The Perfect Motorcycle has eleven chapters covering all aspects of motorcycle ownership for new and veteran riders.

One (Download for Free!)

Beginnings—Marshal Your Forces

• Chapter one sets the stage by discussing the buying and selling forces at work and the choices and decisions you’ll need to make, including special considerations for new and re-entering riders.

Two

Know Yourself—Determine Your Riding Priorities

• Review your motorcycling style and document the reasons you ride, your riding influences and motorcycle preferences.

Three

The Right Machine—Select the Perfect Motorcycle

• Review and decide the type of motorcycle you want; Cruiser, Sport Bike, Standard, Touring, Sport-Touring, Dual Purpose, Adventure-Touring or Dirt Bike.
• Decide on the three considerations of size of bike that fits you best; 1) the physical size and ergonomic triangle of handlebar reach, footpeg location and the seat-height 2) the power of the engine, and 3) the engine size; 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 600cc, 750cc, 900cc, 1200cc, 1800cc or larger.
• Review and decide the life-cycle stage of your next bike; New and Holdover, Retired Demo/Training, Late-Model Used, Old-Model Used, Vintage/Classic or Collectible.

Four    

Money Matters—Budget, Insurance and Financing

• Decide on specific motorcycle models and find out how much your perfect bike will cost with the total cost of ownership (TCO) information and worksheet.
• Find and understand the best insurance coverage and learn about money-saving discounts.
• Consider all sources of financing including factory and dealer financing, find ways to save on interest charges and line up the money.

Five

Channel Surfing—Where to Buy Your Motorcycle

• Where is the best deal? Should you buy from a dealer, an individual or an auction?
• Find your preference by reviewing criteria from ten sources: new bike dealers, used bike dealers, non-motorcycle dealers (RV and autos), retail salvage yards, general auction (eBay Motors), forfeit/salvage auctions, general classifieds (Craigslist), specific classifieds (Cycle Trader), owners’ groups and referrals (the neighbor’s shed).

Six       

Nuts and Bolts—Inspect Your Dream Ride

• Learn how to identify red flags to avoid problems and inspect used bikes in 3 steps to pick the ones in the best condition.
• Assemble your inspection toolkit.
• Use the essential inspection checklist and test ride evaluation forms.

Seven   

The Finalists—Pick Three Motorcycles

• Consolidate your information and decide on the three bikes you will negotiate.

Eight

The Art of War—Strategic Negotiation Tactics

• The tongue-in-cheek title refers to a stress-free strategy to negotiate the best deal possible on your perfect motorcycle.
• Learn special methods to save real money negotiating with dealers, individual sellers and during eBay bidding.

Nine    

Body Armor—Select the Perfect Gear

• Evaluate riding gear to find the best value for your type of riding. Helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves, eyewear and windshields are covered.

Ten

Boot Camp—Find the Rider Training You Need

• Learn about licensing, rider training sources and resources.

Eleven 

Let’s Ride! —The Care, Feeding and Joy of the Perfect Motorcycle

• Make sure you have planned for the essentials of safe riding.
• Decide what modifications and customization to plan.
• Get an exclusive pre-ride checklist you’ll use every time you ride.