Most men, being still, so to speak, in the larval stage, dream about a motorcycle in their sleep and in reality. Some about big and heavy, some about light and fast. It is clear that only a few of them become owners of iron horses for various reasons.
However, having reached more or less mature age, the question “is it worth buying a motorcycle?” all dreamers ask themselves. We are not taking into account die-hard fans now. This question was answered for them from above, endowing them with boundless love for this type of transport, and in addition a leather jacket with a 1% badge.
So how to answer this very question? Pretty easy. You should not consume anything stronger than kvass during the day. Then sit down, turn off your emotions and “I want” and do an extremely honest calculation of all the pros and cons. Although, after thinking hard, I came to the conclusion that precisely in the above formulation, the question is not entirely correct. Because very often, when we really want to, we tend to act irrationally. That is, to perform actions even when it is clearly “not worth it” (emphasis on the first syllable).
For example, by and large it wasn’t worth buying a 30-year-old car, but I bought it because I needed it and didn’t have enough money for anything else. What I mean is, whether it’s worth it or not depends on many additional conditions that you should also take into account. But let's get back to the bikes.
Advantages of a motorcycle
Two wheels are better than two legs anyway. And, of course, the bike will take you to your destination faster than the same two-wheeled bicycle.
- It is much easier to navigate busy roads on a motorcycle than in a car.
- It takes up relatively little space and does not require a garage to store it, but even a small shed is enough. My late grandfather generally kept MT in the hallway. On the fifth floor.
- In case of breakdowns, a tow truck will not be required. You can get it to the service center or at home with your hands.
- Having a motorcycle adds 100,500 points to authority “in the area” (though not always, personal qualities are also needed here) and to success with the fairer sex (again, not with everyone).
- A bike gives you the opportunity to enter the world of bikers, covered in romance and adrenaline, glorified in cinema and literature. True, just being a moocher will not make you a biker, but that’s a separate conversation.
The video that was posted on Bypost today (a heated discussion of the philosophical question of being a motorcyclist) gave me some ideas. Why do we buy motorcycles at all, is it necessary to buy them? Maybe take it away? Or maybe collect? So I decided to figure out why I bought it for myself. No photo, only text. Why did I buy my first motorcycle? But I didn’t buy it)) We had common “Karpaty” and “Gazulya” with a D-6 engine in our yard and we sorted them out for several days, then they broke down, we sorted them out again. We were children and we didn’t have any thoughts “why?” Just. Just a group of people digging into the engine, sitting in the garage, going to Malakhovka to the market to buy rings, fingers and other hats)) Then, together, start it from the pusher, look for a spark and fill the tank with “compression” on the advice of older comrades))))) And also my neighbor had a MiniMokic "troil" and it was normal.
Then a scooter was taken from a neighbor, some kind of Honda that had grown into the ground, which we carefully revived and killed on the first day of running in the new rings) The two of us decided to ride it together. The scooter was shared again, they used it to get beer, ram other people's fences and race it across the field. As they say - no brains, no worries. Now you are thinking whether it is necessary or not... The house in the village is rickety, the stove is cracked, the windows should be changed, the bathhouse should be updated, a gazebo should be built... Why the hell is this waste needed??
And in some people such thoughts will take over, since they have no choice and in fact such a person does not choose anything. From here I can probably deduce the first point: If you doubt whether you need a motorcycle or not, then you don’t need it. This statement is suitable for absolutely everything, because if a person sincerely does not want something, then he does not set himself the goal of achieving it. No goal means no implementation. Why realize what you don’t strive for? This is a useless action, rejected by our brain as unnecessary.
How did I buy my personal two-wheeler? I bought a destroyed Peugeot scooter and repaired it all winter, since I actually bought it in a “bag”. There was no money, literally at all, but I saved it and went towards my goal. Did. I was sincerely happy! By the way, he Did I think why I need this? No. I set a goal like a child, not in the sense of stupidity, no. We all know the saying, “Through the mouth of a child the truth speaks,” but what does it mean? Just that the child says what he thinks, does what he thinks. He does not rely on the hellish trailer of stereotypes, complexes and false values. A child can be sincere and truly rejoice. This is wonderful, but when we become adults we lose all this.
