New Riders' Buying Guide: 4 Things to Know Before Buying a Motorcycle

Harley Davidson is having an excellent moment. It's safe to say they're a classic bet, riding a wave of popularity then and now. 

Need proof?

Their worldwide motorcycle revenue totals an astonishing $5.7 billion. And of the 472,000 motorcycles sold in 2017, Harley Davidson models accounted for 133,000 of that number. 

Are you looking into buying a motorcycle yourself? Feel like riding into the sunset on your cruiser or sport bike? Yeah—you are not alone.

Before you join the ranking of this elite squad, it helps to gather some insight. That way, when you visit your local dealership, you're armed with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. And of course, the sales associates will help, too—but you can't rely on them to know what type of bike you see yourself on.

Let's get into it! Here are four key considerations to make before you purchase your new (or new-to-you) Harley.

1. Consider Size 

This point applies to the size of your engine and the size of you. You may walk into the dealership wanting that shiny Sportster but then realize you're much too tall for it. You don't want to feel cramped and uncomfortable, as that defeats the whole purpose!

Once you've found the right bike for your size, you must then consider the engine size. This gets outlined in CCs, or cubic centimeters, and is what determines your bike's power. The lower the number, the tamer—the higher the number, the more power.

Engine size ranges from about 50 CC to 1,500 CC. You're not likely to see anything in the 50 CC range that suits you. Beginner bikes usually hover around 250-300 CCs, while more experienced bikers may look at bikes in the 800 field.

2. The Proper Seating

This is another essential consideration in your comfortability of riding. You don't want to be uncomfortable on your new bike, do you? An incorrect size is not only awkward, but it can be dangerous and hard to maneuver.

Seat height gets measured from the ground to where the seat is on the motorcycle. You'll need to sit comfortably in your bike, with feet extended and flat on the ground. Your legs should be long and at ease.

If a seat is too high, you'll have trouble getting off and on, and it'll just be weird at stoplights! Too low, and you'll have more trouble maneuvering than it's worth. You also need to consider where the seat is on the bike—a standard position is best for learning.

3. Get Your License Before Buying a Motorcycle

There can't be much worse than finally obtaining the motorcycle of your dreams and then realizing you can't, well, ride it. Not only do you want to comply with the law, but you'll also want to know how to U-turn, pick your bike up if it topples, and ride with safety and precision.

Get your motorcycle license before you bike your bike—or at the least, buy it from a dealership that offers a class with purchase. This is common at most, if not all, Harley Davidson dealerships.

4. What Kind of Bike?

Now that you have an idea of what you'll need before buying a bike, the question remains: what kind of bike should you get? This depends largely on personal preference and what you plan to use the bike for.

Are you planning to go fast in short distances? Or are you planning to cruise slowly around the world? Do you need space for amenities or an extra passenger? 

Once you've answered these (and other) questions, check out the following styles of bike. You should be able to know right away which one suits your needs and wants.

Standard

These are great options for beginners.

Standards, or roadsters, are all-purpose, classic street bikes that are easily recognizable. They ride the fine middle line of a reclined cruiser and a forward-leaning sport bike. When you ride a Standard, your position will remain in a comfortable, upright position.

These can be outfitted to fit more, such as extra seats or storage, or can be ridden 'naked.'

Cruiser

Harley Davidson is a significant contributor to the world of Cruisers. They feature large, V-twin engines atop a bike that is big and easy to cruise in. Your feet can sit comfortably atop the bike with your hands high.

These are relatively simple to maneuver, and known for being very comfortable at lower speeds.

These bikes are perfect for cruising around town with your group of riders. However, because of the upright position of your chest, they can get tiring for longer distances. This is because your chest is fighting against the wind.

Sportster

These bikes are made for, well, sport!

They are typically smaller, lighter, and built for speed. Because they must compensate for that high speed, they're also made to have excellent braking power and incredible grip on the road. The high foot pegs allow you to stay close to the bike, allowing for that delicate lean around curves and corners.

This is the kind of bike you need if you want to go fast and have an exciting time. 

Touring

These bikes do what their name suggests—allow you to travel around your city, state, or perhaps the country! They truly will enable you to "go the distance."

These are outfitted for long distances. They offer large-capacity fuel tanks, so you're stopping less often to get gas. They also provide a large seat for comfortability purposes, as well as screens to block wind and bugs. 

Additionally, these bikes usually have room for additional passengers to sit cozily. Plus, they've got plenty of space for your belongings.

You're Ready to Ride

Now that you're clear on what buying a motorcycle is all about, you should be ready to make that all-important decision of what kind to purchase.

The best bike for you will be one that grows with you as your skills improve and won't become outdated as you get better at riding. Try to choose a 'beginner' bike with some longevity.

When you're ready to ride, we'll be here for you. Click here to learn about another significant consideration—financing. We can help you get the bike of your dreams!