Generally, it is the aesthetic or mechanical aspect of the machine that attracts the beginner who wishes to acquire a motorcycle. However, many criteria must be taken into account to combine road pleasure and savings.
From the intended use and desired equipment to the available budget, including the choice of financing method and insurance, nothing should be left to chance.
Buying a motorcycle: new or used?
At first glance, buying a new motorcycle is more appealing for a beginner. Indeed, the shiny appearance of the machine, the gentle purr of the mechanics, and the guarantees offered by the seller are all reasons to turn to a new bike. However, one should expect a higher purchase price compared to a used motorcycle. Unfortunately, if in the future, the motorcyclist plans to resell their motorcycle, they will lose much more money than if they had opted for a used vehicle.
The beginner is therefore better off buying a used motorcycle to gain initial driving experience and improve their reflexes if their budget does not allow them to acquire a new machine. It is also important to note that the insurance for a used motorcycle is lower than that for a new motorcycle.
The type of motorcycle suitable for a beginner
The type of motorcycle suitable for a beginner mainly depends on the use they intend to make of it. For city travel and short daily trips, the maxi scooter combines comfort and the ability to weave through traffic jams. The roadster is also a suitable mount for beginner riders. Quite maneuverable, it proves to be very reliable and provides a sense of security to the motorcyclist.
The sports bike is another affordable machine for the beginner. Its advantage lies in its lightness and powerful brakes. If the motorcyclist wishes to venture onto trails or tracks, the trail bike represents the ideal motorcycle with its great height. It takes a bit more experience to tackle ruts, sand, and obstacles with an enduro or trail motorcycle. If the former is approved and can circulate in the streets, the latter is prohibited in cities.
The ideal engine size for a beginner motorcyclist
To start learning to ride a motorcycle and acquire the essential reflexes for riding a two-wheeler, it is preferable to opt for a low engine size mount. Indeed, the beginner does not fully master riding techniques and is not entirely familiar with their machine. It is therefore best to opt for a motorcycle of 500 to 600 cm³. Its relative power enhances the sensations at the handlebars and it is easier to control.
What about tax advantages?
Riding a motorcycle to get to work offers considerable tax advantages to the motorcyclist. They can deduct from their tax return the actual expenses incurred by their new vehicle. This includes fuel, maintenance and repair costs, protective clothing, insurance premium, and road tax. It is enough to keep the receipts for these expenses. If the motorcycle is only used to get to work part of the year, you can request a flat rate of 0.15 euros per kilometer, up to a limit of 200 km round trip per day.
It is also advisable to include the depreciation of the motorcycle purchase in your professional expenses. A new motorcycle is normally depreciated over 5 years. However, it is possible to proceed with a declining balance depreciation of the machine after obtaining the tax authorities’ approval.
How to finance your first motorcycle?
The acquisition of a new or used motorcycle can be financed through a loan. The motorcyclist has the choice between an assigned loan or an unassigned loan. The installment loan is the ideal solution for a machine whose price exceeds 2,500 euros. The repayment can be spread over 24 to 84 months. Some banks offer to grant a loan equivalent to 110% of the price of the used motorcycle to cover the costs related to this purchase, such as road tax or the first insurance premium.