After the scooter there was a wonderful Suzuki GS500E motorcycle, which was bought with absolutely cold calculation - it was sold for 30,000 rubles, since it had been in the garage for 3 years and was not needed. Present! A fairy tale, we must take it! He took it) Again he was revived from the ashes and at the end of the season he left, and until the hospital, the ambulance, loss of consciousness and a three-month sick leave.
Then there was the search for the ideal two-wheeled vehicle: Honda CB1000sf, Yamaha T-Max500, Irbis TTR250, BMW R1200GS - that’s where I stopped, because I realized what I needed. Turynda) But now the question is not about this, but about the need for a motorcycle in general.
Let's go back a little to the accident. If I were to take a strictly pragmatic approach, then I would have to throw this matter to hell... However, to hell with it. While I was in the hospital, I looked longingly out the window... When I was in rehabilitation, I drove my car to Lider to look at the motorcycles. The desire to go grew even stronger - to have the wind in your face, puddles on your feet, cold in the fall, your ass hurting, hot in the summer. Why? Yes because)) I would call it a conscious-unconscious choice. On the one hand, you realize that you want to drive faster, you think that chicks will immediately hang around your neck in crowds. But you don’t fully understand the consequences and hardships of a motorcyclist. Subsequently, realizing the futility of comprehending the existence of driving 2 wheels, you no longer care about weather factors and reality. You are perfectly aware of everything. But you make a choice, you go towards the goal. And it is independent choice and movement towards the goal, and, of course, the crazy that has gone down, that makes the mind immune to uncomfortable conditions of existence. Some people adapt, some don't.
After watching the video and reading comments on entire lists on the topic “why a motorcycle is bad and inconvenient,” I don’t understand why you need a motorcycle then? I absolutely don’t care about comfort conditions, I want to get endorphins, roll thousands of kilometers on a wheel, climb a mountain. For what? But I just want to. I don’t want to come up with reasons and excuses, I want to be honest and open like a child - I just want to. Why explain?) “Motorcyclism” should be a state of mind). Of course, it would be stupid to put everyone under the same brush and everyone’s motivation is completely different... Let’s be honest, because we won’t be able to fully explain why we roll, fall and get up. We conquer off-road terrain and travel to the Pamirs. We sharpen the rubber on the tracks and sew the plugs on the stool.
If you doubt the purchase, you don’t need a motorcycle.
If you need money for your family, but you think you don’t need a motorcycle, it’s better to give everything to the family now, and then return to this thought. If of course she appears))
If it's hot in the sun and wet in the rain, you don't need a motorcycle.
If you want to be a “fuck-terrorist” on a plastic rocket, you don’t need a motorcycle either.
PS Thoughts out loud, the cockroaches are mine and I don’t plan to plant them on anyone))))
How much do I want to spend?
Even in the fall and winter, you have certain price ranges that you can afford. You shouldn't buy a motorcycle that you won't use and pay for it in installments over several years. If you have cash, the principle is the same. You're sure to find other important purchases with the money you save.
Generally, the point is that your monthly budget should not be burdened with a burden that will become tedious a few months after the euphoria of buying a motorcycle has worn off. You must be objective just before purchasing.
Collect the parts
There is an opinion that it is cheaper to bring a motorcycle from another country, but clear it through customs as spare parts, assemble it and register it. The method is long, not particularly worth the money, but in terms of time, effort and nerves, sometimes it is actually more expensive.
It may turn out more profitable if there is a “donor” with documents, and as a spare part you get, for example, a new engine (with documents), “marry” them and then the already assembled motorcycle is registered.
These methods are chosen by people who understand what they are getting into and are ready to assemble their dream piece by piece.
