Top Things to Consider When Buying a Motorcycle: Expert Tips
December 06, 2025
Key takeaways:
- The type of motorcycle to choose will depend on your purpose and riding style.
- Set a realistic budget and consider all additional expenses for safety gear and accessories.
- Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements in your area, such as licensing and insurance to avoid surprises and extra costs.
Motorcycle buying is exciting – you’re about to experience the freedom and adventure that riding a motorcycle brings! Choosing a bike, however, also requires making intelligent choices, so you should prepare for this journey, and we’re ready to help.
Expert riders prepared a clear motorcycle buying guide with practical advice that will help without overwhelming you. Our guide contains essential tips for first-time buyers and information to bring returning riders up to speed with what’s important when buying a bike.
Define Your Riding Purpose & Style
One of the first questions you should ask yourself when choosing a motorcycle is why you need it and where you’re going to ride. Only once you’ve defined your riding purpose should you start looking at motorcycle specs such as engine size and fuel economy.
Let’s see what the most common riding purposes are and what types of motorcycles suit them best:
1. Everyday Commuting
Getting to and from work on a motorcycle is a great way to save time and fuel. Look for a bike that’s lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Most beginner bikes are perfect for commuting, as they’re low-maintenance and offer a good balance of power and control.
2. Long-Distance Trips
Traveling on a motorcycle is excellent for exploring new countries or seeing the ones you’ve already visited through a different lens. Long-distance riding for adventure or for sightseeing requires a touring motorcycle.
Touring bikes prioritize comfort over speed, have large seats and bigger fuel tanks so you can comfortably ride for hours.
3. Off-Road Riding
If you plan on riding on unpaved roads, look for a motorcycle with enough power, easy handling, and high performance. Depending on your budget and experience, choose from enduro, adventure, or dual-sports bikes. They’re the best motorcycles for off-road riding.
4. Cruising
A cruiser motorcycle is an excellent option for short to medium trips or commuting. Designed for comfort, cruisers offer a laid-back ride, a low seat, and wide handlebars.
They’re known for classic looks, so if you appreciate aesthetic appearance and enjoy comfortable rides, cruisers may be the best choice for you.
5. Sports and Racing
If you’re looking for a sports bike, check out superbikes. They have powerful engines and torque, are lightweight, and often include advanced electronics. Racing motorcycles prioritize performance over comfort, so their riding position is aggressive and not fit for long-distance riding.
Match Your Skill Level
Once you know your purpose and preferred riding style, consider your experience level. For example, if you’re a beginner and looking for a touring motorcycle for long-distance riding, you should consider lightweight bikes. Experienced riders may look at heavier, more powerful motorcycles.
As a rule, junior riders should look for lightweight bikes that are easier to handle. Riders with a few years of practice may consider upgrading to more powerful bikes that are more sensitive and require better handling.
Motorcycle safety should be one of the top priorities for every biker. Knowing your skill level and matching a bike to it may help you avoid accidents or cause less damage in a crash.
Set a Realistic Budget
Once you know what type of bike you’re looking for and what your skill level is, setting a realistic budget will help you narrow down the search.
A new motorcycle can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. A more accurate price will depend on the type of motorcycle you’re after. For example, touring motorcycles are more expensive, and their price starts from $15,000, while dirt bikes can cost from $5,000.
Consider buying a used bike. Their prices are lower than those of new motorcycles and will vary depending on their brand and year, but keep in mind that maintenance costs may be higher.
Understand Engine Size, Power & Performance
Motorcycle engine size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The higher the number, the more powerful the engine is.
- Small engines (50-125cc) suggest the bike or scooter is lightweight and suitable for beginners since it’s easier to handle and more maneuverable.
- Mid-range engines (300-500cc) offer a balance of power and practicality. This range of engine size is common in beginner sport bikes or small cruising motorcycles.
- Large engines (600cc and more) mean the motorcycle is powerful, suitable for experienced riders.
When it comes to power, the larger the engine size, the more horsepower the motorcycle will have. Bikes with more power can develop higher speeds in a shorter time.
Torque is the engine’s rotational force that affects the acceleration. Larger engines produce more torque, which means the bike can accelerate quickly from a stop. Racing bikes usually have more torque than other bike types.
Comfort & Fit: Ergonomics Matter
A motorcycle’s seat height and riding position may not be the first things you’ll look at when buying a motorcycle, but they’ll certainly make a big difference when riding.
Different motorcycle types offer different ergonomic features. For example, touring bikes are designed for long-distance travel, so sitting on them for extended periods should feel comfortable. Meanwhile, racing bikes aren’t built for comfort, so their riding position can cause discomfort over longer rides.
