices and superbikes that can go up to tens of lakhs. Setting a budget will help you narrow down which bikes you can buy. Moreover, you will need to think about the fuel efficiency of your future bike. Most expensive bikes have lower fuel efficiency as they require more power. It is recommended to buy a bike that is fuel-efficient to save money in the long run.

• Research Possible Options

After you have decided and narrowed down on all the above points, it’s time for research. You can go online and look at the type of bike you want to buy and shortlist a few options that best suit your requirements. It is important to look into all the details such as engine power, fuel efficiency, bike type, price, fuel type, and more, so you have all the relevant information about each shortlisted bike. You can also seek help from your friends who are knowledgeable about bikes.

• Refer to Customer Reviews

One of the most important tips for buying a new bike is checking customer reviews for that model. Such reviews help you understand the vehicle’s overall performance before you make the purchase.

You can look for comments and suggestions given by people who have been using the same model for quite some time. It will provide you with information on the engine’s performance, fuel efficiency, on-road performance, and real issues that riders face in regards to the bike.

• Check Availability of Maintenance Centers

Over time, a few components of your bike will need maintenance and care. Thus, you must service your bike from time to time to maintain its top-notch performance. So, while you buy a new bike, make sure that the components are readily available in the market or at the service centres near you. In case they aren’t, you might face trouble in the future and hence, it is best to go for some other brand.

• Compare Your Options

Once you have shortlisted the bikes as per your budget and interest, compare them against each other. Try to objectively make a list of pros and cons to help you determine which bike will be the best option for you. A good idea is to take a test drive of the shortlisted bikes to check their comfort. Make sure to further narrow down the list based on bike riding comfort.

• Test Ride the Vehicle

Finally, you can visit the nearest showroom that has the two-wheeler model and give it a test ride. This step will enable you to try out how the bike feels in reality and cross out some cons pointed out by customers. Test riding the bike is essential before purchasing it, so don’t skip this step!

• Make Your Decision

Once you have gotten all the technical stuff out of the way and thoroughly tested all options, it’s time to choose your bike. A good idea is to go for a bike that feels the most natural and comfortable for you during the test drive. Make sure it is not too heavy and has a good balance. You should always buy your bike from a reputed bike dealership that will provide you with all the relevant paperwork you will need to establish ownership over your bike.