If you’ve been thinking about taking to the road on two wheels, then you might have found the range of options available slightly overwhelming. A bike is a significant investment, and if you make the wrong call, you might find that you’re put off unnecessarily. Let’s take a look at some of the factors you might consider, and offer a few suggestions.
Why do you want one?
What you intend to do with your bike will have an enormous impact on your requirements. If you’re going on a long road trip, then you’ll need a vastly different bike than the sort you might take on an urban commute. Similarly, performance bikes aren’t great for taking down to the shops.
How much power do you need?
It would be a mistake to give an inexperienced motorcyclist more power than they can handle. Look at the cc of the engine, and the size and weight of the bike altogether. You should also factor in your own size and weight. If you’re having to stretch to reach the handlebars, then you probably won’t be comfortable in the long-run (moreover, you might have difficulty steering).
How much are you willing to spend?
It’s easy to spend big on a first motorcycle, and then come to regret it. Think about how much you’re willing to spend at the outset, and how much utility you expect to get for your investment. For some new motorcyclists, money isn’t a concern; for most, it is.
If you’re conscious of your budget, then you might go for something that’s been used lightly. After a few years, you might decide that your choice isn’t quite right for you – but then you’ll still be able to sell the bike and pick up the one that you’re really looking for.
Bear in mind the running costs of your motorcycle. That means fuelling, taxation, insurance, and depreciation. It’s often worth the effort of getting all of these factors down on paper – that way you can easily quantify them.
Think about how much you can afford to replace in terms of bodywork – the more obscure the model, the more difficult this will tend to be.
Some of the best options
Let’s demystify some of the common categories.
Scooter
If you’re intent on getting from place to place in a dense urban environment, it’s difficult to beat the classic scooter. They’re small, they’re nimble, and they’re fuel-efficient. Moreover, there are plenty of increasingly-attractive electric models, and the insurance tends to be affordable.
Cruisers
This is the Harley Davidson category. They come with low seats and long wheelbases, and they’re comfortable for long rides.
Touring Bikes
These things are incredibly chunky around the rear, and come with plenty of tech crammed into the dashboard. If you’re travelling long distances and want to bring a change of clothes, they’re an obvious choice.
