In these days of job and money worries we all need to seek out bargains, especially for our hobbies and favourite pastimes like riding and caring for our bikes. So it makes good sense to shop around and find the most affordable items that you can. From the bike itself to the helmet, gloves, and boots you need to wear, there are lots of bargains to be found either on the internet or in local stores. Frugal motorcycles mean more funds to spend on that wardrobe and biking accessories and that spells fun!
Fitting your motorcycle around your budget
Lets face it, owning a motorcycle is a fun and rewarding experience. They can absolutely change your life through all the places you can go and the people you will meet along the way. Anyone who recalls Jim Bronson and his travels along the “Long Lonesome Highway” back in the 1970’s will recall an era where riding a bike meant travels literally wherever the road took us, exploring as many of the nooks and crannies of the US that could be found, and not worrying where the day would end because we simply did not care. Although that era has passed there are still many options for frugal motorcycles enthusiasts to explore.
Buying the motorcycle that fits you and your budget comes first
You want the most bike for the buck that you can find. Motorcycles are not cheap and the top brands can be downright expensive so try saving up in a “bike fund” savings account for a year or two. If you can’t wait, a sizable down payment in addition to low cost financing may be the best alternative for you. Many bike stores and shops can provide the financing you need but don’t get in over your head with those monthly payment because bikes are relatively easy to repossess. Just like any other type of vehicle, your bike will depreciate as soon as you drive off with it, so if you are trying to think frugal motorcycles you might want to consider purchasing a used one for your first bike. Check on the internet and you will find that some brands are costlier to insure and some have a higher rate of break downs.
Shop the dealers and find the best rate of interest to accommodate your financial situation. The bank where you have your checking and savings accounts may be a good choice for financing. Insurance will be a necessity you must get as part of your loan agreement on the bike of your choice. Shop for that online or ask at your bank for recommendations. You want to be frugal but don’t be underinsured because that can end up costing you way more in the long run. Make sure you have uninsured as well as underinsured. You never know when you might get side swiped and the car simply drives off, leaving you to pay for your own repairs.
Helmets, jackets, and boots Oh My!
Once you have chosen the perfect bike to fit your needs, you will want to dress for the occasion, and that means leather! Motorcyclists do not wear leather simply because they want to look tough or cool. They know the practicality of being well protected in case of a spill. New bike riders particularly should have plenty of protection in case they “lose it” on a curve or need to lay their bike down to stop quickly. Leather jackets can be expensive but not so much when you compare it to losing a few pounds of skin off your arms, legs, and behind. Boots should be long and sturdily built, and of course the helmet is perhaps the most necessary of all your accessories because it will help keep your brain inside your head in case of an accident. If all these warnings seem scary they are meant to be. Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous when you consider all of the numbskulls in much heavier vehicles that will be all around you. Keeping your head and driving defensively will insure you have a fun time and a safe ride where ever you go.
New to motorcycles? Take some safety training classes first
Many states require new bikers take a safe driver class, often provided by that state or through an affiliate of local motorcycles stores. It would be not only a safe and prudent idea but your insurer will most likely give you a lower rate once you’ve completed a safe driver course for motorcycles. Read the reviews for various brands of motorcycles and you will find some are simply safer to navigate the highways than certain others. A motorcycle insurer will most likely have a list of which bikes can be more dangerous and should provide it to you before you commit to a certain brand and model. You want the most bike for your buck and one that will keep you safely on the road for years to come.
