Just as there is hunting season or fishing season, there is a motorcycle season. It is the time where men and women are eager to hit the open road with the wind in their face and nothing but an empty highway ahead of them. These thrill seekers peruse dealerships, flip through the classified section of the paper, and click their way through online sales sites in search of the perfect bike. The thing is, if you wait till you get that craving to ride, you may be too late to find a good deal on your ride. Here are some tips on when to make that purchase and what to watch out for.

 

When to Buy

Everyone with the motorcycle bug will be riding come the first warm day of Spring. If you are thinking of waiting until the weather gets warmer before you consider buying, then you will pay considerably more than you would if you gave your purchase some forethought.

 

Winter time. -Since during the colder months of the year, few, if any motorcyclists are on the road, a shopper is not thinking about buying their bike. However, this is the perfect time to make a trip to the dealer and see what they have to offer. Dealers often reduce prices to encourage slumping sales. They have bills to pay too, so they need to sell bikes.

Tax season. -Dealerships like to save money on their taxes, just as you do. So, they make attempts to reduce inventory before the April due date.

Fiscal year-end. -Another time where dealers are trying to reduce their stock of motorcycles. This time they are trying to meet sales goals and are willing to make a deal.

New model release. -Anytime a newer model hits the showroom floor, the old models have to go somewhere. Dealers would like to still sell them, often at a discounted price.

 

When not to Buy

If you procrastinate until you are feeling the urge to get on a bike and ride because the sun is shining, you are too late. There are good times to buy a bike, and there are bad times. For instance, you’re probably not going to get that great deal on a motorcycle during:

• The Spring and Summer when motorcycles are in high demand.
• A new model release. You can get a deal on the outgoing model, but most likely not the brand new one.
• When you do not know what you are shopping for, you can overpay, especially with a less reputable dealer who knows of your inexperience.

 

Be on the Look Out

When you are considering purchasing a motorcycle, you should be wary of a few things.

 

Know who you are dealing with. -If you are not dealing directly with a dealer and shop through a private owner or a shopping website like Craigslist or Let Go, be cautious about the sale. Make sure a reputable mechanic looks at the bike. Just because its priced low and looks pretty doesn’t mean that it is a good deal.

Know what you are looking for. -Do your homework. Know the ins and outs of the motorcycle you are looking for. Educate yourself on things like horsepower and what CC means.  It’s also a good idea to know how much others are selling it for before going into the dealership.

Know what you can handle. -There is such a thing as too much bike. If your feet cannot touch the ground when you are sitting on the seat, chances are it’s too big for you. Always consider the following when you make your purchase.

• Weight -if you’re too light, a heavier bike will control you instead of you controlling it.
• Height -if you are short then you will be unable to stop or dismount your bike properly.
• Strength -if you cannot steer or maneuver a turn with ease, then you may find yourself in trouble.
• Experience -if it’s your first motorcycle, avoid high-performance It may be more power than you can handle.

 

Know the type of insurance you will need. -The most important part of owning a motorcycle is having the proper insurance. Just like auto insurance, motorcycle insurance is mandatory in most states. You will need proof of insurance to drive it off the lot, so do your price shopping before you talk with the dealer.

 

To learn more about motorcycle insurance, contact our team at ProtectiveAgency.com at (877) 739-9367. Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.