Things to Consider Before Buying Your First Bike 

Buying Your First Bike 

Buying a bike for the first time is a special occasion for most individuals in their lives. Whether it’s for commuting to work, road trips or casual purposes, it’s a big purchase. While the process may be very exciting for you, there are a ton of things to be considered while buying a bike.

You will need to consider the type of bike you want to buy, the functions it is going to serve, and your budget for buying a bike. All these decisions can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for someone buying a bike for the first time. Given below are some factors to consider while buying a bike for the first time.

Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Bike

• Functionality of Your Bike: A very important factor to consider before buying a bike is to think about where you will use it and also, your area of residence. For example, most Indian bikes are made to be ridden on tarred roads, but buying a superbike for congested city roads is a very bad idea. Similarly, if you are looking for a bike to go on trips, you should choose a cruiser style bike rather than a sports bike.

• Type of Bike You Wish To Buy: There are plenty of bikes with different models you will need to choose from. They all have different purposes, so make sure the bike you wish to buy fits your purpose. Once you have decided on the functionality of your bike, the decision to buy a type of bike becomes easier. Some popular types of bikes are- sports bikes, cruiser bikes, muscle bikes, racing bikes, dirt bikes, among others. Most consumer-focused bikes in India are economic and highly fuel-efficient, making it a good choice for the masses.

• Your Experience as a Driver: Just say you have learned how to drive a bike using your family or friend’s vehicles. By the time you are ready to buy your first bike, chances are that you are already a pretty good rider. However, if this is the first time you are going to be around a bike, it is best to get an entry-level or commuter bike, which falls in the range of 100 to 150cc and has easy handling and ride quality. Once you have an ample amount of experience and practice in handling a bike, you can upgrade to more powerful machines.

• Budget and Fuel Efficiency: The most important aspect of buying a bike is your budget. You will need to decide how much you are willing to spend on your new bike. In today’s automobile market, you can find bikes that start at very economical prices and superbikes that can go up to tens of lakhs. Setting a budget will help you narrow down which bikes you can buy. Moreover, you will need to think about the fuel efficiency of your future bike. Most expensive bikes have lower fuel efficiency as they require more power. It is recommended to buy a bike that is fuel-efficient to save money in the long run.

• Research Possible Options: After you have decided and narrowed down on all the above points, it’s time for research. You can go online and look at the type of bike you want to buy and shortlist a few options that best suit your requirements. It is important to look into all the details such as engine power, fuel efficiency, bike type, price, fuel type, and more, so you have all the relevant information about each shortlisted bike. You can also seek help from your friends who are knowledgeable about bikes.

• Compare Your Options: Once you have shortlisted the bikes as per your budget and interest, compare them against each other. Try to objectively make a list of pros and cons to help you determine which bike will be the best option for you. A good idea is to take a test drive of the shortlisted bikes to check their comfort. Make sure to further narrow down the list based on bike riding comfort.

• Make Your Decision: Once you have gotten all the technical stuff out of the way and thoroughly tested all options, it’s time to choose your bike. A good idea is to go for a bike that feels the most natural and comfortable for you during the test drive. Make sure it is not too heavy and has a good balance. You should always buy your bike from a reputed bike dealership that will provide you with all the relevant paperwork you will need to establish ownership over your bike.

Insurance For Your New Bike

After you have purchased your new two-wheeler, you are going to need an insurance policy for your bike. The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 makes it mandatory for all vehicle owners to have at least third-party bike insurance. However, third-party insurance may not be enough if you are ever involved in an accident, as it will not cover the damage to your bike.

A good idea is to have a comprehensive insurance cover that will provide you with additional benefits such as own damage cover, bike theft cover, accidental cover and much more. You will have the choice to buy these additional covers as per your needs during the time of buying a comprehensive insurance plan.

To Conclude

Once you have decided the kind of bike you are going to buy, spend some time considering the kind of insurance you are looking for. If you are looking to buy comprehensive bike insurance, or even third-party insurance for your bike, head over to Bajaj Markets for the best bike insurance options. Buying bike insurance on our platform gives you access to a network of more than 4,000 garages that provide cashless servicing, bike roadside assistance and much more.