The Costs Associated with Owning a Motorcycle
Owning a motorcycle can be a lot of fun. There’s a certain level of freedom and exhilaration that comes with riding a motorcycle that driving a car just can’t provide. Unfortunately, as with most things in life, you can’t do it for free. The costs associated with owning a motorcycle are similar to those of owning a car, and it’s a good idea to know what they are before you dive in. So, if you’re interested in owning a motorcycle, here are some of the costs you’re likely to face.
The Bike Itself
First, and most obviously, you need to get a motorcycle. Unless someone gives one to you as a gift, you’re going to need to either buy one or lease one. Which route you ultimately go with will depend on your preference and financial situation. Before you get a bike however, you should make sure you take your time to consider all of your options. And, if you’re going through a private seller, you should have the bike inspected before you sign any papers. Just like buying a car, buying a motorcycle is a major investment, so you don’t want to go into it lightly.
Licensing and Learning to Drive
Before you can get onto your new bike, there are a few steps you need to take. First, you need to learn how to drive a motorcycle. If you don’t know how already, you may be able to find someone to teach you in your area. Once you’ve got the skill down, you’ll want to head to your local DMV and get a license. There are of course some costs associated with going through the testing and getting your license, so keep these in mind before you go.
Insurance
Now you know how to drive a motorcycle, you have your bike, and your state gave you a license – there’s just one more thing you need before you can legally get on the road. Just like your car, your motorcycle needs to be insured. This will protect you should anything happen to you, your bike, or someone else while you’re out on the road. You don’t want to get on the road without insurance, as this could end up not only costing you a lot of money, but you could face some serious legal trouble as well.
If you are already insured for your car, you may be able to get motorcycle insurance as a part of your plan for only a small additional charge. In other cases, you’ll need to find a new provider. Take some time to shop around and find insurance that not only gives you good coverage, but doesn’t break your monthly budget.
Maintenance and Upgrades
Most motorcycle owners aren’t satisfied with the bike they initially purchase. They want to make upgrades and improve the bike over the time of their ownership. These upgrades cost money, and the bigger the project you have in mind, the more it’s going to cost.
Of course, maybe you’ll be different and be happy with your bike as it is. Even if this is the case, there are still maintenance costs associated with owning a motorcycle. Things break down over time, and you’ll need to get them repaired when they do. It’s hard to anticipate these costs, so it’s always a good idea to have a little money socked away in case you need to make an emergency repair.
Motorcycle Accidents
Finally, it’s an unfortunate fact that motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. According to The Motorcycle accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers, “motorcycle riders are much more likely to be injured or killed when they are involved in an accident.” Should you find yourself in an accident, there will likely be some costs associated with it. If you’re lucky you’ll only need to repair your bike, but in other cases you may have medical bills to pay. While the costs associated with a motorcycle may not factor in to your initial purchase, it’s still a good idea to keep them in mind.
Affording a Motorcycle
As you can see, owning a motorcycle will add a significant burden to your wallet. However, by knowing the costs you’re likely to face, you can better plan for them. And by making a plan, you can bring yourself a little closer towards reaching your dream of owning a motorcycle. Owning a motorcycle doesn’t have to be a huge financial burden, but you also won’t be able to afford it with just pocket change. Hopefully this guide was able to shed a little bit of light on what it’s like to own a motorcycle, and you’ll be able to head into ownership with clear eyes about what you’re taking on.
