Motorcycle Buying Guide

For many people, resisting the urge to buy their first motorcycle is a losing battle. That’s a good thing, and once you buy one, you’ll have years of happy riding and unforgettable experiences ahead of you. But how do you figure out what type of motorcycle you should buy? From street bikes to cruisers to baggers, bobbers, and choppers, there are almost as many types of motorcycles as there are makes, and at the end of the day, you still have to figure out whether to buy new or used and where to buy from.

Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Central is here to help! We’ve created this brief guide to help you with the shopping process. Read on to learn more.

Choose a Bike Style

Before you start looking at various bikes, you’ll want to ask yourself why you want a motorcycle. If it’s for a fun and economical way to get to work, you probably don’t want something big and unmaneuverable. If you’re looking for the perfect bike to take you across the country, choose something with more power, extra cargo space, and a bigger frame. Dual sport bikes are great for those who occasionally ride on gravel or other rough conditions but who want a sporty fun motorcycle wherever they ride.

Choose a Make and Model

The brand and model can make all the difference with motorcycles. One company’s sports bike might look great, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will have the performance you’re looking for. Do your research and make sure you look into specific model years, too. Manufacturers often turn a good motorcycle into a fantastic one with a few updates to the suspension or engine, and you want to be on the right side of these updates. Try to find a brand that has a history of excellent design and innovation, and leave aside the overpriced bikes that are more about style than quality construction.

Test Ride

Once you’ve found a motorcycle that will work for you, it’s time to vet the bike itself. The best way to do this is to take the bike for a test ride. A motorcycle might look polished and pretty sitting in the showroom, but you’ll really know what you’re getting into when you ride it at highway speeds. This is where the rubber meets the road. You can do all the research you want, but you’ll know if the bike is right for you when you go for a test ride.

Ready to see some bikes for yourself? Stop by Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Central in Houston, TX, to browse our selection of motorcycles for sale. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Galveston, Pasadena, and Beaumont.