Public transportation can be a big problem, especially during these times when we still need to enforce health protocols, such as social distancing.
There’s also this concern that you need to have a vehicle to have more mobility when it comes to times when public transport is limited or close to nil.
One of the most common solutions that motorists decide to go for is getting their first motorcycle. If you’re still on the fence about whether you should get one or let go of that possibility, read on to get more insights about this.
Take note of your budget.
Second to all things safety, this is the next main aspect you should look into if you’re planning to buy a motorcycle soon.
Aside from the ever-increasing gas prices nowadays, you need to check if the engine and actual make of the vehicle you’re eyeing is fuel-efficient.
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to ensure that the motorbike will use up as little fuel as possible while helping you travel long distances.
The general rule of thumb is that the higher the fuel efficiency, the less gasoline it will use up in the long run.
The total selling price of the motorcycle is not the only factor you need to consider at this point. You should also consider the maintenance, as you’re expected to use the vehicle regularly.
Here are some questions to guide you when looking for the motorbike that best fits your needs:
- How often do I need to make oil changes?
- What type of fuel does the motorcycle need?
- Are spare parts easily accessible if ever I need to change some of them?
- How much are these spare parts, if ever?
- Is there any nearby service center I can go to in case I need to ask for assistance?
These are just some of the considerations to make. You may list down more questions as you go. Keeping an inventory of these questions is especially important if you’re a newbie because it helps you remember to ask them when you get the chance.
You don’t even have to list them down on a piece of paper. Even jotting them down on your phone will do.
Get the right insurance.
You may be the safest when it comes to navigating the road with your motorbike, but will the other motorists be as cautious as you are?
Just like other big things in life, getting motorcycle insurance is important because it helps protect your investment in case something untoward, like an accident, happens.
Of course, we don’t hope for accidents to happen in the first place but it always pays to be prepared in a situation like that.
Score the proper equipment.
No, don’t go for those flashy accessories, at least not yet.
While they’re probably cool to show off to your friends and family, it’s not really of much importance at this point.
More than the decorative blings and the unique signature look you can give your motorcycle, you have to consider additions that can give you a safe ride every time.
In line with this, make sure to get proper equipment, such as helmets, gloves, riding boots, and eye protection.
Make sure to inspect them from time to time to see if they have dents, signs of wear, and tear, and other similar issues that warrant replacement.
Assess your needs.
Do you need a motorcycle with a smaller or larger engine? Chances are, you might want to start off with a smaller engine first and see how it goes for you.
While it may seem cooler to own a big bike (larger engine = larger bike) right off the bat, it may take you some time before you get used to it.
There’s also that probability that it’s not even something that you want to use for a relatively long time.
So, given this premise, you may want to consider getting at least a 600cc twin engine on a bike model if you’re planning to use it for long commutes.
Essentially, that’s a good amount of power in a relatively small size of motorcycle engine.
If you eventually discover that this isn’t enough to fulfill your traveling needs, you can always upgrade depending on what you actually need at the time.
Choose between brand new and secondhand.
Newer models will apparently have upgraded features, especially on cruise control, suspensions, and traction control. If you think you absolutely need these features and more, explore different bike models and makes and see what they have to offer.
Apparently, the greatest con when getting a brand new shiny motorcycle is the cost. There are two main ways to go around this: pay in full via cash or pay in installments.
When paying in full, one of the greatest perks you can get is getting a substantial discount out of the deal. The dealer may even offer you some freebies because of this.
However, if you decide to pay in installments, you can expect the fees to be a bit higher in total when compared side by side with the first choice. In this case, you need to check the differences in prices between the two and see if this is amenable to you.
If not, consider getting a motorcycle from another dealer that can offer you better perks. Also choose those that are within your monthly budget.
On the other hand, if you’re not really keen on scoring the latest features or the newest bike in town, you’re better off going for the next best models. The payment scheme is similar to the ones above. The only main difference is you’ll have to “downgrade your choices”. At least for the time being.
If you really need to have a motorcycle soon but are currently tight on the budget, going for a secondhand unit is the way to go.
Once you decide to take this route, you have to be committed to performing your due diligence, especially when checking the bike’s history.
Here are some questions that can help you get started in examining the secondhand unit that’s put up for sale:
- What’s the history of the motorcycle?
- Who were the previous owners?
- What are the reasons for selling?
- Are there any underlying issues and defects that were not mentioned?
- Is the unit still covered by warranty?
Of course, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just these questions. Feel free to add more as the need arises and the situation calls for it.
Now, if you’re not really a motorcycle expert and you think you’ll have a hard time sifting through the units that are up for sale, consider asking for help from someone who knows their way around motorcycles in the Philippines.
Be it a relative or a trusted help, enlist their help if you’re about to personally check the bike for sale. This way, it will be easier for you to have clarity, especially when the seller has great salestalk skills
Having someone go with you during the ocular assessment will help you devise good questions to ask the sellers. They can even pitch in with their own questions themselves to help you see if the motorcycle put up for sale is a good match for you or not.