Buying a motorbike

Buying a motorbike can be an exciting time, but with so many options and choices available, you may not know where to begin. Let us guide you through the various factors to consider, to ensure you get the right motorbike to suit your needs.

What to consider when buying a motorbike

Before you start the process of buying a motorbike, there are a number of considerations to make and questions to ask yourself –

Motorbike use

• Why do you want or need a motorbike?
• How do you plan to use your motorbike?
• Will you get good value from this investment?

Budgeting for a motorbike

• What is your budget?
• How will you pay for the motorbike?
• Can you afford the running costs?

Your motorbike of choice

• Should you get a new or used motorbike?
• What motorbike engine size should you get?
• What motorbike type and brand should you get?

Once you’re able to answer these questions, you should be in a great position to buy a motorbike!

Choosing a motorbike

Motorbikes come in all shapes, sizes, engines and types, so it can be hard to know where to start. One way you can start to narrow down your choice is by asking yourself – what do I need or want a motorbike for? This will help you to choose an ideal motorbike for you.

Motorbike engine size

The capacity of a motorbike engine is an important factor when considering buying a motorbike, as this impacts performance and costs of the vehicle. The capacity of a motorbike engine is usually measured in terms of ‘cc’, which stands for cubic capacity. Motorbike engines typically range from 50cc to 1500cc.

Lower cc motorbikes will generally be cheaper to buy and more economic to run but will have less power so it will compromise on speed and performance. Depending on what you plan to use your motorbike for, you should consider the size of engine carefully, so your bike delivers what you need.

Motorbike types

There are several common types of motorbike, ranging from cruiser motorbikes, touring motorbikes and sports motorbikes. As well as personal preference, you should consider what you intend to use your motorbike for, to ensure your ride is comfortable and the bike suits your body.

When choosing a motorbike type, be sure to consider –

• Saddle height
• Motorbike length
• Motorbike weight

Read our in-depth guide on motorbike types for more help and advice.

Motorbike brands

Each motorbike brand offers something different and unique. There are many to choose between, such as the world’s largest motorbike manufacturer Honda, to trusted vehicle producer BMW, or perhaps the most recognisable and iconic name in motorbikes, Harley-Davidson.

Your choice of motorbike brand should fit your personal preference and affordability. Some makes and models are more desirable so hold their value better than others, but these often have higher running and maintenance costs too.

When choosing a motorbike brand, be sure to consider –

• Reliability
• Running and maintenance costs
• Value and depreciation

Read our in-depth guide on motorbike brands for more help and advice.

Buying a motorbike

Once you’ve decided on the type of motorbike which is right for your needs, you should consider the various options when buying a motorbike.

Buying a motorbike outright

Buying a motorbike outright can be a good option if you have the capital to do so, as you’ll have no additional outgoing payments after the purchase. If you don’t have the funds available yourself, you could consider a personal loan to help.

Leasing a motorbike

Leasing a motorbike is a popular option for many, though like with leasing a car, you won’t ever technically own the vehicle. You’ll simply be renting its use for an agreed period of time, for a fixed monthly fee. You are typically restricted to a mileage limit when leasing a motorbike, so there are certain restrictions to consider.

Buying a motorbike on finance

Finance agreements require fixed monthly loan repayments over an agreed time period, and in some cases a final payment before you become the owner of the motorbike. Some finance deals require a deposit , which can be cash or from a part exchange of another vehicle you own.

For help and advice on motorbike finance, we can help today. We can even help you get motorbike finance if you have bad credit or if you’ve been refused finance in the past.