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AMSOIL tips for owning your first motorcycle


Advice and Protection from professionals.

Your First Motorcycle


There's nothing quite like the feeling of getting on a motorcycle, hitting the open road, and just spending the day riding and sightseeing, either by yourself or with your friends. While cars may be the mainstream option, there's a certain charm about a motorbike which a car just can't match.

If you are new to motorcycles and are looking to buy your first one, this is the post for you. Bill Rigdon has put together some helpful information on what to look for, and how to get the right bike for you.

Learn How to Ride

Many people new to riding have no idea about the balance and handling required to ride safely. Riding lessons are not only a great way to learn how to actually ride a bike but teach you what your bike needs to get you around, such as weight needed to turn, etc. Knowing this will help you know what to look for when testing out bikes. While you're there, speak with other riders and the instructors and get their advice and experience.

Buy for Your Needs

It can be tempting to spend all of your saved money on the most powerful or fancy and nice looking bike you can get. Instead, consider your real-world needs and focus on getting the best suitable bike. The best thing to do when spending money on a vehicle is to get the best suited one for your needs. If you have additional funds left over, a good use would be to personalize it with decals or put towards safety gear.

Do Your Homework

Online research will be your strongest tool when comparing and learning more about different bike makes and models. Check out online reviews, manufacturer sites, and even blogs and chat boards. If possible, join a few user groups and speak with the members to get their advice as connecting with riders can be the best way to get real-world advice and not just comparison charts. When it comes time to give your new bike maintenance, use only the best engine lubricants for the job. Speak with Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer at (503) 329-9004 and find out which are the best products for your needs. If you prefer, the online store has more information about the engine oils available.

Ongoing Maintenance

Just like cars, spending money doesn't stop once you have the keys in your hand. Speak with your local mechanic about the types of bikes they see often, and which models are the easiest and cheapest to repair.

Stay Safe

There is a reason why your local motorcycle store doesn't sell jeans and plain leather jackets. It's because neither were designed to protect a motorbike rider during an accident. Take the time and spend the money on the right safety gear for you and your riding style. Remember, the most expensive accessories may not be the most appropriate for you. Spend your money wisely and get the best for you. Your starters list will include the following:
  • Helmet
  • Riding pants
  • Riding Jacket
  • Riding boots
  • Motorcycle gloves
Of course, safety isn't all about your own accessories. When personalizing your bike, consider bright and reflective decals and stickers which can help to make you more visible on the road.

Insurance Costs

Nobody wants to think that their insurance company dictates the type of vehicle they can buy, however, it's important to make sure that you can afford to actually ride the bike you are considering buying. Speak with them about any engine or power limitations thresholds used to determine the price of coverage.

Try the Bike!

Of course, all of this means nothing if you can't actually ride the bike! Once you've narrowed it down, spend a good amount of time trying out each bike and take note of subtle differences between bikes, especially when it comes to weight distribution and how much effort is needed to turn. Remember that doesn't matter if you are looking at the bike of your dreams - if you can't ride it, you can't ride it!

Your Bike Is Going to Need a Synthetic Oil Change

Just like all vehicles, a motorcycle will require regular ongoing maintenance. And just like all vehicles, your motorbike can only perform as well as the products you put in it. Speak with Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealerat(503) 329-9004and ask about which AMSOIL motorcycle engine lubricant is best suited to your needs. If you have an idea of what you're after, check out the online storefor more information or to make an order.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Products



Advanced multi-functional formula for both domestic and foreign motorcycles. Excellent in air-cooled motorcycle engines due to high heat resistance.


Whether riding aggressively, cruising or in stop-and-go traffic, AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Metric Motorcycle Oil delivers the benefits most important to riders.


AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil is a premium oil designed for those who demand the absolute best lubrication for their motorcycles.


Engineered to deliver the performance attributes most requested by on- and off-track dirt bike riders, including consistent clutch feel. 


AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil is a premium oil designed for those who demand the absolute best lubrication for their motorcycles.


AMSOIL-exclusive advanced chemistry provides outstanding engine reliability for worry-free operation under severe conditions. 


Advanced multi-functional formula for both domestic and foreign motorcycles. Excellent in air-cooled motorcycle engines due to high heat resistance. 


Engineered to deliver the performance attributes most requested by on- and off-track dirt bike riders, including consistent clutch feel. 

AMSOIL Warranty


AMSOIL guarantees the performance of its products, so you can be confident they perform as advertised. AMSOIL introduced the world’s first API-qualified synthetic motor oil and has since introduced a full line of industry firsts. For more than 40 years, AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have proven themselves in the lab, on the racetrack and on the highway.

U.S. Navy Veteran Sees Improved Starts


Tom Belcher of St. Mary’s, Ga. Races dirt bikes for Brain Pain motorsports. An active-duty submariner, Belcher is also a 19-year veteran of the United States Navy who’s making the most of shore duty. This year he started representing independent AMSOIL Dealer Rebellious Synthetics on his 2011 Kawasaki KX450F.  When he’s not traveling for work or spending time with his family, he’s competing in the Vet Beginner class in as many Florida-Georgia races as he can. With the year divided into four series — one for each season — Belcher has the opportunity to compete year-round. The three-month-long spring series concluded at the end of May with Belcher finishing fourth overall. “This was the first time I raced in 20 years,”
Belcher explained.