One of the toys that most men love playing with are motorcycles. But before you decide that you want to be a biker, there are some few thing to consider.
The Real Cost of Ownership
It’s not a surprise that when gas prices spike during the warmer months, so do motorcycle sales. And while it’s true that some motorcycles do get better gas mileage than cars, and that they’re often cheaper to buy, the fact is that the cost of bike ownership goes way beyond the MSRP and price at the pump:
The Bike
Motorcycle prices can vary wildly, but on average, if you’re buying a new motorcycle fit for a beginner, you’re probably spending anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000.
Insurance
If you are over 25 and have a spotless driving record, you can get a pretty decent rate on insurance, possibly under $500 a year. Unfortunately, there’s a lot more involved than simply your age and driving record—the population density of where you live, the theft rate of the bike model, whether Christmas falls on a Tuesday…when it comes to insurance, it’s Thunderdome. Shop around, obviously, but just know that you’re definitely going to shell out some cash.
Sourced from: http://www.gq.com/story/motorcycle-bikes-gear-buying-guide
Not everyone will be able to afford a brand new two wheeler from the shop but they can buy a used one. As a buyer you should check the condition of the car and the seller’s authencity. This simply means that paperwork must be involved. This includes several things.
The paperwork requires the following –
RC (Registration Certificate) Book- It is mandatory for the seller to provide the RC book of the concerned vehicle to the buyer. The purchaser should check that the details of the vehicle match the details on the book. For example, the vehicle number and stamp proving the payment of tax. The name of the owner (seller) should be correct on the book. This book has to be submitted by the buyer in the RTO (Regional Transport Office) where the owner’s name will be changed to the new one.
If the RC book has a bank seal stamped on it which denotes bank loan, the purchaser should get form 35 stamped, signed and a NOC letter from the bank mentioning the clearance of loans. The RTO charges a fee to cancel the loan entry.
Insurance Certificate- It is mandatory for any vehicle to have an insurance policy. Without insurance, a vehicle will not be registered by the RTO. In case of buying a used motorcycle, the vendor has to provide the purchaser with the two wheeler insurance certificate of the vehicle. The bank which has provided this insurance policy will transfer the ownership from the seller to the buyer if the policy is active at the time of purchase. If it is not active he (the buyer) has to apply for a new two wheeler insurance policy.
He can apply for a two wheeler insurance policy with any bank which provides the same. In case of buying a new policy he has to check his own requirements and then take up something which is beneficial.
Sourced from: https://www.bankbazaar.com/two-wheeler-insurance/guide/buying-a-used-motorcycle-paperwork.html
You do not need to be a professional mechanic in order to be able to do simple home service tasks on your motorbike. For instance you can start by checking the tyre presuures.
TYRES – Pressures
When was the last time you checked your bike’s tyre pressures? It should be done on a weekly basis, but many of us forget to keep an eye on one of the most vital parts of our bike’s set-up.
Underinflated tyres tend to affect handling and braking as the lack of pressure means the tyre wall isn’t firm enough to properly cope with the forces exterted on it. Overinflation can also result in a deterioration in handling, as well as a reduced contact patch with the road. This can result in a lack of grip under braking.
[youtube video=https://youtu.be/n4zN-EJHQd0 ]
Use a quality pressure gauge to accurately check your bike’s tyre pressures. Consult the owner’s manual for the correct pressure. Remember, your tyres may need more pressure if you regularly ride with a pillion passenger. Always check your pressures when they’re cold.
It’s also worth checking the condition and tread depth of the tyres while you’re at it.
Sourced from: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-top-10s/10-maintenance-tasks-to-do-yourself/15834.html