Moto&tech

Planning to buy your first motorcycle? Find out what to look out for

Buying your first motorcycle? Here’s what you need to know so you don’t make a mistake.

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2021

Dominic Lyon

You need about 4 min. to read this post

Fulfilling your dreams is very beautiful, but sometimes you need to prepare well for it. This is the case with buying a motorcycle for the first time, especially when it is a second-hand one. Doubts may arise not only about its technical condition and exploitation realities, but also about the legal side

What do we do wrong? The most common mistakes when buying a machine

The dream of buying your own motorcycle is quite common. It is also not surprising that many people manage to fulfill it. Unfortunately, sometimes disappointment quickly follows. The mistakes we most often make when buying are:

foregoing a test drive;
lack of technical knowledge about the capabilities of a particular model before buying;
buying a motorcycle emotionally;
buying a model that is too expensive (the price of the unicycle, but also the cost of its operation);
betting on a machine that represents the wrong segment for our needs

A trip to get your first motorcycle

Buying your first motorcycle can be a trivial activity – especially if you do not take into account the possibility that you will make big mistakes with hard to predict consequences

Think about the deal again

It’s fairly cliché, but the decision to buy your first motorcycle is worth reconsidering before you head out for a viewing. Not only is it a good idea to think through the reasonableness of such an investment, but also the sense behind choosing a particular model. Before we go for it, we should consider whether such a machine is actually a dream come true and meets our needs. One of the worst mistakes is making an impulse purchase. Invested money may be hard to get back

Pay attention to who you buy from

It is certainly better to buy a machine from an enthusiast, who can also tell us about it in details, than from a dealer. In the latter case, you may come across people who are skilled in embellishing the situation and not presenting the history of the machine’s use reliably enough

Don’t go for a machine on your own

Especially novice motorcycle enthusiast should not go for his first machine alone. It often happens in the case of such people that they are too eager to buy their dream machine and that this distorts their realistic view of the product on offer. It is better to take an experienced rider with you – ideally, it should be someone who has been riding a motorcycle for years and is well versed in technical nuances, for example

Motorcycle inspection

Inspection of a motorcycle offered to us should be detailed and conducted in a calm atmosphere. It is not worth underestimating any shortcomings or defects, because they may turn into a serious failure in the future or even jeopardize our safety while riding

Checking the technical condition

When inspecting the machine for technical condition, it is recommended to start by assessing the condition of the frame. It is necessary to look at, for example, varnish in the place of welds, because by its departure we can learn whether the offered machine was not involved in bumps, which the seller wants to hide. You should also check the numbers – first of all, if they are consistent with those in the documents, but also if they do not look suspicious. You should also take a look at, for example, steering limiters. We should also check front and rear suspension, body, brakes, wheels, exhaust system and, above all, the engine – especially check if it has no leaks and how it works

Formalities when buying

In the case of a used motorcycle, you need to draw up a purchase and sale agreement. Particular care is taken to ensure that the data on it are consistent with the actual ones. The price must be consistent with the actual price and both copies must sound the same. We also receive a vehicle registration card at the time of purchase. The situation, when the owner for some reason does not want to give it to us, for example, claims that he lost it, should be alarming for us. It may lead to problems in the future e.g. if it turns out that a motorcycle is a joint property. When a purchase is worth more than 1000 PLN, we have to pay the civil law transaction tax in the amount of 2%. We have 14 days to do this. If we buy a motorcycle with third party insurance which is still valid, we contact the insurer in order to settle the situation.

Photo: Harley-Davidson/Unsplash

Related Topics:motor brands motorcycle types motorcycles

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Moto&tech

Which industries can benefit from M2M technology?

M2M technology has been around for some time now, and it has revolutionized many industries.

Published

4 months ago

February 3, 2023

Dominic Lyon

M2M technology has been around for some time now, and it has revolutionized many industries. M2M technology provides businesses with a way to automate tasks, reduce costs, and gain insights into their operations.

Automotive

M2M technology is quickly becoming an essential part of the automotive industry, providing a range of solutions that improve safety, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Automotive companies can use M2M technology to remotely monitor and control their vehicles, track driver behavior and diagnose problems more quickly and accurately. M2M also allows for automated driving systems, providing increased safety on roads and highways. In addition, car manufacturers can use M2M technology to collect real-time data from their cars, which can be used to improve product designs, optimize service delivery, and even provide targeted marketing. By leveraging the power of M2M technology, automotive companies can ensure their vehicles are safer, more reliable, and better performing than ever before.

Healthcare

M2M technology is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. By providing real-time communication between medical devices, systems, and patient data, M2M technology can increase the efficiency of healthcare services and provide better patient care. One of the most important applications of M2M technology in healthcare is the monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. With M2M technology, healthcare providers can have access to real-time information on patient vital signs, making it easier to detect changes in health status and provide appropriate care. This can help to reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall patient outcomes. M2M technology can also be used to track medical supplies, from drugs and medical equipment to patient files. This helps to ensure that all medical supplies are kept up-to-date and easily accessible for both staff and patients.

Transportation

Transportation has been a major beneficiary of Machine to Machine (M2M) technology. Thanks to the ability to track and monitor vehicles, companies can optimize their resources, maximize efficiency, and reduce costs. Companies such as airlines, shipping firms, and trucking companies can benefit from the use of M2M technology to monitor their fleets. M2M technology allows for real-time tracking of vehicle location and speed, as well as other important information such as fuel consumption and engine performance. This data can be used to identify trends in routes taken, which can help to optimize delivery times.

Main photo: Adi Goldstein/unsplash.com

Moto&tech

How to keep your car clean?