To determine whether the bike size fits you, consider doing a test ride. You’ll get to test different motorcycles and see which feels best for you, although that will mostly work for bikes intended for shorter rides.
When sitting on a bike, you should be able to comfortably put both feet on the ground and reach the handlebars without stretching. Some motorcycles have an adjustable seat height, but you should also consider the motorcycle’s width. Some bikes may be too wide for shorter riders.
Used vs New: Pros, Cons & What to Check
When deciding whether to buy a new or a used motorcycle, you should know what each option entails and what to expect. Here’s a convenient comparison of new vs used bikes that will help you make up your mind:
| New motorcycle | Used motorcycle | |
| Warranty | Yes | No |
| Technology | Modern | May be outdated |
| History | Known | May be unknown |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Insurance cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Lower | Higher |
Choosing a used vehicle also provides access to better models that may otherwise be discontinued or out of your budget.
Insurance, Licensing & Legal Requirements
Motorcycle buying and riding come with various legal requirements. You may not be able to register your motorcycle without certain documents, so make sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s requirements and obtain all the paperwork beforehand.
First and foremost, you’ll need a motorcycle licence and insurance. Depending on the state you live in, you may need a full motorcycle licence or a learner’s permit to register your motorcycle and drive legally.
The insurance must meet your state’s minimum requirements. It usually includes liability coverage and can also entail collision and comprehensive coverage. Motorcycle insurance is needed to protect you and others in various scenarios.
To ride your motorcycle legally, you’ll need to register it with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you have the insurance, you’ll be able to get the licence plates.
Must-Have Riding Gear & Initial Accessories
Buying a motorcycle alone won’t prepare you for riding. You’ll also need safety equipment, riding clothes, and accessories. Only then will you be ready to safely hit the road on your new motorcycle.
First of all, you’ll need a helmet. In some states in the US, it’s a legal requirement for the driver and all motorcycle passengers to wear a helmet. In the majority of states, riders under 18 or 21 must wear a helmet. Even if it’s not required by law, a helmet plays an essential role in protecting your head in case of an accident.
You’ll also need riding clothes. An armoured riding jacket is a must-have. It can protect you in case of an accident, but also make your ride much more comfortable in various weather conditions.
Keep in mind that riding in summer may require an entirely different gear and outfit than riding in cold winter months. Your clothes should also match your riding style – riding a race bike will need different clothing than everyday commuting.
Moving on, you should consider purchasing comfortable riding boots that will protect your feet and help you shift gears without any struggle. Wearing motorcycle gloves will make your riding more enjoyable and safer.
Buying all the necessary safety gear and accessories can inflate your motorcycle purchase budget. Getting an entry-level helmet, a CE-rated motorcycle jacket, boots, and gloves can add around $800 to your expenses.
Consider these costs when deciding on how much you’re willing to spend on your motorcycle.
Checklist: Your Motorcycle Buying Action Plan
Summarizing our expert tips, you should follow these steps when considering a motorcycle purchase:
- Define your purpose and riding style. This will suggest what motorcycle types you should consider.
- Set your budget. Consider whether you want to purchase a new or a used bike, as this may also have an impact on your budget. Additional gear and equipment will also add to the final cost.
- Evaluate your skill level. If you’re a beginner rider, you’ll want to look for a less powerful motorcycle with a smaller engine than an expert rider.
- Book a test ride to see if your preferred motorcycle is comfortable and fits you in size. If it’s a used bike, a test ride will help you check it for hidden damage.
- Take care of safety equipment, such as a helmet and other essential riding gear, such as protective riding clothes.
You’re ready, go get your bike!
Frequently Asked Questions
What financing options are available when buying a motorcycle?
Common motorcycle financing plans include hire purchase, personal contract purchase, personal loan, or bank loan.
When is the best time of year to buy a motorcycle?
Motorcycle buying off-season (from December to February) offers lower prices, as dealerships want to clear their stock and prepare for a new season.
How much do motorcycles depreciate after purchase?
A new motorcycle can depreciate by 20-30% in the first year, and an additional 20-30% in the second year. How much value it loses every year will depend on the motorcycle’s brand, model, mileage, and maintenance.
How do I check a used motorcycle for hidden damage or accidents?
To check a used bike for hidden damage, perform a thorough visual inspection, inspect the VIN code for inconsistencies, and check the maintenance records. Take the motorcycle for a test ride and assess handling, braking, and listen for any suspicious engine noises.
How do I estimate motorcycle insurance before buying?
The price will depend on the motorcycle’s make, year, and model, your age, and driving history. You can collect insurance quotes from multiple companies online or by phone and then compare them.
