When you're getting ready to buy a new bike you have to think about what kind of riding you want to do, how much money you're willing to spend, and how dependable the motorcycle is that you're thinking of purchasing. It's also a good idea to take some special courses about riding a motor bike, if you've never done so before, and to get a special endorsement on your license saying that you have that training. It doesn't matter if you're a novice or an experienced rider, you still probably have a lot to learn and going to a course can do you a lot of good. Another advantage is that you might get a reduced rate on insurance if you've been to one of these courses. In Ohio, the classes are required and it is not legal to operate a motorcycle without the special classification on your license.

Check the list of organizations at the end of this article for information about where to take classes. If you haven't had that much experience, according to one large dealer, it is a good idea to get a smaller bike. They are easier to maintain, and less likely to be seriously damaged in the event of a fall or a minor collision. Large, faster bikes have larger displacement engines and design that emphasize speed over durability in the case of a small collision, so they are not advisable for new riders. For example if you drop a small bike it might cost fifty bucks to fix, but one of the bigger bikes would run you several hundred dollars to fix if the same thing happens.

For those of you with a few years experience under your belt who want to step up to the next level of motorcycling, buy a motorcycle that suits your needs. Do you want to ride on a track, on dirt, or on the open road? How much are you looking to spend? What kind of payments are you able to afford after paying maintenance, gas and insurance? There's most likely going to be a loan agent right there at the dealership that can set you up with a loan. Get approved for a loan and you'll be able to figure out what kind of motorcycle you can afford. Check in the Internet, magazines, and the dealership and ask your friends what they can tell you about prices and quality of motorcycles within your range. Find out what kind of report the bikes you like are getting from people who ride them every day.

Ask around and make sure to get several opinions. It never hurts to hear what other people think. Compare the benefits of buying new compared to buying a used cycle. New bikes come with a warranty, and old ones may have hidden problems that you can't see before you have ridden them for a while. The advantage, of course, is price.

Is it better to buy a motorcycle from a dealer or from an individual? You can get a good one at a good price from an individual if you're lucky. The advantage of buying from a dealer is that the dealer has a reputation at stake and would not want to sell you a dud. There's a lot to think about. If you're a good mechanic you would be less scared of finding a few problems in the engine, and you might be willing to take a chance. If you don't know much about fixing bikes you might want to play it safe.

In the end it's up to you. Just think it out and be careful to make the right decision.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as motorcycle clothing at http://www.motorcycleaccessoriesplus.com