Prices
Successfully buying a motorcycle by accident, especially one you didn’t plan for, is a rare combination of circumstances. You can really buy it profitably when you prepare for it and know what you are looking for.
You need to choose a range of models that you are considering for yourself or the only one that has sunk into your soul. Next, you should monitor the prices. By the way, catalogs that are publicly available and updated every year can help with this. After evaluating the motorcycle itself, you need to look at the prices for spare parts and consumables. This can be very useful later when bargaining at the saddle.
Here we need to emphasize that buying an expensive or worn-out motorcycle with the last of your money is a bad idea. In both the first and second cases, giving away all your savings for the purchase, it turns out that you need to invest more. An expensive motorcycle has expensive maintenance, but a worn-out motorcycle starts to break down one by one.
A profitable purchase of a motorcycle is a purchase within your means and capabilities.
When is the best time to buy a motorcycle?
It’s worth admitting right away that for most of us a motorcycle is a passion and a seasonal activity. This is especially obvious in the spring, when the first warm day arrives and dozens of motorcycles suddenly appear on the streets. This makes every year a little more dangerous because car owners have to remind themselves that it's time to share the road with motorcyclists.
If you look at your local dealer during the warmer months of the year, you will find a lot of people looking for new motorcycles, and the roar of engines can be heard constantly in the store. But when autumn and winter come, the salons become empty.
Sales begin to decline, and the service department, which was constantly busy with dozens of cases with clients, is clearly slowing down sales. And finally, he has time to watch all the episodes of “Sons of Anarchy”. Of course, this is not a comfortable situation for dealers. Cash flow is critical to any business, so every client that comes through during the winter is welcomed with open arms.
In addition, the end of the year is the traditional period for introducing new products for the next season. With the advent of new models, old motorcycles automatically become less attractive. Unsold goods in a car dealership are money that doesn’t work. That's why the brand wants two-wheelers to find their customers. This applies to both new and used motorcycles.
The question of buying a motorcycle is one thing, but it is still worth making sure of your abilities, experience and expectations. The idea is not to buy a motorcycle on the spur of the moment. This must be a well thought out decision. The motorcycle will serve you for many years. It should meet your expectations, but what are they? The following questions may help clarify these points.
Where and how will I go?
The type of motorcycle you want to buy depends largely on the style of riding you prefer, your routes and your plans for the future. Motorsports can become part of your lifestyle. The motorcycle you choose should be the most accurate answer to several questions: Do you like to ride slowly? Do you use a motorcycle to commute to work? Is this your main mode of transport? Will you be on any roads other than paved roads? Are you expecting sharp turns and speed? Think carefully about all the answers before you spend significant money on making your dream come true.
Bargain
Some people deliberately inflate the price in order to bargain and sell the motorcycle a little more expensive. But if, during inspection, you find all the shortcomings and reasonably calculate how much this motorcycle really costs, then you may end up with a successful deal. If you yourself are not strong, then why not call an experienced mechanic with you, who will notice what you will not notice?
There are very stubborn owners who are sure that their Honda Steed 400 is very used. and one the same age as your mother-in-law should cost as much as a brand new Gold Wing. You argue, call on logic and Thor, but the owner does not want to realize the real cost of the motorcycle. In this case, you can leave him your phone number or just keep an eye on the ad in case the price tag becomes adequate after some time. As practice shows, after six months or a year the owner of fabulous ambitions turns out to be much more amenable to bargaining.
Common motorcycle models are always sold easily and quickly, because there are no problems with finding spare parts and information, but rare ones are long and painful. This is a rare model, and the owners understand that the more unique the motorcycle, the more difficult it is to maintain it and find spare parts. In addition, unique models are obviously more expensive, and there is not always a buyer, even if the motorcycle matches the price.
Bottom line: a profitable purchase of a motorcycle is, first of all, whether reality meets expectations. Finding the right model for its real price takes work, as well as time spent on preparation and search. The motorcycle you are looking for may end up in a neighboring city or appear on sale in a month. As experienced tourists say: whoever is looking will find it.
