Riding your bike is like a dream come true for many people, especially young adults, once they reach 18 years of age. But deciding about “which bike you should buy” can be tricky. The Coronavirus-induced lockdown has further pushed for a need to own a private vehicle. Here are some of the essential aspects you must keep in mind while buying a new bike.
Identify What You Need
Think – why do you need a bike – for sports and adventure, for commuting in local areas, for commuting on the highway, or maybe for a first-time purchase once you have turned 18?
There are several bike options available to suit your needs. A standard or electric bike may be suitable if you are a first-time purchaser or need a bike for local commuting. If you need a bike for sports or adventure, consider purchasing a cruiser or a sports bike.
Even amongst the category you choose, different bikes have different features. For instance, a first-time purchaser may be interested in buying a high-end sports bike, but perhaps he may not be prepared yet to handle the advanced features of the bike. Further, some bikes might be more suitable for your build than others.
Research and Shortlist
Once you have decided the type of bike you want to buy, shortlist a few good models in that category based on the brands available and their mileage. A motorcycle that has greater mileage is generally preferable. You must also remember the bike’s popularity, the proximity to service centers, and the easy availability of spare parts if you need a replacement. These factors ensure that you can enjoy using the bike initially and in the long run.
There are many two-wheeler loan products available that can aid you in financing your purchase. Most vendors offer a test drive. You must consider riding a few models before finalizing the one you wish to purchase. You may want to increase your budget post-research with a long-term perspective.
Initial Costs
It would help if you compared the costs of various types of bikes available in the selected category. The initial prices would include the purchase cost of the bike, registration costs, and insurance costs.
Pricing is often based on factors like the brand name, mileage, accessories offered, etc. Sports and adventure bikes are generally pricier than standard bikes. Besides, some brands have premium pricing.
Do factor in the maintenance costs of the selected bike and not just the one-time purchase costs. For example, second-hand bikes may be cheaper initially but tend to incur a greater maintenance cost over the long term.
