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If you recently completed your Compulsory Basic Training then congratulations on being ready to buy your first motorcycle. Of course, before you rush into this decision, there are some things you should research. After all, owning a motorbike can be expensive, and that’s why it’s wise to ensure you’re spending your money well. If you’re going to face big costs then you should get value for your money. Additionally, you need to make sure that you’re going to be safe on the road. That should always be your priority. These are the main things you need to research before buying your first motorcycle.

The engines available.

As a motorcyclist, you’re probably a beginner (unless you’ve been training for years and have only just decided to buy your first motorcycle). But the majority of people reading this are probably new to riding a motorbike. So, it’s understandable that you’re probably looking at the low-end of bike ranges. In particular, you’re probably looking at less powerful engines. Does that sound about right? Well, you might want to adopt more of a long-term perspective. As mentioned in the introduction, owning a motorcycle is expensive. If you want to avoid wasting money then you should be making purchases that’ll last you for years.

For instance, why buy a bike with a 125cc engine to get you started if you’re just going to upgrade in a month or two? You’ve done the training, so save yourself some money by going straight for a mid-range engine. Something between 500-1000cc is well-suited for anyone who’s done a basic level of training. You need to look ahead to the future and spend your money on a bike that’ll last you for years. It might be tempting to start off with a bike for beginners, but you’ll quickly find that low-end engines aren’t very satisfying. Sometimes, it’s better to pay a little more for durability.

The market for motorcycle gear.

The motorcycle itself is only one cost of many when it comes to being a biker. You need to think about the gear you’re going to buy too. The clothes you wear play a big part in keeping you safe on the road. It’s always smart to value quality over cost. Besides, cheaper biker gear will only wear out more quickly; it’ll cost you more money to replace your kit continuously. Opt for high-quality gear that’ll last you longer. You might want to compare motorbike helmets if you’re trying to find the safest and most comfortable option. That way, you’ll know you’re getting the best possible value for your money.

The top insurers out there.

Luckily, insurance for motorbikes is cheaper than insurance for cars. Of course, that still might not be saying much; car insurance can be ridiculously expensive. And you need to consider insurance very carefully when it comes to your motorbike. After all, road incidents for motorcyclists can be very costly. You also don’t have the same protection as car drivers, so you need to think about your personal safety and wellbeing. Make sure you get sufficient coverage so that you’re well protected in the event that you’d have to make a claim. Compare quotes from the top insurers out there to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. You could increase your excess to save money on your premium, for example.