How to Choose the Right Type of Motorcycle

So you want to buy a motorcycle? Believe it or not, you have a lot of decisions to make before you are ready to make a purchase. There are dozens of types of motorcycles on the market today, and you will need to make sure you get one that is the right fit for you.

Main Types of Road Bikes

Road bikes are the bikes you will use on paved roads. Most people who are in the market for a motorcycle will choose this type of bike. These bikes are very fuel-efficient and typically have top speeds between 100 and 125 mph. There are multiple types of road bikes you can choose from.

Cruisers include bikes made by Harley-Davidson and Excelsior-Henderson among other manufacturers. When you sit on this bike, your feet will be facing forward. Most cruisers require you to keep your hands up and your spine straight. Choppers are a common type of cruiser. These are designed for comfort on long rides, not necessarily great speed. Many cruisers are custom made for their owners.

A sport bike is a bike that is designed for speed and handles well. It can stop and accelerate quickly and is incredibly maneuverable. These are sometimes called "crotch rockets." They have a lightweight frame and a high performance engine. The foot pegs are typically quite high, requiring the rider to hold his legs close to the body. The rider generally has to lean forward in order to reach the hand controls.

Those who travel long distances on a regular basis or use their bikes for a long commute may wish to look for a touring model. These bikes have large screens, hold more fuel, and have more comfortable seats than other models. They are less sporty than the first two types, but are far more practical.

Naked bikes are bikes that have few extras. These street bikes are not covered with shiny body panels and do not have screens. They are simply an engine and a seat with the necessary controls. Functionality and performance are the main goals of these bikes.

If you are unsure about the bike you want, head to a dealership and test-drive a few different types. You will find one that is comfortable for you. This is the type of bike you should look for once you are ready to buy.

Scooters

While you may not think of a scooter as a motorcycle, it is does fall in this category. Scooters or motor scooters typically have small wheels and engines. They do not have foot bars, but the rider's feet sit in front of him on a platform that is part of a step-through frame. These are not designed for speed, but they are designed to be a convenient, portable means of transportation. These are becoming more and more sporty in design as they gain popularity, especially among city dwellers.

Off-Road Motorcycles

Off-road bikes, which are sometimes called dirt bikes, have small, lightweight engines. They have simple construction and have little to no bodywork, because they are not designed for show. The tires are designed for rugged trail riding, and are large and knobby to aid the bike in maintaining traction. These bikes are used for off-road sports, not as a means of transportation. They are usually not street-legal.

Dual-Sport Motorcycles

For those who want to enjoy off-roading with their bikes but also want their motorcycle to be a means of transportation, dual-sport bikes are probably the best option. These bikes can be legally driven on the street, but they are also built durably enough to handle riding off road. There are several types of dual-sport bikes available.

A hypermotard has a powerful engine and is equipped with road tires and rims. The rest of the bike resembles an off road bike. Supermotards are similar bikes. They are known for their good handling on concrete and fast acceleration.

Adventure-touring bikes are road bikes that can go off road on gravel and dirt paths. They are not intended for use in motorbike sports, but those who enjoy touring the outdoors and do not want to be confined to paved roads will find these a good fit.

Get Your License

Before you can ride your bike, you need to have a motorcycle license. Check with your local DMV to find out the rules and regulations in your state regarding motorcycle riders on the road. You may need to take a motorcycle riding safety course. Remember, very little stands between you and the pavement when you are on a motorcycle, so you need to make sure you know how to handle the bike safely. Be sure to practice riding in a variety of conditions, especially wet conditions, before you head out on the open road. If you are not fully prepared for varying road conditions, you could be putting your life and the lives of those around you at risk when you take your bike on the road.

Getting the Right Gear

One of the most important pieces of gear you will need is a helmet. Some states do not require a helmet, but it is a very necessary piece of safety equipment. You will want to get a leather coat and gloves to protect your skin when you ride. Eye gear is required in all states, even those that do not require helmet use. Make sure you purchase eyewear that is designed to be used by motorcycle riders.

Finding the Right Bike

Once you have determined the general style of motorcycle you want, the search begins to find the one that best fits your tastes and needs. There are many places you can go to find the perfect bike. The most obvious option is a motorcycle dealership. If you want a brand new bike, this is the only option. However, if you are shopping for a used bike, you may find that an individual owner will offer you a better price.

If you decide to buy from an individual, you need to spend some time searching motorcycle classifieds. You can find these online or in your local paper. If you want something very specific, shopping with Internet motorcycle classifieds is going to be the best option. You will have a larger base of motorcycle owners from which to choose when you shop online.