What will you be using it for?
This is the most important thing to consider before buying your bike. Are you after the thrill of the open road, or is it more about looking the part? Will you be riding across the country, or nipping around town? Different bikes suit different needs, so first things first… figure out what you’ll be using it for. These days, there are styles within styles and a stack of different options to choose from. But the three below should give you a fair idea of what to look for.
Sports bike
If you’re a bit of an adrenalin junkie, a sports bike will quell your need for speed.
In their element at higher speeds, they boast lots of power, stylish looks and a stack of clever tech. A word of warning though: these require a high degree of skill to ride safely and should not be taken lightly.
Cruiser bike
If you picture yourself cruising along the main street on a Sunday afternoon, the clue is in the name. A cruiser bike generally boasts a lower seat, fat tyres and a healthy dose of chrome. Better for turning heads at speed than corners, they’re easier to handle, with a lower power output than their speedier counterparts.
Scooter
Or if you just want to get from A to B as easy as ABC, a scooter could be the way to go. If the word ‘scooter’ brings visions of crawling along the bus lane at 40km/h, think again. Scooter engines go up as high as 650cc, which is plenty enough power to keep up on any road. Elegant, efficient and equipped with automatic transmission - if ease and convenience are the order of the day, you can’t go past a scooter.
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Engine size - bigger isn’t always better
While it may be tempting to go big, chances are you’ll rarely need the power and speed a large engine capacity can give. Not only are bigger engines a more expensive initial outlay, but they’ll also cost you more ongoing. From fuel to servicing and parts to insurance premiums and more, the bigger the engine, the bigger the bill (generally speaking). So unless you’re travelling long distances with luggage in tow, it might be worth looking at with a lower to medium capacity.
Can you handle it?
Like any vehicle, driving at high speeds can be dangerous. So it’s crucial you buy a bike you feel comfortable on. This is so much more important than how it looks. You want to make sure the seat feels comfortable, the handlebars are well positioned and the suspension works for your weight. Are you struggling to steer it? Does the acceleration scare you? Or does everything just feel ‘right’? Ultimately you can’t go past gut-feel. So be sure to test drive as many bikes as possible, to figure out for what feels right for you.
Need a loan? We can help
Whichever bike you decide on, we can help make it happen. Speak to our team and we’ll tailor a loan that’s right for you.
Apply now or find your local MTF Finance provider
Offer of finance is subject to terms, conditions, lending criteria, responsible lending inquiries and checks. See mtf.co.nz/terms for details.
