As a new biker should buy a new bike or a used one?

Should I buy a used motorcycle or a new one?

Once you are clear about your budget, it is time to determine the rest of the requirements. The first choice to make: Do you want to opt for a new motorcycle or a second-hand motorcycle?

Depending on the budget, this choice will be made in advance. However, if your wallet allows you to access both options, check out our list with the pros and cons; It will help you to opt for one option or another with the certainty that you are making a good decision.

Advantages of buying a new motorcycle

You can customize it to your liking with some extras
Less chance of breakdowns in the medium term
Warranty

Disadvantages of buying a new motorcycle

Global price more expensive
It is devalued quickly

Advantages of buying a second hand/used motorcycle

Cheaper overall price
Less depreciation
Less loss of value in case of damage / fall

Disadvantage of buying a second hand/used motorcycle

You have to spend a lot of time looking for a reliable seller that offers a good quality / price ratio
Increased risk of defects and breakdowns
There is often no guarantee

What should I keep in mind when buying a new motorcycle?

By buying a new motorcycle you can save yourself by scrutinizing it for scratches or hidden breakdowns, which are usually common in ads of used motorcycles. However, that does not mean that you should not have a critical attitude; Not all brands offer good models for a fair price.
In order to determine if your new motorcycle fully meets your needs and desires, it is important to conduct a test drive. This is what you should pay attention to when you do a driving test:

MANEUVERABILITY
How does the motorcycle feel in your hands? Is it suitable for your body size and for your ideal posture? Does the bike give you confidence? Do you have a fluid and comfortable movement, especially when cornering?

ACCELERATION
Does the bike have the power you expect? How is the acceleration, the engine starts smoothly or feels uncontrollable? Keep in mind that the character of the motorcycle will also depend on the number of cylinders: a 4 cylinder often accelerates more smoothly than a 1 or 2 cylinder.

BRAKING
Find a section with plenty of space and test the brakes with different types of braking. Does it work smoothly but effectively, as soon as you have pressed the brake? How long does it take to completely stop the motorcycle?

AERODYNAMICS
If your purpose is to drive at high speeds (allowed by law) and on endless roads, the aerodynamics of the motorcycle is essential. In general, motorcycle resistance is high, so they have a rather negative aerodynamic coefficient.

SEAT POSITION AND COMFORT
What is the seat position on the motorcycle? Can you reach the ground comfortably with your feet? Note if your legs are not too high when you have them resting on the rest. Keep in mind that the type of motorcycle is decisive for driving with one posture or another; sports bikes and ride bikes are very different in terms of comfort because they are designed for very different uses. Beyond your personal aesthetic tastes, ask yourself if the use you are going to give justifies one or another model.

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