/ Tips & Advice
Make sure you do these 3 things before getting your first big bike
Owning a big bike is fun, but it’s certainly no walk in the park.
Ownership of a big bike is often admired and coveted. Understandably so, because only motorbikes of this caliber can deliver the experience of that much power and performance in a machine of this size. However, there are a few things that would-be first-timers should be aware of when it comes to big bike ownership. After all, there's nothing worse than having a brand new top-of-the-line machine lying in your garage and regretting not being able to ride it because you've missed out on these things. Let's have a look at it more closely, shall we?
Education is key
Let’s face it, the truth is that the majority of people learn to ride a scooter or motorcycle from a family member or a friend. Bad habits and shaky fundamentals are picked up, and your riding framework is jeopardized. Take adequate instruction from a reputable school or riding clinic, such as Honda's Safety Driving Center, or the Ducati Riding Experience, which offer both automatic and manual two-wheeled vehicle courses.
Furthermore, while talking about a course, there is less trial and error. Indeed, you can learn all of these things on YouTube, but having a second pair of eyes on the ground alongside you can help you grow as a rider and ideally eliminate undesirable riding habits. Sure, high-end and advanced classes will set you back a pretty penny. Safety, on the other hand, cannot be taken for granted, and if you can invest that extra money to be safe, you will not only save money on repairs, but you may also save your life.
Make sure you have all your gear
Purchase a quality helmet that fits you properly. If the helmet rolls off or the straps come undone, it's pointless to protect your head. The second essential is a jacket with some padding but also allows for airflow in our hot weather, as well as gloves. In the event of an accident, the padding should shield you from impacts, and the fabric of the jacket should act as a barrier between your skin and the road. To cover the majority of city journeys, those items should be your minimal riding attire. For longer and more rigorous trips, additional riding jeans or pants with motorcycle boots are highly recommended.
While our country's laws do not necessitate the use of full motorcycle-approved riding gear, it's always a good idea to make sure you're dressed appropriately whenever you ride your motorcycle. We at MotoDeal.com.ph strongly advise you to ride fully geared up at all times, regardless of where you're going. We've produced a number of articles to assist you in determining the finest riding gear and attire for your riding style, lifestyle, and budget.
Have your finances ready
Buying a big bike is by no means cheap, especially when compared to small-displacement scooters. Even the more affordable biggies like the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 cost up to three times the price of a standard scooter. That being said, owning and maintaining a big bike is very, very expensive, even more so than some cars. Tires alone can have you spending up to P20,000 every six months, depending on how often you ride. On top of that, frequent oil changes and generally faster wearing consumables such as fluids and brake pads further drive the cost of big bike ownership up the sky.
Don’t allow yourself to be fooled by the misconception that owning a big bike will save you money as opposed to owning a car. First of all, these machines are so much fun, that you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to ride out even for the smallest of errands. Don’t expect to save money on gas, either, as most 650cc to 1,000cc motorcycles gulp fuel at the same rate as small family hatchbacks. That said, it’s best if you evaluate your financial capabilities first, before committing to the purchase of a shiny new big bike.
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