Buying a Motorbike and Safety on the Road

Daydreaming about hitting the open road on 2-wheels, wind in your face, on your favourite motorcycle? It’s a fantasy for some, and a reality for most, but the situation isn’t quite as carefree.

Buying the right motorcycle for you is an important process, with several major aspects to take into consideration.

On the Arrive Alive website, we have shared information on buying a motor vehicle, buying a used car and also some insights on financing and insurance options.

But how does this differ from making a decision to buy a motorbike?

We approached our Bike Expert, Hein Jonker from the Motorcycle Safety Institute, who shared some important considerations:

Getting the Right Bike

Before you purchase a motorcycle, you should take a minute to think about why, when and where you’ll use it.

There are several different types of motorcycles, all of which come with their own benefits and setbacks, depending on your priorities. The general designs include:

• Sportbikes
• Street bikes
• Touring bikes
• Cruiser bikes
• Dual-purpose bikes
• Off-road bikes

Check out our guide to Choosing the Right Type of Motorcycle to learn more about which bike type will best fit your needs.

Other factors to keep in mind include:

• Height and weight
• Engine size and power
• Seat structure and comfort

Make sure you do your research before proceeding to a dealership or private sale. The more you understand about the bike you buy, the more likely it is that you will be happy with your purchase.

Budgeting for a Bike

For most people, a motorcycle is an optional purchase. That being said, you can choose to spend small or go all out on your new bike. Prices vary hugely-anywhere from under R15,000 to R400,000.

Once you’ve determined the type of bike you want, do your research to figure out its typical going rate. With that information in mind, decide the highest amount you feel comfortable paying before you start shopping.

"Hidden" Motorcycle Costs

Aside from the base price, there are a variety of other cost factors to keep in mind, including:

• Transport
• Pre Delivery Inspection
• Maintenance expenses (especially when buying a used motorcycle)
• MicroDot
• License and registration

If this is your first motorcycle, you will also have to budget for all the proper safety and personal safety equipment, such as:

• Helmets
• Jacket
• Boots

You may also want to consider enrolling in a motorcycle safety or training course, whether you’re a new rider or an experienced cyclist looking to refresh your knowledge.

Motorcycle Insurance

Insurance can be another major cost factor for a motorcycle. insurance rates vary, depending on:

• Bike type
• Engine size
• Replacement value
• Your license type or risk

Different insurance companies may also classify motorcycles differently. For example, one insurance provider may consider a Ducati Monster a standard bike, while another may classify it as a sports bike. The difference can make a big impact on your insurance premium.

Make sure you do some research on motorcycle insurance when shopping for your bike.

You may also want to investigate different theft prevention measures to ensure your investment is as safe as possible.

Financing Your Bike / Motorcycle Finance

When you think about your budget, you will also have to decide how you will pay for the motorcycle. There’s a good chance you will need to finance your bike.

Typically, unlike a house or a car, you can purchase a motorcycle for little to no deposit.

In general, though, the more cash you can bring to the table, the better the deal you will be able to negotiate. However, this is not always the case, and there are many factors that go into negotiating.

If you decide to go the financing route, it’s generally a good idea to walk into the dealership with a pre-approved finance. This will not only help in the negotiating process but also give you a solid number to keep in mind when determining how much you will pay for the bike.

Interest rates on your financial plan will vary, depending on:

• Your credit history
• Your down payment
• The finance term

Buying a New Motorcycle

Much like cars, houses, and other major purchases, there are some prominent differences between buying new or buying used when it comes to motorcycles.

Which direction you go in depends largely on your personal preferences, but, in general, buying a new bike may be a good idea if you:

• Are a new motorcycle rider
• Are not particularly mechanically inclined
• Are interested in a specific type of bike
• Want the newest technology/model available

Buying a Used Motorcycle

Purchasing a used bike may be a good idea if you:

• Are an experienced rider
• Have at least some understanding of motorcycle mechanics
• Are looking for a good deal

Arguably the biggest advantage of buying a used bike is the price difference. Most of the time used motorcycles will be cheaper, due to natural depreciation rates. In the case of a private purchase, you do not have to pay the setup, delivery and dealer fees. License and registration fees will still be for your account.

Potential Problems with Maintenance, Safety and Roadworthiness

Still, you will have to be vigilant about the condition of the motorcycle before pulling the purchasing trigger. Some major issues to look out for include:

• Rust or scratches on the body, tank, and fenders
• Tyre wear are good indicators of how the bike was ridden
• Leaking fork seals
• Wear/cracks on the footpegs and seat
• Oxidized paint
• Seepage, weeping, or leaks in the engine or transmission
• Blue brake discs
  • They should be smooth and clean
• Too much smoke when the bike is started, especially if it’s blue smoke
• A rusty or gunky chain, and sprocket wear
  • It should be clean and tight, with about 20mm of slack

Should I buy my motorbike through a Dealership or Private Seller?

Dealerships vs. Private Sales

You will also need to decide which type of seller you would like to buy your motorcycle from. Again, depending on your personal preferences, there will be benefits and disadvantages to both.

Dealerships

In general, a dealer may be able to offer you more options when making your decision. A dealership will likely have:

• A wide variety of bikes
• A service department
• Financing options

NOTE: You may be able to trade in your old bike as part of the negotiation process.

At some locations, certified pre-owned motorcycles, which should come with:

• Full service and vehicle history
• A guarantee or warranty

Many dealers will also allow you to take a test drive, which is a great opportunity to get to know the bike and ensure it’s the right one for you before you buy it.

Private Sellers

As with buying a used motorcycle, the big advantage of buying from a private seller is the chance to pay a little less on your purchase.

However, aside from having the bike inspected for any potential problems, you should ask for a vehicle service book from the seller. This will likely reveal any issues the seller may not disclose, or even know of themselves, such as:

• Accident history
• The number of owners a bike has had
• Odometer readings
• Service history

I’ll go one step further and run the Registration No to check if the bike has been stolen. No matter which path you choose, it’s a great idea to be as informed as possible before buying your bike.

Also view:

Rules of the Road on Lane Splitting

What are the Rules of the Road on Lane Splitting by bikers/ motorcyclists in South Africa?

Motorcycle Safety through the Eyes of the Instructor

Motorcycle Safety and Riding in Bad Weather

Buying a Vehicle, Vehicle Finance and Road Safety