7 Ways to Save Money on Your Motorcycle Ride

It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran or a rookie rider, there is one thing to know about motorcycles: no matter how fun the rides are, motorcycles can burn a hole through your pocket.

When you factor in the cost of the bike itself, along with gear, gas, insurance, maintenance, etc., you’re looking at a pretty steep expense.

Therefore, as far as maintenance is concerned, it’s advisable that you put some thought into how you can save some money on your ride.

With the right tips, you can reduce your expenses and make it easier on yourself and your pocket.

#1. Shop Around for the Best Deals

This is one of the most important and obvious ways in which you can save money. If you jump on the first bike you see and insist on buying it, chances are that you’ll end up paying a lot. The same holds true for motorcycle gear and repair shops.

For you to become a serious motorcycle enthusiast, you must research. Look around and ask questions. Once you’ve done so, you’ll be in a better position to make an informed decision as to what the best deals are. By doing this, you can save hundreds of dollars.

#2 Buy Gear Online

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to gear.

An Investment Will Be Necessary

When you’re riding a vehicle capable of reaching very high speeds, safety becomes a paramount concern. The right gear can make all the difference.

When you start out riding, make sure you look into buying good quality gear from the start. This will ensure that you’re well protected, and that the gear itself will last. If you buy poor quality gear, you’re likely going to have to replace it within a year or so, which will be a waste of money.

The Right Discounts

Online vendors carry more variety, and don’t have the same overhead costs as neighborhood stores do. This allows them to pass on a higher percentage of savings to their customers.

Maximo Moto is one such online vendor that offers a wide selection of gear at 20-70% discounts. What’s more, if there’s an issue with the size or fitting of any product, Maximo Moto facilitates its customers with an amicable returns policy.

#3. Get the right Bike

Getting the right bike entails making a decision about what sort of use you’ll be putting the bike to. There are a number of different types of motorcycles available, each one of them capable of different riding capabilities. Bikes that have larger engines, or employ more technology are expensive. Furthermore, you should know what type of riding you’ll be doing, and what terrain will it be on. All of these considerations will influence the type of bike you’ll need, and accordingly, how much money you’ll have to spend.

Some of the different types of motorcycles available include:

Standard– these motorcycles are intended for general use and are very versatile. These bikes are particularly suited for beginners and generally cost less.
Cruiser–these bikes are typically constructed like the American motorcycles of the 1930’s and 1960’s (think Harley Davidson). They have V-twin engines that offer low-end torque and have a much lower riding position with high handlebars and foot pegs placed up forward.
Sports bike– these bikes are designed for speed, and feature high performance engines.
Dual Sport– these bikes are designed for on and off roads. They feature small engines, a lightweight frame, higher seats, and a higher center of gravity.

Touring – these bikes are designed for use over larger distances and therefore have a bigger fuel tank and larger engines.

#4. Keep up with Maintenance

For your bike to run smoothly, it needs to be serviced regularly. If you skip out on regular maintenance checks, you may end up with much bigger problems, and consequently, a much higher expense. Make sure your engine is serviced regularly, meaning spark plugs are fresh, and the fuel filter is free of debris.

#5. Be Smart About Gas

Good fuel economy is a very important consideration for those who ride regularly. Here are a few things you should keep in mind about being fuel-smart:

Maintaining constant speeds makes more efficient use of your gas
Take extra weight off of your bike. The heavier your bike is, the more fuel gets used up
Don’t accelerate sporadically and rapidly. Rather, gradually increase your speed
Prefer smooth terrains whenever you can

#6. Get the right Insurance

Insurance is a must for all motorcyclists. Many riders however skip out on getting insurance out of fear that it’ll cost them an arm and a leg – which is both unwise and illegal.

Here are a few steps to keep in mind which will help you get the insurance you need at a lower cost:

Join a motorcycle association or organization – members of these networks typically get a discount of 10% or more on their insurance.
Higher deductibles – If you get into an accident, your deductible is the amount of money you pay out of your pocket for the damage. The rest is covered by insurance. If you have higher deductibles, the insurance company shoulders less risk, and therefore charges you less premium on your insurance policy.
Discounts according to age – some insurance companies offer different types of plans for riders of different ages. For instance, older, more experienced riders are thought to be more responsible and therefore may need to pay less
Specific coverage – make sure you look for insurance which covers the type of riding you typically do. If you only ride occasionally, the cost of insurance will be less for you than it would be if you rode daily.
Preferred operator–if you have a clean driving record, some insurance companies may offer you significant discounts due to the fact that you are considered to be a responsible rider.

#7. Consider Buying Used

Buying a used bike can save you a considerable amount. When you buy a new bike, you have extra charges that you need to factor into the price of the bike such as dealer fees, setup charges, etc. A used bike is substantially less expensive because one, it’s been ridden, and two, it doesn’t come with all of the initial expenses associated with a new bike.

However, before you buy a used bike, keep in mind the history of the vehicle. You may need to spend money on upkeep and maintenance. In short, buying a used bike requires an extensive amount of research beforehand and prospective buyers should weigh all the pros and cons before making a purchase.

To lower your costs, there are a few essential things that you should familiarize yourself with. Doing this will not only make you more knowledgeable about your bike, but will also let your wallet breathe a little easier.

(Via:MaximoMoto)