There’s plenty of talk around the benefits of buying a used motorcycle versus a new one, but often people forget about the potential of what’s already in their garage or under a cover.

Should I Buy a New Motorcycle?

There are a host of reasons why you may not be happy with your current motorcycle. Your ability level may have changed, you may have realized your bike is uncomfortable, or if you’re like most of us, you have a two-wheeled addiction and the desire to buy a new bike is ever-present.

The reality is that motorcycles are expensive, and unless you have a few thousands to throw around, there are a lot of considerations to take in before making a purchase. Before you start shopping around for a shiny new model, take a pause to identify what’s wrong with your current ride.

Common Complaints About Old Motorcycles

Clearly there was a reason you bought your current motorcycle in the first place but for one reason or another it’s not fulfilling your needs anymore. Diagnosing where your current bike falls short will not only open up options for bike modifications and repair, but it will also help direct your purchase if you do ultimately decide to get a new motorcycle.

Below are a few common motorcycle problems that might cause you to contemplate buying a new ride.

• Different skill level: Since purchasing your current motorcycle, your skill level as a rider may have changed. To a degree, your bike can grow with you and evolve with your riding style.
• Motorcycle discomfort: It can be difficult, if not impossible, to tell how comfortable a bike will be when it’s on the showroom floor. If you’ve been riding for a while and find aches and pains, it may not be adjusted to fit your riding style and position properly.
• New type of motorcycle: This one can’t be avoided. If you’re looking to move from cruisers to sport bikes no amount of modifications can make that change for you.
• Motorcycle aesthetics: It may seem vain but, well, we’re an aesthetically conscious group. Lucky for you, the look of your bike is highly customizable.
• Malfunctions & Damages: Whether from old-age or accidents, your motorcycle may not be performing at its peak anymore. Depending on the damage, repairs can cost just as much as purchasing a new bike.

It’s important to cool your engines and take the time to consider each of these possibilities. Purchasing a new bike is a big decision and you want to choose the solution that will last the longest and bring you the most fulfillment on the road. Now that you’ve solidified the reasons your old motorcycle is no longer up to speed, consider whether any of the problems could be addressed through modifications or customizations.

Fix My Motorcycle

Not all complaints can be resolved with a few fixes, but more can be done to revamp your old motorcycle than you might think. The real question is, what’s the best return on your investment and how can you ride a motorcycle to its full potential?

Making Motorcycle Repairs

Start by looking into the costs for any necessary repairs needed for your current bike. Get an idea of what some common maintenance costs are and then research any specific motorcycle repair costs at your local shop or dealer. If your estimated restoration costs outweigh the price of a new bike, it may not be worth trying to rescue your current ride.

Consider Customization

Explore some motorcycle customizations based on the complaints you have with your current bike. Customizing a motorcycle can seem like an intimidating process, but by focusing on the things that will make the biggest difference in your ride, it may in fact be quite simple. Check out this article on the basics of customizing for some ideas on where to start.

Pay Attention to Motorcycle Ergonomics

Too often we hear about unhappy riders who are ready to give up on their bike because they just aren’t comfortable riding it. What they often don’t realize is that their discomfort and pain is coming from an improper riding position. If you don’t understand motorcycle ergonomics then you’ll never figure out how to adjust your bike to improve your positioning.

Reasons Not to Buy a Motorcycle

Don’t get us wrong, getting a new motorcycle is an incredible feeling but your purchase should be an informed decision and well, there are a few factors that might alter your plans to buy a new ride. We'll walk you through some of the downsides of buying a new motorcycle that might sway you in the other direction.

Shortage of Motorcycle Parts

One of the biggest barriers to buying a new motorcycle right now is that dealerships globally have incredibly low stock to choose from. Due to the pandemic and the fluctuating economy, motorcycle manufacturers are experiencing shortages of key components like microchips. Factories are overwhelmed by demand and the shortage is expected to continue into 2022 and possibly 2023.

Even if you do have a chunk of change to spend on a brand new ride, you may not have a lot to choose from with dealerships running low on new models. Even the used motorcycle market is tight right now, with huge demand and increasing prices. The good news is, this could be a great time to invest in customizations or consider selling a bike for a profit if you have multiple.

Motorcycle Dealership Fees

Depending on the dealership and on your negotiation skills, dealership fees and taxes can up the cost of a new bike by anywhere from $200 to $2000. You may be able to get away with little to no fees but it will likely mean the dealer is asking for MSRP.

Motorcycle Depreciation

Just like with a new car, new motorcycles depreciate by 15-30% as soon as they leave the lot. Unless you truly plan on getting the full lifespan out of your new bike, you may be better off in the used bike market where there is not instant depreciation to worry about.

Aftermarket Customization

Just because you bought a shiny-new bike doesn’t always mean it will be perfect once you’re in the saddle. Often, your new motorcycle will still need some adjustments and customizations before it fits you and your riding style like a glove. Don't expect the dealership price to accurately represent the total cost of your new bike by the time its ready to ride.

Your Ride, Your Decision

Whether you’re buying new, used or choosing to upgrade your current ride is all up to you. In the end, you want to make the decision based on which option will get you the most value. Not just in terms of money, but also in terms of longevity, satisfaction, comfort, and pride. All we ask is that you give each option equal thought before diving in.