Guide to Shopping for a Motorcycle
Guide to Shopping for a Motorcycle
Schedule Your Test Ride at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit
Buying a motorcycle can be an exciting experience, but it is a huge investment, so you want to make sure to get it right and have no regrets. While you can get started by doing online research and by determining your priorities, budget and wants, never skip over test riding the bike! Even if it's a few laps around the dealer's local roads or parking lot, you can't truly know if the bike is for you unless you ride it. Testing out a motorcycle is of course much different than a car, but the idea of it is the same. Continue reading as we here at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit go over some key points of a motorcycle test ride!
Is a New or Used Motorcycle for You?
When you are about to test-ride a motorcycle, it is essential to inspect the bike visually. This includes looking at the overall condition of the bike, as well as checking for any damage. Check for scrapes or dents on the engine or engine covers. This could indicate that the bike has been dropped or damaged. How are the heat fins? The heat fins help to cool the engine, so if they are damaged, the engine may overheat.
What Will You Be Using your Motorcycle For?
Now that you've made your visual scan of the Motorcycle, you'll need to take it for the anticipated test ride. You must always test-ride a motorcycle before you buy it to detect any potential problems you couldn't see before. Next, you'll want to look out for any strange sounds the Motorcycle may make. The first sound I listen for is any sounds from the engine. There shouldn't be any clicking or grinding coming from it at all. Any sounds like that could mean it's about to give out shortly. You always like to listen to the acceleration while I'm test-riding a motorcycle. The acceleration should feel smooth, and the sound should stay linear as you rev up.
How Will You Pay for Your Motorcycle
Now that you've made your visual scan of the Motorcycle, you'll need to take it for the anticipated test ride. You must always test-ride a motorcycle before you buy it to detect any potential problems you couldn't see before. Next, you'll want to look out for any strange sounds the Motorcycle may make. The first sound I listen for is any sounds from the engine. There shouldn't be any clicking or grinding coming from it at all. Any sounds like that could mean it's about to give out shortly. You always like to listen to the acceleration while I'm test-riding a motorcycle. The acceleration should feel smooth, and the sound should stay linear as you rev up.
Don't Forget About the Gear
A helmet Purpose: protects your head and neck in the event of a crash, and protects you from windblast, insects, the elements, pollutants and airborne hazards. A protective jacket and pants. Purpose: provides protection and comfort for your upper body. Purpose: serve as a protective barrier between you and hazards to prevent injury to your lower body and shields you from the elements. Riding boots Purpose: To protect your feet from injury, offer foot and ankle support and provide traction. Gloves Purpose: To protect your hands from potential injury, blisters, wind, sun, and cold
Check out Motorcycles in Person
When test-driving a motorcycle, it is important to check the health of the clutch. When you shift gears, the clutch should engage and disengage smoothly. If you feel any grinding or encounter difficulties in gear shifting, these could indicate a compromised clutch mechanism. Check for clutch drag; this is when the clutch is still engaged, even when the clutch lever is pulled in. This can cause the bike to creep forward or make it difficult to start. In terms of the clutch lever itself, it should exhibit a balance between ease of pulling and a subtle level of resistance. Deviations from this norm, such as excessively loose or tight sensations, might signify an underlying issue.
Visit BMW Motorcycles of Detroit for your next Motorcycle!
BMW Motorcycles of Detroit is proud to serve the Southeast Michigan and Mid-Michigan area with trusted sales and service of new and pre-owned motorcycles since 1991. We are here to help you find your next street bike or off-road bike. We pride ourselves on being upfront, honest, and meeting your needs. We have many motorcycles, including new BMW models, as well as used bikes from brands such as Ducati, Harley-Davidson, and Indian. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect Motorcycle for your needs. We will take the time to understand your riding style and budget and work with you to find the best bike. Contact us today to learn more about our new and pre-owned motorcycles or to schedule a test ride. We look forward to helping you find your next bike!