Motorcycle ownership tends to come with a variety of benefits to take advantage of, such as the ability to rely on optimal fuel economy and affordable maintenance. But buying your new motorcycle shouldn't be taken lightly, as not all options on the market are created equal. Here are a few things to think about when considering your new motorcycle purchase:

Expansion Options

A big consideration to make when choosing a motorcycle to invest in is your expansion options. Think long term and how your needs might change as time goes on. If you're single now, you may find yourself in a relationship and will need a little more room on the motorcycle – think a bigger seat and enough saddlebag room to store what you both will need while on the road.

If you happen to get a dog or have kids in the future, you may want to install a side car on your motorcycle. Make sure that the make and model you choose can be easily expanded upon and customized as your needs change in the future.

Average Repair Costs

You should also think about the need for repairs as time goes on and what the average cost of those repairs will be before investing in a particular motorcycle. Ask your dealer for a written breakdown of the average repair costs for each motorcycle you consider buying. Make sure all the major components such as the engine and transmission are included, as well as the small stuff like brake pad replacements and tune ups. You can compare the written information to determine how much each of the prospective motorcycles will cost to maintain throughout the years, and figure out which you can and can't afford long-term.

Warranty Access

It's also a good idea to think about what types of extended warranties are available for each motorcycle you consider buying. If you can't get your hands on an extended warranty, you'll be solely responsible for all the repairs that are needed once the original warranty expires.

On the other hand, if you can get an extended warranty for your motorcycle, you'll receive financial support for major repairs on things like the engine and transmission. Your dealer should be able to provide you with copies of any extended warranties that are available for each motorcycle that makes it on your short list so you can gain some insight into what kind of protection you can count on as time goes on.

Mechanic Availability

If you choose to buy a motorcycle that's made in another country or that is a limited addition, it might not be easy to find an expert who can handle all your maintenance and repair needs as the motorcycle ages. To ensure that you'll be able to get the mechanic help you need as time passes, it's important to ask your dealer to provide you with a list of experts in the area who are willing and able to take you on as a customer after purchasing your motorcycle.

Resale Opportunities

Finally, considering the resale opportunities you'll have after purchasing your motorcycle will help you financially prepare for the future. Your may intend to keep your motorcycle forever, but things like financial and health issues may force a sell at some point in the future.

If you buy a motorcycle with a historically low resale value, chances are that you won't be able to recover but a fraction of the cost that you put into it by the time you want or need to sell it. Make sure that you study the historical financial backgrounds of each motorcycle you think about buying to determine whether or not you can expect to recoup most of your investment upon the sale of it.