Buying a motorcycle is an important step. Much depends on the correct choice of the first bike: how easy it will be to manage and how long the purchase will please. If you make a mistake with the model, you can buy too powerful equipment and not cope with it, or, conversely, choose a low-power model that will quickly get bored and will not be suitable for erratic movement in city traffic.
What are the types of motorcycles and what to look for in order to make the right choice of the first bike – later in the article.
Motorcycle types
Bikes are classified by type, just like cars. There are two-wheeled vehicles oriented for movement in urban areas, in off-road conditions, models for high-speed driving and comfortable long-distance trips.
A separate group is made up of “custom” models – motorcycles assembled to order.
Classic
Typical transport for getting around the city. You can’t go on a trip on classic motorcycles – their carrying capacity and ergonomics are not enough to make a trip over long distances comfortable.
The location of the steering wheel in classic models is underestimated, the driver sits upright. Such models are in demand in eastern countries, where they are bought specifically for daily trips around the city. Motorcycles are characterized by a simple design, an excellent supply of resources. A durable and reliable gearbox, unpretentious mechanisms are installed on the model.
For classic bikes, an extensive line of powertrains is provided. Motorcycles are equipped with internal combustion engines for 2 or 4 cycles, with a different number of cylinders. The models are lightweight, which makes it easy to return them to service in the event of a blockage on their side on the road.
Sports
The second name of sportbikes is racing motorcycles. Their design fully contributes to the main purpose – movement at high speed. The special location of the center of gravity makes the motorcycle easy to handle, capable of showing excellent maneuverability on the road.
Racing models have a lightweight design. This becomes possible through the use of components made of light alloys, durable, but lightweight materials. The shape of the sportbike is completely streamlined, the aerodynamics made allow you to cut through the air at high speed. To enhance the aerodynamic parameters, the tilt of the steering wheel has been changed, the seat has been slightly raised. When landing, the driver leans forward.
It is recommended to ride a racing bike only on roads with a high-quality canvas. Equipping models with a powerful engine justifies the high cost.
Tourers
For those who plan to use a motorcycle for travel, tourist models are designed – tourers. These are premium bikes, comparable in status to a limousine in the auto world. They provide smooth movement without high-speed moments. In a day, such a motorcycle is capable of covering a thousand kilometers.
The design and construction of tourers is focused on comfort while driving. Very soft seats, sometimes even with a back, a wide windshield designed to protect against oncoming wind flows. For the driver’s legs, protection is provided in the form of a wide fairing, covering from dirt and side collisions.
Despite the impressive mass (individual models can weigh more than 500 kg), the motorcycle remains stable due to the low center of gravity. Such a bike needs enough space on the road – it is unlikely to be able to pass through a narrow and winding lane.
The tourer’s engine runs at low speed, which also contributes to long trips. For the price, such motorcycles are not inferior to the average car, so their purchase should be carefully considered.
Cross shoes
Lightweight, agile models specially designed for off-road driving. Bikes are popular with young people, are used in motorsport, by lovers of outdoor activities and adrenaline.
An analogue of a cross bike designed for city driving is an enduro motorcycle.
What to look for when choosing?
Choosing a motorcycle is easier than choosing a car, but there are a number of factors to consider when buying your first bike. You should not blindly translate into reality the dreams of a sports model, on which you can famously ride through the deserted streets. You need to be able to handle fast and powerful motorcycles – a beginner without experience risks injury or jeopardizes the safety of other road users.
Before purchasing a bike, you need to decide on the parameters of the driver – the model must match the weight and height of the rider. Tall, massive men fit classic motorcycles. For short bikers, enduro models will be the best option for the first motorcycle.
Among the main parameters that you should pay attention to when buying a motorcycle is the engine size. It will be easier for beginners to master the “iron horse” with an engine capacity of up to 150 cm3. Such parameters allow the car to reach speeds of up to 90 km / h, which will ensure comfortable movement around the city and beyond.
Models with engine displacement up to 400 cm3 require skillful handling, appropriate skills and experience of the driver. Motorcycles with even larger engines are classified as cruisers, touring bikes and other “heavyweights” that also require special skills.
In addition to the volume of the “engine”, the mass of the motorcycle should also be taken into account. Impressive models have a solid appearance, but without special skill and control skills, they will fall just like the classic ones. In such situations, the ability to independently return the motorcycle to the road will depend on the weight of the machine.
As a first motorcycle, it is not recommended to purchase a model that is too expensive. Beginners need a bike to gain the missing experience, to understand their own priorities in the future. You are unlikely to be able to save the motorcycle from falls, breakdowns and damage due to driving errors. A reliable, but inexpensive model is more suitable for this role. Do not forget that the first bikes do not stay with one owner for a long time.
Summing up
Before buying the first bike, you should establish the appropriate type of motorcycle, decide on the planned driving style. The chosen model should be related to the weight and height of the rider, according to his skills and driving experience.
Riding fast and powerful sportbikes is a risky choice for a beginner. Classic bikes and enduros with a small engine are more suitable for the role of the first motorcycle. You can take a closer look at racing models in the future; they are not suitable for exploring the world of motor vehicles.
Experts will help you choose the right technical parameters for the model .