A few suggestions when purchasing a motorcycle:
     If you're considering buying a motorcycle for the first time, or are getting back to it after a few years off, I'd suggest doing a couple of things.

1. First time buyers should call "Discover Today's Motorcycling" at 1-800-833-3995 (24hrs). They'll send you good information on all aspects of motorcycling for a great price -- free!

2. Check out my Rider Education links and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation web site -- it can never hurt to learn to be a better rider. Many states charge only a small fee for the Beginner level training classes, and you often get your motorcycle license just by passing the class! If you're an off-roader, try the MSF site for dirtbike/offroad training.

3. Check out the Used Bike Checklist, the Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide or even the CycleSales web site. These provide great checklists and information that anyone buying a used motorcycle can benefit from reading.

4. Find out what that bike you want is really worth. Check out the Motorcycle Consumer News or the Kelly Blue Book web site.

5. Check out the insurance rates for that bike you want. Companies known to support motorcyclists are Progressive Insurance and Allstate. Progressive has the AMA's backing, and sponsors the a number of AMA racing series.

6. Ready to start looking at classified ads for bikes? Then check out Trader Online's All About Cycles web site.