Your new ride
Dec 05 '00
Buying a new motorcycle is an incredibly exciting experience. If you're like me you dream about it every night, search for it on the internet and go down to your local dealer to sit on every bike that's around. You create these magical images in your head of you and some friends riding the back country or cruising down a country road or even that long road trip that will set you free. Here's the problem though...You don't know which one of those images fits you.
The first step in purchasing a new bike is deciding what is practical. Perhaps you're like me and have owned a few bikes in your life. If so, you probably have a good idea of what you want or need. Unfortunately, some people are just getting into the sport and just want to go fast because they see those guys on 600 and 750 super sports. When buying a new bike it is important that you don't get caught in the trap of "trendy".
I have known people who go out and buy the latest crotch rocket because they think they'll pick up the ladies. You have to ask yourself "What am I going to be using this bike for?" If it's an in town commuter you will probably just need a small bike such as a Suzuki GS500 or perhaps even a scooter. Maybe you know some guys with KX 250's but you can only afford one bike and it must serve all of your needs. Those being weekend off road excursions with the boys and running around town for the odd movie. A nice dual purpose like a Suzuki DR 400 may be in order. If off road riding is there but some commuting on the highway or a trip to the Yukon could take place, try out a Kawasaki KLR 650.
There are so many bikes out there to choose from and so many different areas to ride that it is important that you choose the one that will suit your many needs, especially if you can only afford one bike. If you can't decide what is right for you, then ask around. Go to a dealer and tell them what you may use your bike for and they can show you the appropriate models. However, look at all the manufacturers that you can. Just because one maker doesn't make your ideal ride, another might. Don't get suckered into buying something from the first place you go to.
The next step is budgeting. There are a few choices in how you can pay for your new steed, the best being straight out cold, hard cash. You will always find the lowest price if you pay cash. The next would be financing. This can be tricky; there are always factory set promotions such as zero down or pay nothing for six months etc. Ask what the financing rate is. Typically it will be around 7-10% The interest is getting quite high above the 10% mark. You should also find out how much money is going to interest out of that $200.00/month payment. Remember, the longer it takes to pay off your bike, the more you spend. For example, if your bike is $10 000.00 and you have zero down, after taxes and interest for 4 years, that bike could be up to around $14 000 or more. If financing is looking like the way for you, it is best to have as big of a down payment as possible. This way you can pay off your bike with smaller payments or the same payments in less time. In my opinion it is best to pay as much per month as you can. The next method is a bank loan. Virtually the same as financing, it is possible to get lower interest rates through a bank. However, it may be significantly more difficult to negotiate payments if you can negotiate at all.
When it comes to the actual time that you spend in the dealership of choice, make 100% sure that the bike they have set you up with is right. Dealers are sales people and they are out to make money; this means that no matter how nice they may be, they'll still try to sell you that
$12 000.00 Yamaha R1 rather than the $8000.00 Suzuki SV 650. Another good point is that you probably shouldn't dicker over the price of the bike too much. Generally the price from the dealer isn't much over the MSRP and the price from the dealer usually includes for any options and destination charges. You can however, ask for the MSRP, compare and make a judgement of whether or not the price difference is fair.
If you need new gear to go with the bike, the dealers can usually throw together a package that can be quite pleasing. The last time I bought a bike I received 20-30% off everything and I generally get 10-20% off everything I buy from them now. I have heard of dealers letting leathers and helmets go for cost and below if they make enough on the bike. My point is that a hundred dollars on the bike can actually end up costing you twice that on the equipment. It's good to be firm but be realistic as well.
Most of the time dealers don't allow you to try out the bikes. This is because once they leave the shop they are used. Some larger dealers may have test bikes but don't count on it. Most of the purchasing I do is by research. I go down to the local shop, pick out some bikes, and sit on them. Get a feeling for the riding position and how well your body likes it. Then, collect opinions, reviews, editorials, shoot-outs, whatever. The key is to get all of the info on the bikes that you like and narrow the choices down from there. If you can, ride a demo bike. If they don't have one, ask about a demo that is similar to your choice.
If you are changing from dual purpose to sport, try a friends to see if you could ride one. Anything you can think of to help aid in the purchase of your bike will enhance your experience and allow you to enjoy riding even more. You will have the confidence of knowing that you have made the right choice and you won't ever question if there was a better bike for you...Until the next model year.
One final thought; you must not be over eager. Take someone with you that can keep you in check. Excitement can cloud ones judgement and cause you to buy the bike that everyone else wants. Remember, you're the one who has to make the payments.
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Epinions.com ID:
Sean_Spence
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Reviews written: 2
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