Consider these tips when choosing a motorcycle.
Choosing to ride a motorcycle is not like choosing to ride in a car ? this is due in part to being a less popular choice of transportation and the various stereotypes involving safety issues, life styles and types of people who ride bikes. This is generally a big decision and one which will forever change your life and probably those around you. Let’s take a look at how to choose the best motorcycle.
Types of Bikes
- If you want a bike that is limited only by your own ability either on the road or off, you want a sports bike. Some examples include the Yamaha YZF-R1 or R6, Suzuki GSX-R1000 or 600 and Ducati 999.
- If you want a bike that looks great and has fantastic specs, then the sports bike is made preferably by a limited volume manufacturer. You can look at Ducati 999, Tornado, Benelli and the MV Agusta F4.
- Are you looking for appearance and comfort? Then the cruiser class is for you. Examples: Honda VTX, Kawasaki Vulcan and the Harley Davidson Fatboy.
- If you want comfort, luggage and rider and pillion features, then go with the tourer or super tourer class. Look at the Honda Goldwing or BMW K1200LT.
- But if you are going for looks and street credibility, try the new cafe racer class or traditionally the big bore bikes. Look at Suzuki Hayabusa, Benelli TnT, MV Agusta F4 Brutale and Aprilia Tuono.
- If you want to run off-road and fun is your spec, the dirt or trail ? even a dual purpose bike is for you. Consider the new super motard class with the likes of the Suzuki V-Strom and BMW R1150GS.
- What if you are a family guy and you want performance, comfort, luggage and rider features? Then the sports tourer is for you. Both the Honda VFR800 and BMW K1200RS are good choices.
- But after having considered all of these, you are much more practical. If you want a bike to get minimal use of fuel to get to the shops or work, then the scooter is for you. Consider Vespa, Honda scooter and so on.
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Your Body
When thinking about how to choose a motorcycle, you need to make a further informed choice based on your body type. When reading the following, make sure that you are making an honest choice. Driving uncomfortably is, well, uncomfortable. It’s not driving in a car. Riding a motorcycle is about the riding experience.
- If you are extra tall, be sure you have adequate space for your body parts. Not all your body parts are extra long. Your legs may be tall, but your torso is proportionally shorter.
- If you have short legs, be sure you can touch the ground comfortably.
- If you have short arms, be sure you can reach the bars without stretching too much. If willing to compromise, then at least you’ve considered it and can’t blame the bike.
- Make sure your legs fit because fried leg hairs and skin isn’t cool or pretty.
- Your weight should fit the bike. If you are big, you will need a big bike.
- If you have big feet you should coordinate yourself with the bike. Big feet will hinder your control.
- Back problems can occur if the riding position on the bike is not taken into account. Your arm length will affect this.
- Your bike’s handle bars are a very important aspect of the bike, so your hands and wrists can impact this.
- Your butt will determine how comfortable your ride is. It is pretty important that you find a bike seat that fits yours the best way possible. Note that some seats are great for up to one hour and after that they suddenly turn to steel.