The right motorcycle fits your body, your experience and your budget, including the costs that don't show up on the sticker.
Motorcycle · Originally published September 30, 2015 · Updated November 2026
Shopping for a motorcycle is exciting, and it's easy to fall for the first bike that catches your eye on the showroom floor. A little planning up front helps you end up with a bike you'll enjoy riding and can afford to keep. Here's what to think through before you sign anything.
Start with how you'll actually use the bike.
Being honest about your riding helps narrow the choices quickly.
New riders often do best on a bike with manageable power and weight. A big, heavy bike or a high-performance sport bike can be a lot to handle while you're still building skills. Many experienced riders started on something modest and moved up later.
Sit on several bikes. Make sure you can put your feet down comfortably at a stop, reach the controls without stretching, and hold the bike upright with confidence. Taking a rider training course before you buy can also help you figure out what feels right, and you'll need the proper license or endorsement to ride.
The price of the bike is only part of what you'll spend.
Two bikes at a similar price can cost very differently to insure. A sport bike built for speed is often priced differently than a cruiser, and a heavily accessorized touring bike may need extra coverage for its add-ons. If you're considering a big-name cruiser, our page on Harley-Davidson insurance covers what to think about.
Quote your top two or three choices so insurance is part of the decision, not a surprise afterward.
If you finance a new motorcycle, your lender will likely require collision and comprehensive coverage. Because new bikes can lose value quickly, you may owe more than the bike is worth for a while. Gap insurance may help cover that difference if the bike is totaled or stolen; ask whether it's available for your bike.
Also think about protection for you, not just the bike. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for your injuries if a driver without enough insurance hits you.
If you're leaning toward a pre-owned bike instead, inspect it carefully, match the VIN to the title and confirm there's no lien before you pay.
Before you buy, let us compare motorcycle insurance quotes on the bikes you're considering. Call 417.865.4800 or request a quote below.
Often, yes. Insurers generally consider the bike's type, engine size and value along with your driving record and location.
Lenders usually require collision and comprehensive coverage until the loan is paid off. Check your loan agreement for the exact terms.
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