Choosing Your First Motorbike
If you’ve never owned a motorbike before, then choosing one for the first time can be daunting. In addition to choosing which type and model of motorbike to buy, you also have to think about things such as arranging motorbike insurance to make your bike road legal. In this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of motorbikes as well as the different factors you should take into account when buying one for the first time.
Key points
What Are The Different Types Of Motorbikes?
- Touring: As the name suggests, touring motorbikes are designed for long distance journeys. This means they have features such as screens with excellent weather protection and a large capacity fuel tank.
- Standard: A standard motorbike, also known as a street motorbike, is a typical motorbike designed for street use, which means they usually don’t have a windscreen and are designed to be easy to ride. This makes them an excellent choice for first time buyers.
- Sport: A sport motorcycle is a high performance vehicle that usually has a powerful engine and prioritizes things like speed, handling and precision. They’re usually not the best choice for inexperienced riders.
- Off-road: Off-road bikes are designed to be used off-road on varying terrain, such as mud, sand or even snow. They have tyres that can handle this type of terrain and are designed to be easy to maneuver in difficult conditions.
- Scooters: Scooters are a good choice for new motorcycle riders since they’re easy to handle and provide a safer riding experience. There are many different models to choose from too, so you should have no problem finding one that’s right for you.
- Mopeds: Lastly are mopeds. They usually have a small engine and are quite easy and safe to ride, making them a choice for a first motorbike.
What are the biggest considerations for first time motorbike buyers?
- Your needs and skill level: The most important thing to think about when buying a motorbike for the first time is what you intend to use it for. This should inform your choice of what type of motorcycle to get (sport, touring etc.). You should also think about what your current skill level is and what type of bike you trained on.
- Your budget: How much you have to spend is of course another important factor. You should also keep in mind the cost of things like maintenance, safety gear and insurance when deciding how much to spend on a bike.
- Safety gear: It’s important that you make sure you have the right safety gear for riding a motorbike. How much you’ll need to get will depend on the type of bike you get and how powerful it is. Generally with any type of motorbike though, you’ll need a good quality helmet at the very least.
- Engine size: The engine size of your bike will determine things like its power as well as how much it costs, including the cost of insurance. Generally it’s better to get a bike with a smaller engine size when you’re first starting out.
Is it necessary to get motorbike insurance?
Yes, in order for your bike to be road legal, you must have third party only insurance in place at a minimum.
In Summary
- The type of bike you get is a very important decision and should be informed by how you plan to use it primarily.
- Your budget is another important thing to take into account when buying a motorbike for the first time.
- You’ll need to have insurance in place for your bike to be road legal.
Compare Motorbike Insurance Quotes!
Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.
Our recommended guides
