Your First Motorbike

Imagine a long stretch of open road winding through the landscape; empty and inviting. Now imagine yourself flying down it at 80, 90, 100 km an hour whizzing past the scene - and the only thing between you and the road is a monster two-wheeled machine roaring with pure unstoppable power - your motorbike.

If you dream about the open road or having your own Wild Hog adventure, owning a motorbike could be a great pastime. Australia is a great place to fall in love with motorbikes. It was Robert Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, who described the experience best: "You're completely in contact with it all. You're in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming."

If you're looking to join the rank of motorcycle owners - there's plenty to consider. Rules vary from state to state, but for most motorbike operators you'll need to complete a course and obtain a specific motorcycle license for your bike. Once you're officially licensed, you'll want to consider your various motorbike options.

For first time motorbike owners, most experts recommend buying a used bike as new motorcycles tend to depreciate very quickly - and you're likely to have a few tip-overs that could significantly damage the value of your motorbike. Here are some other ideas:

Start small - you don't have to completely sacrifice on power, but if it's your first motorbike, it's best to start small. Most experts will recommend beginner riders stick with bikes under 600 cc as it takes experience to learn how to handle a more powerful machine.

Find a frame that fits - make sure the physical size of your bike fits the frame of your body. Since many motorbike models come in a range of engine types, your best bet is to find a comfortable frame and chassis and then fit it out the engine you want.

Do your research and know the market - unlike cars, motorbike deals are a bit harder to come by, especially if you're after a particular make and model. Online clubs and communities are helpful resources and can answer a lot of questions about making a smart purchasing decision.

Buy smart - when buying a used vehicle, whether it's on two or four wheels, you'll want to get a vehicle history check so you know that you're getting what you pay for. Get a REVs check or VSR check to ensure that the motorcycle doesn't carry any outstanding debt - you don't want a finance company taking away your dream machine. From April 2011, the Australian Federal Government will be introducing the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) which will allow you to check if any registered item over $5000 in value, including motorbikes, carries any financial debt. PPSR will replace REVs in each State and Territory.

Once you've bought that first bike - you'll be ready to hit the road! Riding on your own can be a very enjoyable experience - but if you're looking to ride in a group there are many motorbike clubs and communities that welcome newbie riders. Enjoy yourself!