For Motorcyclists: 5 Tips on Dealing With Buyer’s Remorse

It’s hard to imagine any motorcycle owner having buyer’s remorse, but it does happen. A motorcycle owner can get buyer’s remorse for a lot of reasons, including feeling like they got the wrong bike, the wrong deal, or other reasons. This is why many motorcycle makers spend considerable amounts of money promoting their products for after-sale purposes. They also hope for the same end when they do things like promote motorcycle clubs and other activities. Joining one of these clubs is easy. After all, you will probably get a one-year free membership, compliments of your bike’s maker.

If you are thinking about selling your motorcycle and buying a new one, what follows are a few suggestions for preventing buyer’s remorse and getting rid of it if you get it. If you love to ride, getting rid of buyer’s remorse should be easy. Here are a few causes and cures for buyer’s remorse.

Cause 1: Buying the wrong bike.

Cure 1: The fear that a buyer got the wrong bike is a primary reason for buyer’s remorse. Maybe it was buying the wrong type of bike or perhaps the wrong color or style. It’s also possible that a buyer can feel remorse over being taken in by the hype surrounding a particular bike. This is best prevented by making sure you purchase the right bike in the first place. Make sure to give plenty of thought to what you want and what you want it for. It might be hard to avoid brands and reputations, but do your best. Take some serious time deciding what brand is best.

Cause 2: Thinking of all the arguments against the purchase after the bike has been bought.

Cure 2: Before buying a bike, make a list of pros and cons to the purchase. After completing the list of fors and againsts, weigh the choices.

Cause 3: Unforeseen problems with a bike.

Cure 3: Be thorough in your examination of a bike before you buy it. This is one of the obvious purposes of a test ride. Is there an annoying buffeting? Does the engine feel like it’s too hot? Are the bars too hard to reach? Does the seat feel too soft when sitting on it? If a test ride isn’t allowed, walk away. That’s a huge indicator that there’s a problem the owner doesn’t want you to find out about. If you still have your heart set on this purchase, ask someone who has the same or similar bike to test ride theirs. Be sure to remember that a motorcycle might be visually appealing but could be uncomfortable or end up just not turning you on after you buy it.

Cause 4: Feeling guilty for buying what could have paid the rent or bought a lot of groceries.

Cure 4: This is a tough one that can only be solved by ensuring there is full agreement from everyone who might be touched by a decision to buy a bike. This includes a significant other and even your kids. Budget the money involved carefully so there is no need to sacrifice money needed elsewhere.

Cause 5: Feeling like you were unnecessarily talked into a purchase by a salesperson.

Cure 5: It’s important to remember that a salesperson’s job is to sell motorcycles. That’s all. And they will do practically anything to sell that motorcycle to you, including “sweetening the deal.” Just be aware of it and be cautious. If something about a potential deal doesn’t sound right or agree with you, walk away.

The most important thing to remember when buying a bike is to know that you are literally in the buyer’s seat. There are plenty of other places to buy a motorcycle. The right purchase for your needs is out there. All that’s needed is to keep looking for it, and you will find it.