Checklist: Buy a new motorcycle

Basic thoughts before buying

• What can the bike cost maximum: Set your budget
• Do not forget follow-up costs for the equipment: helmet, clothing, boots, gloves, navigation etc.
• Observe operating costs: service intervals, insurance, taxes
• When should I buy: In autumn/winter the negotiating position at the dealer is better than in the spring

Advantages of new purchase over second-hand purchase

• Warranty / Guarantee: no purchase of a "cat in the bag"
• Resale value: value of motorcycles compared to cars is lower
• I can technically configure the machine as I want it to have
• I can choose color and accessories

What kind of motorcycle suits me?

• Purpose: What will I use the motorcycle for?
  For longer journeys, adventure bikes with an upright sitting position and the possibility to easily attach suitcases to the bike are recommended. If I don't want to travel, it also does a cheap naked bike. If you really want to ride off-road, you need a light enduro.
• How important is the performance to me?
  If you enjoy the amazing acceleration of motorcycles, you shouldn't buy a machine with 50 hp. Often bikers are satisfied with a motorcycle with 75 hp at first, but then after one year buy a motorcycle with 100 hp and more. If you buy twice, you buy more expensive. And if you want to drive sportily, you should also buy a sporty machine. Bikers with A2 bills should consider buying a 95 hp machine that will initially be throttled to 48 hp.
• Does the motorcycle match my height?
  Almost all bikes fit up to about 1.80 m height. If you are taller, you have to pay more attention to knee angles and seating comfort than smaller people. An inappropriate sitting position is hardly noticeable during a 5-minute test drive, after an hour already sooner. If you can't get to the floor safely with both legs in the stand, you'll be sitting on a motorcycle with a seat position that's too high. In case of doubt, ask for lowering possibilities.
• How heavy is the motorcycle?
  If you are 1.60 m tall and not as strong, you should not buy a heavy machine! A man and a woman should be able to rank their bike safely and not get sweats before every traffic light stop. Many motorcyclists tend not to take this aspect into account enough. Therefore: In addition to a test drive, make a "ranking test".
• What about the windscreen?
  Those who regularly drive long distances at 100 km/h or more need a reasonable wind protection. Often the discs are too small (high wind pressure on the upper body) or too large (noise and vibrations on the helmet). Windshields can be replaced, but often without significant improvement in the situation. It is therefore more beautiful if the mounted disc already works well.

• Sound
  For many motorcyclists, it is important to know what the motorcycle sounds like. There is no right or wrong here, the main thing you like. Don't forget: Loud motorcycles may be funny for a short time, but often annoying in the long run.
• How does the motorcycle ride?
  In order to be able to correctly assess the driving characteristics of a motorcycle, one should try out as many different driving situations as possible: slow stop-and-go driving in the city, country road, highway, narrow and wide curves, roundabout etc. If you want to drive later in the terrain, you should also try it out. A test drive should take at least one hour.

Try out the test drive

• Brakes incl. full braking
• Behaviour at acceleration
• Try load change and engine braking behavior: Acceleration > Gas off in alternation
• Check the straight line
• Handlebar beating (only for experienced drivers: driving hands-free at slow speed for a short time)
• do I get close to battery, cooling water tank, etc.? Possibly fold up the seat
• Operation: Try all the switches and functions once - does that feel good?
• Driving assistance systems: Are the technical assistance systems manageable and easy to use?
• Over-reliance: Is the machine too complicated for me, does anything distract me?

Before I sign the purchase agreement

• Don't rush to buy. The motorcycle does not run away and there are mostly alternatives.
• Don't fall for nonsensical scarcity arguments like "Only so cheap today, tomorrow maybe gone."
• Do I really want to have this motorcycle? Does it arouse emotions with me?
• Buy only if you have sleepless nights without the bike.
• Don't forget: alternative motorcycles should also be used for testing.
• Check warranties: Dealer and manufacturer's warranty may vary.
• Dealer: Is the trader the right person? What was my impression? What services can he offer me?
• Negotiating position 1: Dealers have very fine antennas for whether a customer is enthusiastic or not. For less enthusiastic customers, they are more willing to offer incentives to buy, such as discounts.
• Negotiating position 2: If you negotiate well, you can get 3% to 7% depending on the bike. Dealers are often also willing to offer accessories such as .B suitcases cheaper, because they are offered at lavish prices with high margins compared to the bikes.