If you want to buy a motorcycle, but have no experience in this field, you may feel confused and even somewhat lost since the styling, models and technical characteristics are so wide that can muddle even experienced riders. Beginners will surely be under strong emotional pull. This short guide is an attempt to through the light on a problem of first motorcycle choice.

When you plan to buy your first bike, I'd recommend you to pay your attention to famous manufacturers as in this case you reduce the risk of making a wrong choice. Also note you will need to maintain your bike in good working condition. It's good to learn how to perform basic maintenance like oil level adjusting or changing filters, but beginners usually know nothing about engine and valves, so you cannot avoid service center and a happy owner of brand bike can always visit official service center and solve the problem of bike maintenance in a simple but effective way.

Where are many great bikes, but I would like you to pay your attention to Ducati. These bikes are absolutely universal – they can fit simply everyone. More than that, vast majority of Ducati bikes continue fitting your needs as your skill level grows.

So you plan to buy your first Ducati. First, mistake that all beginners seem to do is to choose a too powerful or too low-powered bike. Any motorcycle manufacturer has one-two so called “beginner models”, Ducati is no exception. I wouldn’t recommend you to choose this one as you can outgrow your bike within a year. However, when choosing a Ducati bike, don't overestimate yourself either. As you don't have much experience, a 1000cc bike will be simply an expensive way to commit a suicide. Keep your head cold and choose a 250–500cc motorcycle. In case you want to buy a used bike made in 80s or 90s, search for the one you like among 250–600cc models. Don’t forget, insurance rates rise exponentially with engine size, so the more powerful your Ducati is, the more you pay and your powerful Monster insurance can make a hole in your budget.

Any buyer should take into consideration own weight and height. You should feel comfortable when you ride your bike. Ducati bikes are usually not light weighted ones, so, for example, smaller then average and low-seated Ducati Monster 620 can perfectly suit women. Previous to buying a bike, go to your local motorcycle store and look at the models available. Never buy a bike at your first visit! Just try to sit on it, feel the bike’s weight and dimensions.

Many buyers can't decide whether they should buy new or used Ducati. New bikes cost much, so used one is indeed appealing in terms of price, but don’t forget you buy Ducati! When you buy this motorcycle, you pay for quality, exclusive desdromonic valves, but you pay for name as well. Any brand name bike has expensive maintenance. When you buy Ducati, prepare to pay much for any repair you make as changing starter can cost you around $700, and new alternator costs approximately $800 (not counting the labor). My advice is simple – if you think of buying used Ducati, make sure you're not going to buy a bike that will require costly repair in the nearest future. Taking your friend who’s keen on bikes or a specialist prior to making a purchase of used Ducati is also a good idea. If you don’t have such friend and don't know much about mechanics, I wouldn't recommend buying vintage Ducati made in 80s or early 90s.

As any sport bike, Ducati models often come “plastic covered”. They look really great, but stop for a moment and ask yourself, how good you are at riding bikes. If you are not sure in your skills or simply don’t know how to ride them, then sooner or earlier you will drop your bike! In case of plastic covered motorcycle this means breaking plastic and paying much to replace it with new one.

Next point to pay to is number of cylinders. You have a choice of 2 and 4 cylinder bikes. Two cylinder models sound thumper and feel much like machinery, while four cylinder models remind of electric-motor power. They are much smoother and don’t give that mechanical feel. It’s still up to you what to choose, but I think this issue concerns more Japanese brands. Ducati performs great in both variants.

Finally, buy a bike that fits the location you live and your purposes. If you live in a city with crowded streets and need your bike to escape long traffic jams, you simply don’t need powerful sport bike. If you plan to use your Ducati to make long rides on highways, make sure you can sit comfortably for a long time. Many Ducati bikes have rider's seat only, so you cannot make a ride with your buddies or girlfriend. If you live in place with primary warm climate, don't forget about engine air-cooling system. Cheaper Ducati can warm rider's sit that is not very comfortable in hot weather, so pay attention to bikes with enhanced cooling system.

The variety of choices is really great and it can confuse not only beginner, but an experienced rider as well, so I simply want to mention one thing – don’t forget you’re going to buy Ducati! These bikes are great anyway and this lessens your chances to make a mistaken choice.