Vertu Motorcycles Bike Buying Guide
Whether it’s a new or used motorcycle you are looking for, we’re sure you’ll find your perfect bike at Vertu Motorcycles.
Buying a new (or used) bike is always exciting but sometimes there are so many options that it can be bewildering. Obviously we’d say come and talk to us and we’ll help guide you through the options. For some though, the choosing is part of the fun, so for you, we have put together this buying guide.
Read on for all you need to know.
What size bike are you legally permitted to ride?
The progression from CBT to A1, A2 and full licence means that only certain models are available. You can’t buy a bigger capacity bike and hope you grow into it, we have to confirm your insurance – and your insurers will check your licence - to sell you a bike.
If you are new to riding, we have an article here on learning to ride a bike and our dealerships can introduce you to some excellent instructors through the Honda School of Motorcycling and the BMW Rookie to Rider scheme. Often these courses qualify you for a discount on a new bike too, so do ask us.
Know your budget
It sounds obvious but whether new or used motorcycle, make sure you know your budget before you start looking. Don’t forget you might want to upgrade your locks or add some accessories to make it just right for you or maybe some new gear to go with the new bike. Get insurance quotes, too, premiums may go up with a more valuable bike to your name.
Doing this means you’ll be able to focus on the most important thing after buying your motorcycle – enjoying it.
At Vertu Motorcycles, we offer competitive deals on our new and used motorcycles, as well as flexible finance options to help fit it into your budget.
These allow you to either pay in a single one-off payment if you have the cash or to split the cost into monthly instalments to make things easier on your wallet.
Once you have a specific model in mind, book an appointment with us to arrange a test ride and discuss your options.
What kind of a bike are you after?
If legalities and money are about the head, the kind of bike you ride is about the heart.
Adventure bikes are extremely popular at the moment. They offer an upright riding position, stability and presence and the option to bolt on hundreds of extra goodies to ensure that you make it through the green lanes to the cafe in one piece. The legendary BMW GS range and Honda Africa Twin lead the way here, although the middleweight sector is getting interesting with the new XL750 Transalp out this year.
Sports bikes are having something of a renaissance with the BMW S1000R, RR and M1000 R and RR and the Honda CBR models giving you streamlined power with technological innovation. They maximise aerodynamic performance over comfort, so if you want to be tucked down on top of the tank in your leathers, these are for you.
A growing style of bike is the cruiser. For those who want to take things a bit easier, these prioritise long-distance comfort and relaxed riding over acceleration and include everything from BMW’s mighty R18 to Honda’s CMX 1100 and CMX 500 Rebels. With a low seat height and feet-up position these are very accessible bikes.
Learners and urbanites have a range of options too, from a practical scooter with under-seat helmet storage to the legendarily reliable Honda CB125. Don’t forget the characterful Monkeys, Groms and SuperCubs if you are looking for fun as well as practicality.
Buying a used motorcycle
If you want to buy a used motorcycle, it’s important to make sure you find a used bike that is reliable, safe and in good condition.
The easiest way to do this is to look at what your local Vertu Motorcycles dealership has in stock.
We are proud to offer an extensive range of high-quality used motorcycles that have been prepared to the highest standard both mechanically and cosmetically, all presented to you at a fantastic price.
All used bikes come fully prepared and serviced, with 3 months warranty and a minimum of 6 months’ MOT. All prep work is done in our state-of-the-art workshops, by our manufacturer-trained technicians, overseen by our Master Technicians.
We can also offer extended motorcycle warranties with your used motorcycle to help you get added peace of mind on the road in case anything comes up.
Test ride
You’ve seen the bike and checked your budget, the last thing to do is take it for a ride. It’s the only way to get a good feel for a motorcycle and decide whether it’s the one for you.
Remember to make a booking for a test ride: we like to make sure all bikes we sell are up to our high standards and have to prepare them before you take them out. It’s not always possible to turn up and try one on the spot.
We offer test rides on all our new and used models so you can take the time to get to know your bike before buying it, which you can book with us online.
At your appointment, we can offer expert advice to help you make a decision, as well as arranging the perfect finance package to suit you.
Ready to start your search? Browse our new and used motorcycle deals now.