One of the biggest obstacles to getting involved in any new hobby is the start up cost. Many people would like to ride a motorcycle, but they're hesitant because it seems to require a lot of money upfront and then a lot of money in maintenance costs over the years. However, some people do over-estimate how much money they need.
The biggest cost is, of course, buying your first motorcycle. There are some ways you can make this cost lower, though. Instead of buying a brand new motorcycle, look for a used one. You can sometimes find older models at a dealership for much less than a brand new, never before ridden bike. You can also check the classified and online websites to find bikers who are selling their motorcycles for one reason or another. Often, they're willing to part with their bike for much less than what dealers are selling the same models for.
When it comes to maintenance, many of the things that are true for an automobile are also true for a motorcycle. Preventative maintenance, even when it seems like you're spending money that you don't need to spend, can save you a ton later. The better you take care of your bike, the less sudden breakdowns you'll have to deal with.
When it comes to riding gear and other accessories, you don't have to spend a whole lot. Yes, you can buy official riding gear from brand names, but a good jacket and pair of jeans often works just as well. Adding things like motorcycle patches to your jacket is pretty fun, too, but there's no need to do the whole jacket at once buy a patch here and there and, eventually, you'll have an awesome collection.
