So you want to buy a motorcycle?

It's infected millions of people worldwide for more than a century, and now it's happened to you. You have been afflicted with an incurable disease: “Biker Fever!” The symptoms are obvious: the need to watch Easy Rider on an endless loop, the shortness of breath when walking by the parked motorcycles on your way into a buffet (what is it with bikers and buffets?), or it may be the light headed feeling you get when a large group of motorcycles passes you on the expressway. You yearn for that sense of freedom and to feel the wind blow through your hair! You need to own a motorcycle! But where do we start?

Well, take a deep breath, Skippy, you have some decisions to make! Let's start by asking some basic questions...

Are you married?

If you are lucky enough to be married (yes, my wife reads my articles, hi honey!), this is could be the biggest obstacle between you and two wheels. Let's face it, motorcycles can be dangerous. Although I would certainly argue that cars, trucks and airplanes are equally as dangerous. If your spouse is resistant, you will need to be able to explain that bikes are just about as dangerous as the rider makes them. There are 100 safe riders for every 1 adrenaline-junkie meat-head, but it's those meat-heads that keep showing up on YouTube and the evening news. A safe rider takes steps to avoid spills and accidents before they happen. Steps such as: taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) accredited course, riding during daylight hours and riding sober at all times. If you can also throw in the perk spending quality time together with your loved one in the outdoors, they will come around. Probably. Hopefully.

Time to pick a bike, so what kind is right for me?

There are many different types of motorcycles to choose from. There are cruisers, sport bikes, trikes (three wheeled cycles), touring bikes, choppers, and much more. This is going to be a personal choice so no one answer will be right for everyone. Along that line, further questions to ask are...

What am I going to be doing... short rides, longer rides, cross country? This will determine the size of the bike and engine, not to mention the body type. I love(d) to ride sport bikes, but I'm unable to ride them for more than a couple of hours considering the way you have to sit on them. By contrast, on a touring bike, you can quite literally ride for hours, but it may not look as cool or sleek as chopper or stretched café racer.

So, is comfort or style more important? I never liked windshields. Until I got one. Sure, they don't often look the greatest, but what difference! The little things may make the biggest impact, so be sure to keep in mind what is most important to you.

Foreign or domestic? Purely a personal decision. Bike manufacturers around the globe make great machines, these days. There are fans (and fanatics) of every brand and type of bike and some will swear that theirs is better and all others. But in the end, it's just personal preference. Personally, I've ridden both sport bikes and cruisers, small and big engines, foreign and domestic. My tastes (and body) have changed through the years, so I've gravitated more towards the touring bikes. I get a nice cushy ride and have all the power I'll ever need. The one thing that all motorcycles and riders have in common is the ride. And the thrill of the ride is what it's all about.

Ok, I know the bike I want, now how do I get it?

More decisions, but this one usually comes down to finances. I will always recommend going to a dealer for a couple of reasons, the first of which is reliability. The sales staff is usually pretty knowledgeable and can help you find the right bike and the right fit, both for your body size and your wallet. Granted, you will probably pay a little more than you would to a person on the street or that you would find on a website, but peace of mind can be worth it. After all it's going to be you that has to ride it, or push it if it breaks down!

Am I going to have a passenger? Riding “two-up” is extremely enjoyable, but it can be more difficult as well. Your passenger will need to learn to be a proper passenger (leaning into turns, etc.) and this will take some patience and time. Some advanced rider courses allow you to bring a passenger, this would be very education to you and them. Also, comfort will be key for them as well. Trust me on this.

Do I need a special license or insurance?

In most states, you will need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. However, you can take the written test and get a learner's permit that will allow you to learn to ride under certain restrictions that will vary based on your local laws. If you are a beginner, I wholeheartedly recommend taking a MSF Certified Beginner's Riding Course. This will allow you learn on a smaller, more manageable machine in a safe, structured environment. Most courses last 2 or 3 sessions and will allow you to take your motorcycle endorsement road test on-site. If you are experienced but haven't ridden in a while, I would still recommend taking an MSF Advanced Safety Course to hone your skills. In this type of course, you ride your own bike and learn more complex maneuvers. To be honest, I believe this course saved my life more than once. Classes are usually held spring through fall, but they fill up quick, so look early.

Did I mention that taking these certified courses often entitles you to a nice discount on your insurance. The savings in your insurance could even cover the cost of the course! Speaking of insurance, you will most likely need it in your state (especially if you have it financed), but traditionally the rates are much lower than auto insurance rates.

That about covers the basics. Now take this info and get started! You're on your way to cruising down the highway with the wind blowing through your hair! (Unless your state has a helmet law.)