How to Buy a Motorcycle: 10 Things to Consider

I know you are confused, Don't worry! you are not alone! Everyone who buys their first bike has tons of questions!
keeping this in mind I am here with an ULTIMATE GUIDE which will help you to purchase your first bike!

This 2026 guide explains how to buy a motorcycle: match the bike to your use, calculate the complete ownership cost, compare current specifications and prices, inspect the ergonomics, and verify service support before booking.

Prices, loan rates, insurance premiums and model availability change by city and time. Treat every example in this guide as a checklist, not as a current quotation.

STEP #1: Find out why you need a Motorcycle (bike)?

The first question you have to ask yourself is why you need a bike? what is the Purpose of buying and where will you ride it? so let us discuss it in detail!

1.1: Motorcycles in terms of their usage:

While purchasing your first bike the first thing you have to keep in mind is how you are going to use that bike.
There are various types of bikes available according to usage.
for example, bikes for economical usage, bikes for adventure and touring, bikes for racing.

for example, bikes for economical usage, bikes for adventure and touring, bikes for racing.

1.2: Here is the complete list of the various types of motorcycles (bikes)

1.2.1: Adventure and Touring Bikes

• Triumph Tiger 800
• Hero XPulse 200T
• BMW G 310 GS
• Benelli TRK 502
• KTM 390 Adventure
• Kawasaki Versys 650
• BMW R 1250 GS
• Triumph Tiger 1200

1.2.2: Sports bikes

• Suzuki GSX-R1000
• TVS Apache RR 310
• KTM RC 390
• YAMAHA YZF R3
• Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
• Suzuki Hayabusa 1300(Hyper Sport)
• Ducati SportClassic Sport 1000 Biposto
• Ducati Hypermotard 1100
• BMW K 1200 R Sport
• BMW K 1200 S

1.2.3: Motocross Bikes

• Suzuki RM250
• KTM 250SX
• Honda CR500R
• Gas-Gas EC 300
• Yamaha YZ125
• Yamaha YZ250
• Kawasaki KX500

1.2.4: Enduro Bikes

• Nukeproof Mega 290 Comp
• Canyon Torque CF 9.0 Pro
• Marin Alpine Trail 8
• Commencal Meta AM 29 XX Edition
• Orbea Rallon M-Team 19
• Yeti SB150 T-Series X01 Eagle
• Scott Ransom 900 Tuned

1.2.5: Choppers Bikes

• Triumph Rocket III
• Yamaha Star Stryker
• Honda Fury
• Honda Fury
• Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two XL1200V Sportster
• BMW R nineT

1.2.6: Cruiser Motorcycle

• Triumph Rocket 3
• Suzuki Boulevard M109R
• Yamaha VMAX
• BMW K1600B
• Ducati Diavel
• Honda Gold Wing
• Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide

Once you have chosen what type of bike you want then you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Does the motorcycle suit you?

Bike are of different models and sizes. Whenever you decide to buy the motorcycle make sure you keep the bike Ergonomics in mind! before buying the bike you should have a test ride of the bike which you want to buy and while you test ride - check the shape and size of the seat, Height of the bike and make sure you are comfortable riding it!

Also consider what type of motorcycle you want: a high-torque sport bike, a practical city bike, or an adventure bike.

Note: If your feet are not touching the ground, it does not mean that you should not buy it! If you are still comfortable riding the bike then you can go ahead and buy it!

STEP #3: Plan your Budget to purchase the motorcycle

Budget plays a crucial factor when you decide to purchase a bike.
Here are some of the tips which will help you to evaluate and set a budget for your bike.

3.1: Cost of the bike:

Onroad price:
ex-Showroom price:

3.2: Loan and EMI calculator for bike

If you are out of cash and going to take the loan to purchase the bike then you can take the loan to buy a motorcycle or you can purchase it on EMI.

Here you have to see that every bank has its own Terms and condition regarding the loan so you should make sure that you go through all the details before opting for the loan.

If you are planning to purchase the bike in EMI then you should verify all the related documents carefully and make sure you should check the details like Interest Rate and monthly instalments amount.

