The nuances of choosing the first motorcycle

In the urban “jungle” to move around on a motorcycle is much faster and more convenient than on a car, so the number of people who want to change from a comfortable car to a maneuverable bike is increasing every year. Beginners who want to connect their future with the world of motorcycles are interested in choosing a motorcycle.

To choose the right first “iron horse”, you need to study the types and features of existing models, as well as take into account a number of parameters.

Motorcycle classification

If you are firmly aware of your own need for two-wheeled transport and are not going to retreat, first study the types of motorcycles. This will help put your own requirements in order, formulate preferences.

Classic models

Bikes of this group are oriented for short trips. They are mainly used to move around the city. Motorcycles are not designed for long distance travel as they lack the carrying capacity and ergonomics to provide the rider with a comfortable ride.

The steering wheel is located lower than usual, which makes the transport look like a bicycle. The driver sits vertically in the saddle. In eastern countries, such bikes are popular for daily business and work trips. They have an excellent supply of resources, unpretentious mechanisms, and a hardy gearbox.

For classic bikes, an extensive line of powertrains is provided. Models can be equipped with two-, four-stroke engines with a different number of cylinders. Due to the low weight when the bike is on its side, which is not uncommon for beginners, it will be easy to lift it off the road alone. It will be more difficult with weighted models, whose weight is about 200 kg.

Tourist

If you are planning to go on a bike trip, choose tourers. This is a premium category of motorcycles, comparable in status to a limousine in the world of cars. Models allow you to drive slowly and for a long time, but with comfort. Tourers are not capable of fast driving.

In favour of ease of movement is every element of the design. Comfortable soft seats (sometimes with a back), an overestimated wide windshield that shelters from wind and debris, side fairings that protect the legs from dirt and side collisions.

Due to the low center of gravity, the model receives better stability, despite its impressive weight of about 500 kg. Such a heavy load requires skilful handling, especially if you ride it on a narrow road – the bike needs space, it simply will not pass on the winding streets.

The installed motor operating at low speeds also allows you to comfortably cover long distances on the tourer. The cost of a motorcycle is comparable to the average car, so you should carefully weigh everything before deciding to buy.

Racing

Fast, sporty models that are popular with thrill-seekers. Each element of their design is focused on speed or contributes to its development. The shifted center of gravity makes it easier to control the bike – with enough experience and skills, sports models show excellent manoeuvrability.

When assembling models, components made of light alloys, durable, but light materials (carbon) are used. This facilitates the design, improves aerodynamics. The re-tilted handlebar allows for quick acceleration from standstill, while the slightly raised seat enhances streamlining by placing the rider in a forward lean.

Race bikes are not suitable for off-road or long-distance travel. For them, the ideal track is a high-speed highway with a high quality of the canvas. Equipping with a powerful engine makes the price of racing models quite high.

Cross shoes

Models favour a combination of manoeuvrability and lightness. This is ideal for off-road conquest. They are popular with young people, motorcyclists, thrill-seekers. To fully unlock the potential of a motocross bike, you need harsh off-road conditions.

To get the parameters characteristic of motocross motorcycles, enduro motorcycles allow you to move around the city.

Basic selection options

Making the right choice for your first motorcycle is not easy. This is a responsible decision that does not need haste.

Having studied information about the types of motorcycles, you should deal with the parameters of the driver himself. Tall and massive men will look ridiculous on small bikes – classic models are more suitable for them. If the rider’s height is not high, enduro models will help to get acquainted with two-wheeled vehicles.

The main parameters that should be considered when choosing a motorcycle include the volume of the power unit. For the first bike, a low-powered 150cc engine will suffice. Such characteristics will allow speeds up to 90 km / h, providing comfortable movement around the city.

Motors with a volume of 200-400 cm3 are installed on serious bikes that require skillful handling and advanced driving skills. Power units of even larger volume are installed on cruisers and tourers, in which mass is added to the power.

Among the important selection criteria is the weight of the motorcycle. Heavy models look prestigious and solid, but you need to be able to handle them. Beginners often fall off bikes, which then fall on their side – the weight of the motorcycle must be such that it can be lifted off the road on its own.

The price of a motorcycle is determined by the capabilities of the buyer, but experts recommend choosing a more reliable, but inexpensive bike. The first motorcycles are usually needed to master the vehicle, gain the necessary skills and experience. They often fall due to driving errors, chips and scratches, various breakdowns appear on them. If the first bike will be expensive, its repair will also cost a round sum.

Choosing, among other parameters, the color of the motorcycle, you should give preference to a bright, saturated shade. Such a bike will be clearly visible on the road for other road users, especially in the dark, which will reduce the risk of accidents.

Conclusions

When choosing the first motorcycle for purchase, decide on the type of equipment and the planned driving style. It is necessary to take into account the weight of the motorcycle, your own skills and driving experience.

In terms of equipment, you should choose models with a small engine installed on classic bikes or enduro. When you gain enough experience, you can switch to a high-speed model.