How to choose the best motorcycle for families
On Indian roads, the convenience of a two-wheeler is certainly unbeatable when it comes to commuting with ease. Considering how easy it is to maneuver and park one amidst the common logjam on the streets, it is no surprise that a two-wheeler trumps over other vehicles by bringing down the travel time, no matter where one needs to go – be it a quick drop at a friend’s house, commuting to work or dropping by the nearby store to stock up on groceries.
Quick information here would be that motorbikes are primarily of two types – geared and ungeared, with the latter relatively easy to master. However, akin to almost every other thing in life, abiding by a simple checklist can make sure that the investment is a cost-efficient one.
Listed below are some of the top factors you can consider:
Brand
A good brand can be the make or break facet here, considering that investing in a solid motorbike could last well into the future. Besides endorsing quality of the product, a top-notch brand affirms its performance and durability, and is expected to guarantee a high resale value as well.
However, the two-wheeler’s condition at the time of selling it and its year of purchase would also influence the resale value.
Budget
With increasing prices, budget becomes one of the definite considerations. While a budget of Rs.50,000-60,000 can guarantee a decent bike, stretching it a little more can accommodate a range of extra features and color preferences.
Mileage
In today’s time and age, rising fuel prices attest to the significance of mileage – the distance covered by a two-wheeler expending one liter of fuel. While the numbers will vary, a good motorbike that is running at optimum (or near optimum) efficiency should give a mileage of about 35-40 kilometre per litre. However, know that city mileage will differ from highway mileage, with the former being relatively lower owing to the congestion on the streets and consequently frequent gear shifts.
Height and weight
While scouting for a family motorbike, don’t skip factoring in the weight of the vehicle. This is because handling a heavy motorbike can be difficult and might not allow for comfortable maneuvering through the streets. Conversely, a heavy bike lends more stability to the rider, along with shielding against minor accidents. In case of frontal collision, a heavy bike is expected to absorb most of the impact, something that a light weight bike might not be able to do.
The height of the vehicle is another important aspect that can determine the ease with which you can balance yourself. A vehicle that’s too high off the ground might not allow you to put your feet firmly while trying to balance.
Service centers
In your search for the essential family motorbike, don’t miss out on checking whether the manufacturer has multiple service centers across the city. Nothing can be as inconvenient as having to haul the two-wheeler away to a far-off repair center in the event of a mishap. Ideally, a manufacturer’s service center (or even one that is authorized by the manufacturer) should be in close proximity to where you reside.
Reviews posted by users
Checking online reviews that have been posted by fellow bikers (pertaining to the model you want to buy) can offer vital insights into the two-wheeler’s performance – real city mileage and other on-road attributes – which the showroom salesman might be compelled to not disclose completely.
Maintenance and repair costs
Any two-wheeler, following purchase, will warrant regular maintenance and servicing in order to keep up with optimal performance standards. Therefore, it is only wise to enquire about the service costs and other additional charges that might accrue once the motorbike crosses the free-servicing tenure.
Spare parts
Should the motorbike be involved in a minor collision, timely availability of spare parts will be crucial in setting it up for subsequent use once again. Make sure the manufacturer or the brand has a ready stock of spare parts such that you don’t have to run from pillar to post, trying to get your two-wheeler back on the road. This can prove a hindrance, particularly with the newer models available in the market today.
Two wheeler loan from Reliance Money can help you fund the dream motorbike for you and your family.