You can use Two Wheeler Loan EMI Calculator to calculate how much you need to pay per month once you purchase the bike on EMI.

Here are some of the best online EMI calculator for bike loan:

• Two Wheeler Loan EMI Calculator by HDFC bank.
• Two Wheeler Loan EMI Calculator by ICICI bank.
• Bike loan EMI calculator by bikedekho.com

3.4: Fuel Cost:

As we know that Fuel is a non-renewable resource! Which is the reason that Fuel price is increasing day by day! you should make sure that you check the fuel efficiency of the bike before purchasing it.

3.5: Service cost:

You have to invest in your bike at regular interval for its maintenance!
In his case, Flagship and premium bikes cost a lot of money for its servicing and maintenance.
So before you purchase a bike keep in mind that the more premium the motorcycle the more amount of money you have to invest for its servicing!

STEP #4: Availability and reliability of the Motorcycle

While purchasing a bike you have to make sure that the company of the bike is available in your country. and have a service centre in your city.

If you are purchasing a bike which is of a new brand then you will face some of the common issues like:

• lack of spare parts
• Limited service centre and customer support
• No trust with the brand

So before you purchase the bike make sure you do your research!

STEP #5: Technical things to consider when buying your first Motorcycle

Here are the various things you should consider while purchasing your first bike.

5.1: Size and weight of the bike

Some bikes are more big and heavy. If you are comfortable in handling the heavy bikes then you can buy it or else you should consider buying a lightweight motorcycle.

5.2: Some of the best lightweight motorcycles

• Yamaha Saluto
• Bajaj CT 100
• Honda Dream Neo
• Bajaj Platina
• Honda CB250
• Honda Rebel 300
• Kawasaki Eliminator 125

5.3: Here is a list of Mid-Size Lightweight Motorcycles

• Yamaha R6
• Honda CBR600
• Suzuki SV650
• Kawasaki Versys 650Mid-Size Lightweight Motorcycles
• Yamaha R6
• Honda CBR600
• Suzuki SV650
• Honda Rebel 500
• Kawasaki Ninja 400
• Honda CB300R

5.4: Spare Parts

If your bike gets damaged then you have to repair it and have to change some of the parts of the bike like - Headlight, gear, engine etc for this, you should know that the spare parts of the premium bikes are very costly.
So if something is wrong with your bike then you have to invest a heavy amount in it.
In case of a premium bike, the spare parts are very costly, whereas the midrange bikes are relatively cheaper.

STEP #6: Service centre and After-sales service for motorcycle

Your motorcycle will need servicing at a regular period for which you have to make sure that the service centre is available in your city so that it will be convenient for you to give your motorcycle for servicing.

6.1: Here are some of the famous motorcycle brands

Here is a list of the famous motorcycle brands according to carbibles:

• Harley Davidson
• Yamaha
• BMW
• Ducati
• Honda
• Aprilia
• Suzuki
• KTM
• Triumph
• Kawasaki
• Bajaj
• TVS
• Royal Enfield

STEP #7: Accessories for motorcycle

People love to modify their motorcycles in terms of styling and adding more features to their bikes.
If you want to modify your bike it's up to you but make sure you don't forget to buy a good quality helmet and riding gears

STEP #8: Read the Reviews of the bike

Checking the reviews of the bike is the most important thing which you should not forget.
Checking the reviews of the bikes will give you an overview of the performance of the bike which people share after using it for months.
If you feel that the reviews are pretty good then you can go ahead and purchase your bike.

STEP #9: Safety while riding

Safety is the first priority, make sure you purchase a good quality helmet and riding gear. Always keep your bike in good condition and keep a small handy toolbox with you.

STEP #10: Final Thoughts and Conclusion

These were the various things you should consider while you purchase your bike.
But you should always make sure that you follow some rules and regulations such as avoiding noise pollution and saving fuel as much as you can.
All the best for your new bike!
Feel free to comment if you have any suggestions, questions, or thoughts I will be happy to reply :)

FAQ on things to consider while purchasing a new bike?