Tips For Buying Your First Motorcycle
Buying Your First Motorcycle in Nanaimo, BC: Pro tips from Megson FitzPatrick
If you’re in the market for your first motorcycle, then you’ve come to the right place. Megson FitzPatrick loves our motorbikes, and we want to help ensure you get your motorbike for the right price, as well as choose the model that best fits your ride, biking experience, and where you’re going. We have compiled a list of tips for buying your first motorcycle in Nanaimo, BC for you to read through and keep in mind before you head to your local dealership.
As a note, it’s important to remember that you are legally obligated to carry motorcycle insurance in Nanaimo and must have some evidence of insurance before you are able to leave the lot with your new bike. In this blog post, we’ll have some tips regarding insurance coverage and how to get the best rates for you.
Tip No. 1: Determine the kind of motorcyclist you want to be.
How are you going to use your ride? Are you planning to use it for your daily commute, for road trips, or are you simply using it for the occasional weekend adventure? Do you want to ride in a group, with a passenger, or go completely solo? It’s vital that you determine the answers to these questions before settling on the bike you want to purchase. If you want to go on longer rides or will be using your bike every day, you may want to select something that leans more towards comfort. If you don’t plan to ride every day but want to go out in luxury, choose a more highline model.
Tip No. 2: Remember to purchase the right wardrobe before you ride.
Because motorcyclists are exposed when they’re on the road it’s important for them to purchase the right equipment that defends them against accidents and the weather in British Columbia. Clothing and equipment costs tend to vary the same way the cost of a motorcycle will. You’ll want to purchase helmets, gloves, boots, rain gear, saddlebags, a jacket, and pants that defend you against the elements or an accident. Factor in storage costs as well if you don’t plan to keep your bike at home.
Tip No. 3: Purchase motorcycle insurance before you leave the dealership.
Insurance coverage is mandatory in Nanaimo. Motorcycle insurance is designed to protect you if you cause bodily injury or property damage while operating your bike. In the province of BC, there is a minimum requirement for third-party legal liability coverage that must be purchased through ICBC. Megson FitzPatrick offers motorcycle insurance in British Columbia that covers your collision comprehensive and storage and includes standard benefits like additional living expenses, loss of use coverage, travel expenses to return home, and expenses to return a damaged/recovered stolen motorcycle.
There are different driving styles and equipment, which differentiate each rider. We offer motorcycle insurance in Nanaimo that is based on your needs and suits you and your motorcycle so that you can ride with peace-of-mind. Get a free motorcycle insurance quote in Nanaimo today.
Tip No. 4: Choose new or used based on your lifestyle and needs.
Choosing between a new or used motorcycle can be a big decision. New motorcycles in Nanaimo range in price, from around $3,000, on the low end, to upwards of $40,000 for a high-end motorcycle. Used motorcycles are typically priced lower and will allow you to gain experience and test performance for a lower price than if you bought new. Do your research! It’s not unlike purchasing a new or used car: it simply depends on what you want, the condition you want, and your total budget. At dealerships, and most likely with used bike sellers, you’ll be able to test before purchasing. This is a good idea, especially seeing as some motorcycles are more difficult to handle than others.
Tip No. 5: Don’t rush the decision.
Like with any big decision in life, don’t rush it! Purchasing a motorcycle may not be the biggest financial decision of your life, but it’s certainly not one to be taken lightly. Some more expensive motorcycles can cost up to $50,000 – and that’s not even factoring the maintenance, insurance, and other associated costs. Purchasing a motorcycle is great fun, and we love our motorcycles here at Megson FitzPatrick, but don’t rush the decision, and be sure to take your time looking through the various dealerships and options available to you.
Good luck on your new purchase! And, when you’re ready, our Nanaimo motorcycle insurance brokers will work one-on-one with you to help you find the best possible insurance coverage for you and your new ride.