[P License newbies buying motorcycles] 9 entry-level motorcycle recommendations | Vehicle prices, performance and specifications | Things to note when buying a motorcycle

Things to note when buying a new car

1. Choose the right car model for your daily use

Before buying a motorcycle, you should first evaluate your needs and the main purpose of the vehicle. If you only use it for daily commuting and short-distance travel, you can choose a street bike or a lamb car that is easy to control and affordable. If you plan to use it for commercial purposes such as delivery services, you should choose a model with a larger storage space. Different uses will directly affect the choice of model, so you should make full considerations before purchasing.

For novices, the vehicle's safety features such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), TCS (traction control system) and front wheel lift control system are also crucial. When choosing a motorcycle, you can also consider whether the safety features of your favorite model are sufficient.

2. Reserve a budget for extra expenses

In addition to the price of the motorcycle, you should also set aside funds for regular maintenance, insurance costs and other expenses. Especially the insurance premium for a P-license novice is generally higher than that for a formal license. Therefore, it is recommended that prospective car owners set aside 20-30% in addition to the car price as an additional expense budget.

3. Understand the terms of motorcycle insurance

Hong Kong law requires that any motorcycle on the road must be insured. There are three main types of Motorcycle Insurance, Third Party Liability Insurance (TPO), Third Party Insurance - Fire and Theft (TPFT), and Comprehensive Insurance (COMP). Riders need to understand the coverage and limitations of various insurance types, and select the appropriate protection.

P-license plate owners must strictly abide by the regulations that they cannot carry passengers, otherwise the insurance may become invalid in the event of an accident. Due to the higher risk of accidents, the premium is generally 20-30% more expensive than the regular license plate. The maximum No Claim Discount is only 30%, which is significantly different from the 60% upper limit for private cars.

If the owner is interested in modified motorcycle, you need to pay special attention to the provisions regarding modified parts in the policy terms. Legal modification does not affect the insurance validity, but any undeclared modification may cause the insurance to be invalid. Therefore, it is best to check with the insurance company before any modification.

4. Test run

Whether buying a new car or second-hand motorcycles, the rider should also test drive to test the control feel and mechanical operation during driving to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition, and check whether the distance between the handlebars and the seat, the seat height, etc. are appropriate.

FAQ

What horsepower of motorcycle should a novice choose?

Novice riders can choose a 125 - 300 c.c. model, which is easier to control and has enough power for daily use.

What motorcycle models are suitable for beginners?

Newbies can choose naked bikes (Street bikes) and scooters, which have lower seats and are easier to control. Naked bikes are lightweight and usually have lower seats, so you can basically put one foot on the ground when stationary. Scooters do not require the use of foot brakes or gear shifting, and can be easily operated with just two hands.