Expenses, expenses, expenses.

[Jeffreybomb]

Aside from the initial bike purchase, insurance, and gas, what other expenses can I expect to take on as the owner of a bike? I'm trying to make sure I've got all my bases covered so nothing jumps up and bites me on the "O Ring".


For background purposes, I'm looking at used bikes.

[flynrider]

A lot depends on the bike. For sure, you can expect to buy tires every 10K-15K miles (or less if you go with stickier tires). Drive chains and sprockets have to be replaced also. Some bikes get 15K miles to a chain, others get 25K. If your bike of choice doesn't have hydraulic valve lash adjusters, you'll need to get the valves checked and adjusted on a regular basis. If you learn to do this yourself, it's not very expensive. If the shop has to do it, it can get very pricey on certain models (lots of labor involved). The valve adjustment interval should be specified somewhere in the owners manual.

[Kaige]

Taxes..blech. Gear if you don't have any.

[blues2cruise]

Aside from your helmet, a good pair of gloves and some footware that will protect your ankles. Not to mention something to protect your eyes from flying debris.

[CustomZ]

ya i'd say gear is the next expence. as just buying a bike i need gear and i've already spent 1400 on gear and don't have pants or boots. most gear you can buy used but don't buy your helmet used buy it new.

[Lion_Lady]

Aside from the initial bike purchase, insurance, and gas, what other expenses can I expect to take on as the owner of a bike? I'm trying to make sure I've got all my bases covered so nothing jumps up and bites me on the "O Ring".


For background purposes, I'm looking at used bikes.

Do NOT forget good protective gear... Figure on spending close to $1000 on gear. MC rated gloves and boots, plus pants and a jacket.

The helmet can run anywhere from $100 to $700 - TRY ON THE HELMET YOU PLAN TO BUY (print out the helmet fit guidelines, search posts by ME, Lion_Lady). Make sure it fits right or it won't protect.

Don't stress too much on buying 'top of the line' for your first set up. Just make sure it FITS. As you ride, different things will become apparent as being important to you (pockets HERE, a zipper HERE, adjustment HERE, etc). Most of us upgrade as needed.

P

[Kal]

Bike shows over here are good places to pick up cheap kit and accessories.

I'm hoping the same is true in the States, if you are going to Biketober there should be some stalls worth nosing around.*

My first Lid and Motorbike jacket cost about $50.00 or so - they were factory seconds - the linings werent perfect, but then who see's the linings???

*I've already been told that a Bike dosnt count as carry on luggage...

[cb360]

Damn... I wish I was going.