Deciding to ride, that's the easy part. Now comes the exciting part - buying your first motorcycle. When you're thinking through your options, remember to take safety and your riding skill level into account. That may mean buying a smaller, easier-to-ride bike instead of jumping at the biggest, baddest bike you can afford.
There's a good chance you'll drop your bike when you're starting out. Not necessarily wreck it, but literally drop it onto its side. Coming to terms with this possibility can make the decision process between a new or used bike a simple one. Since you'll probably add a few dings and dents of your own as you're getting up to speed, a used bike might be your best bet. We can help point you in the right direction - and even help you find a good deal - with these tips on buying a used bike.
Buying used may be smart for multiple reasons. You'll worry less about damage when you drop your bike and focus more on mastering your technique. Used bikes also tend to cost less to repair than newer models. It's also worth noting that depreciation rates vary, but the biggest drop in value usually comes in the first year. Down the road, that means you could end up selling your used bike for only a few hundred dollars less than you paid for it... instead of a few thousand.
Once you've honed your skills, Allstate can help move up to your dream bike - from tips and tricks that will help get the most for your used bike to our "What's My Bike Worth?" worksheet that helps you price your bike right.
When you're ready to buy, our New Bike Buyer Checklist can help you and your new bike stay safe and protected.