The Nuts and Bolts of Motorcycle Ownership

Unless your last name is Knievel you don’t really need a motorcycle. However, this fact isn’t stopping millions from wanting one. Type-As aren’t the only ones either — business stiffs, teenagers, and regular men and women are purchasing them like hotcakes. Today, it’s not even unusual to see someone’s grandma on two wheels (funny: yes, unusual: no).

Do you want a bike? Say it louder! Do you want a bike? That’s much better. Well, before you part with your money for this wind-swept, newfound freedom, you need to ask yourself a few important questions:

How do I gain experience?
If done right: riding a motorcycle is awesome. Done wrong: It is not awesome (unless you absolutely love death). My advice is to assess your skills and abilities. If you’re a beginner, you need to learn how to ride. The best course of action is to go to a riding school. This way you can earn a motorcycle license, and the cops won’t take your bike away when they pull you over.

What’s this going to cost me?
That’s up to you, but don’t spend your kid’s college fund on it. If you buy new, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5000 to $30,000. Motorcycle dealers, unlike auto dealers, will do what they can to help you with the best financing options, and many offer used bikes as well. This might be the best path to take.

Should I buy a used bike?
For new riders, a used motorcycle is a better option — this way you won’t be considered a “poser” or “wild hog”. Beat this one up for a while, before you buy a new one. Why, you ask? Well sooner or later your first motorcycle is going to hit the pavement. Don’t worry; it happens to everyone in the beginning! Learn to ride this hunk-of-junk for a while; then buy a new one when you’re ready.

Is this bike right for me?
Two quick tests: One, if both your feet aren’t flat on the ground when the bike is upright, it’s too big for you — seriously (don’t get mad at me). Two, if this is your first bike, or you’ve never ridden anything fast enough to make you cry, don’t even look at a high-performance bike. That is too much bike for you right now; start small.

What should I wear?
Things you will need before you start riding: a helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and a rain suit. Now is not the time to bargain shop: Should you ever need it, this stuff will separate you from the very hard pavement (which will hurt, bad). Buy a helmet that exceeds the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, and use it even if your state doesn’t require it. This way you have a better chance of walking away from an accident.

After you’re fully trained and equipped, prepare for the worst. Expose yourself to what you’re bound to face eventually, but do it in a safe and controlled environment — like a Wal-Mart parking lot or empty stretch of road (Easy Rider style). Sooner or later you’re going to get caught in the rain; might as well be prepared. Get used to the feel of wet pavement and how the bike reacts to braking, accelerating and swerving on it.

Now go out and enjoy: I hope to see you out there! One thing to remember: we all had to begin somewhere, even old Evel.