Rules for Buying Your First Motorcycle

When you’re first wading into the wide world of motorcycles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different manufacturers and models. There’s also no shortage of advice out there on which brands make the best starter bikes. A motorcycle is a big investment, so it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. That said, you can simplify the process by following some general guidelines. Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson offers this guide for first-time buyers looking to narrow down their options.

Interested in looking at some Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale? Come view our selection at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson in Eugene, OR. Our qualified staff can help you find the perfect starter bike for your needs and budget.

Find a Good Fit

Never underestimate the importance of comfort! The ideal bike for beginners places the rider in a neutral posture, allowing for maximum visibility, comfort, and range of motion. This gives you a safer and more enjoyable riding experience, which is especially important when you’re first learning to ride.

Of course, you also want a bike that’s a good fit for your lifestyle. Today’s motorcycle market is flooded with flashy sport bikes with long lists of specialized features, but as a beginner, you’re probably better off choosing an all-purpose standard motorcycle. Standard motorcycles provide plenty of versatility, so you won’t be limited to one type of riding. You can always opt for a more specialized model for your next motorcycle purchase, once you’ve had a chance to explore all the possibilities.

Spend Wisely

One of the first decisions you’ll make when buying a motorcycle is whether to buy new or used. There’s no right or wrong answer here. As with any vehicle, you can save a lot of money buying used—but without the protection of a manufacturer’s warranty, your savings may end up going toward repairs. Generally speaking, newer machines are going to be more reliable. Finding a used bike in pristine condition is the best-case scenario, but you have to get lucky.

Whether you’re buying new or used, the most important thing is to select a model with all the right features. You don’t want to pounce on a great deal only to wind up with a bike that doesn’t suit your needs. And while there’s no end to the amount of money you can spend on fancy bells and whistles for specialty bikes, spending just a few extra bucks on your entry-level bike can make a big difference.

Keep It Simple

It might be hard to resist the allure of those power-packed four-cylinder racing machines, but as a first-time buyer, you should stick with a two-cylinder engine. You can also rule out any bikes above 900 cc. That still leaves you with a wide range of options, and rest assured you can get plenty of performance out of a smaller bike with a lower displacement. A prime example is the Harley Sportster® Iron 883™ model.

Think Ahead

Chances are, your first bike isn’t going to be your last bike. Buying a starter bike may be a big decision, but it isn’t a final decision, and you may find yourself in the market for another model after just one or two seasons of riding. If you truly fall in love with your first motorcycle, you can keep riding it until the wheels fall off, but you can also treat your first bike as a stepping stone and upgrade to something more sophisticated as soon as you’ve mastered the basics.

Ready to take the plunge? At Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson, we love welcoming newcomers to the motorcycle community. As your trusted local Harley-Davidson® dealer, we  offer new and used models for riders of all levels. We proudly serve Eugene, OR, along with our neighbors in Corvallis and Albany.