ERIE, Pa., July 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is the time to hit the open road and feel the breeze in your hair. It's also the time of year where motorcycle sales increase. If you have ever dreamed about owning your own motorcycle, Erie Insurance asks four questions to help you buy - and ride- with confidence.

1. What is your level of experience? Many new riders make the mistake of purchasing a motorcycle that is too powerful for them to control without practice. If you've never ridden a motorcycle before, you'll want to avoid especially powerful bikes that have an engine larger than 600cc. Start with a slower bike instead, and work to develop your skills. This will also allow you to fully appreciate the abilities of a more powerful bike when it's time to upgrade. 
2. What's out there? The motorcycle market is constantly expanding to include diverse new offerings. Before you set your sights on a specific motorcycle, take the time to do a thorough investigation of what's out there. Two great resources are manufacturers' websites and motorcycle dealerships.
3. Why do you want to own a motorcycle? Answering this question will help you determine which motorcycle is right for you. For example, a bike you plan to use every day to travel to work will need to be comfortable. Performance, meanwhile, will be more important if your bike is only for fun on the weekends.
4. Should you buy a new bike or a used bike? If you're an experienced rider and the used market for the type of bike you want isn't so great, you'll probably appreciate a new bike. New bikes will be more expensive, but they may come with a dependable warranty. Plus, many riders appreciate being the first owner.

Just like your car, your motorcycle needs insurance coverage. Contact a local Erie Insurance agent to learn the ins-and-outs of motorcycle insurance and get the right protection for you.

About Erie Insurance

According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9^th largest homeowners insurer and 11^th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com

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SOURCE Erie Insurance