It is said that the appearance of a car testifies to the owner of the vehicle. See how to take care of your car to make it shine clean!

Published

8 months ago

October 14, 2022

Dominic Lyon

The car is not only your faithful friend and servant, but also your “second skin”. Dirt, traces of bird droppings on the bodywork, stains on the windows and cigarette ash on the seat upholstery are not the best indication of the owner of even the most “dashing” car. Learn to take care of your car so that it serves you for as long as possible and enhances your image!

Regularly wash your car

The cleanliness of your car is affected by many factors, from the salt poured on the roads in winter to the resin and sap dripping from the trees in spring and summer. All of this looks unsightly, and also pisses into the body and affects the components in the car. Regular washing is the main recommendation when it comes to maintaining cleanliness. It is especially important to wash the invisible parts of the vehicle, such as the chassis and rims. Their recesses accumulate dirt that is difficult to remove, which over time can lead to corrosion.

Don’t neglect the car’s interior

A clean, well-maintained car interior is not only a prerequisite for a comfortable and pleasant ride. Dust, greasy stains and dirt all damage the seat upholstery. Proper car care includes cleaning all interior components, including seats, doors, floor and ceiling.

Vacuum as often as possible

During the warm months, spring, summer and early autumn, you should vacuum your car at least once a month. This is the only way to protect yourself and your passengers from dust and allergens that enter the interior through open windows.

Remember about floor mats and thresholds

Drivers often forget that the thresholds in the car should also be cleaned. Although at first glance the dirt on the thresholds is not very visible, with the doors open the car looks unsightly. The floor mats should also be taken care of, especially after rain and snow. Rubber floor mats simply need to be washed with water, and those made of fabric – shaken out and vacuumed.

Lights and windows

Clean lights and windows are a prerequisite for safe driving. Streaks and mud on windows and headlights impair visibility, leading to accidents on the road. Headlights should be washed after every long drive. From time to time, it’s also a good idea to wipe them with a special polish and clean the car lamps from the inside. Even if it’s very dark on the street, don’t wipe the lights on with a damp tissue. This will dull the surface of the headlights. Let them cool down a bit before you wipe them.

Keep your car in order

Don’t turn your car into a small storeroom. Take only the essentials on your trip. And under no circumstances keep trash in it! Throw away coffee cups, plastic bags and bottles systematically. Arrange your purchases so that nothing falls out and rolls into a hard-to-reach place. Remember, a freely moving bottle on the floor can fall under the pedals and make braking impossible!

Refrain from eating and smoking

The best way to keep your car clean is to fully prohibit smoking and eating in the car. This is the only way to protect yourself from greasy stains, as well as ubiquitous cigarette ash. If you can’t do without snacks, get yourself a small lunch box and put a separate waste container on the floor.

main photo: unsplash.com/Oliur

Moto&tech

Automatic or manual transmission – advantages and disadvantages

“Automatic” or “manual”? Is either transmission better or does it all depend on the personal preferences of the driver? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions before you make a decision on the purchase of a car!

Published

10 months ago

August 18, 2022

Dominic Lyon

Among motorists, the arguments about what is better: automatic or manual transmission are not quieting down. Proponents of traditional solutions complain about the automatic transmission, proving that there is nothing better than “manual”. Others again praise the convenience of the “automatic” and vow never to return to a manual transmission. As in any dispute, each side is a little bit right. We will try to give you a factual presentation of the pros and cons of both solutions.

Manual transmission – advantages

Ability to use the full dynamics of the engine

On a manual transmission you can immediately accelerate your car to the highest speed. A classic automatic at a certain rpm begins to shift gears, so a manual transmission provides greater driving dynamics.

Lower fuel consumption

With efficient gear shifting, as well as the ability to idle, you can save a lot on fuel. Such benefits will not be provided by an automatic transmission, in which even putting in slack while driving is discouraged.

Lower oil consumption

Every transmission needs a special fluid. An automatic transmission requires 6 to 10 liters of oil, while a mechanical transmission requires about 3 liters.

Manual transmission – disadvantages

Driving comfort

The first disadvantage of a manual transmission is lower driving comfort, which is felt primarily by novice drivers. They find the starting maneuver especially difficult, as well as driving uphill.

Clutch

Poorly dynamic and smooth driving can lead to clutch burnout. And this caution applies especially to inexperienced drivers. And replacing the clutch is already an expensive repair, which automatic drivers, by definition, do not have to worry about.

Engine life

Lower engine life in cars with mechanical transmissions is due to the fact that their drivers easily allow the engine to overheat, especially if they like to drive fast.

Automatic transmission – advantages

Different dynamics

While a classic automatic with a torque converter actually severely limits the car’s performance, automatic dual-clutch transmissions such as DSG perform better than a manual transmission. When driving on such an automatic, two gears are engaged at the same time, which makes shifting up or down very fast.

Different fuel consumption

A classic automatic actually consumes more fuel, but newer models or transmissions use much less fuel than manual transmissions.

Smoothness of driving

An automatic transmission means a more comfortable driving experience. Even an inexperienced driver can smoothly, without nerves or the so-called “kangaroo”, start the car without posing a risk on the road.

Longer engine and transmission life

Automatic transmissions control the revs more and protect the engine from overheating.

Automatic transmission – disadvantages

As noted above, a car with a classic automatic accelerates more slowly than a vehicle with a manual transmission. The classic also has only four gears and consumes more fuel than a manual transmission. All models, both newer and older, require more transmission oil.

The undeniable downside of automatic cars is also their higher price. The cost of operating and repairing an automatic transmission is also much higher, and you should know that according to statistics, manual transmissions break down much less often.

main photo: unsplash.com/Jean-Philippe Delberghe