The Importance of Choosing the Right Motorcycle

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 | 2 a.m.

When shopping for a motorcycle, there are many considerations that exceed aesthetics and style. The right motorcycle is comfortable for the rider, fits well and is appropriate for the type of intended riding, which will contribute to the rider’s safety.

A bike that is too large, too powerful or too difficult to maneuver can leave the rider vulnerable to crashes, while the right bike will feel intuitive and allow the rider to focus more on the road.

Types of Motorcycles

Standard motorcycles

Standard motorcycles have the rider sit upright on a seat that’s mostly parallel to the ground. These models are popular and appropriate for new riders. Many motorcycle safety course providers use standard bikes as training motorcycles.

Touring and Cruiser Motorcycles

Touring motorcycles typically are designed for comfort with long trips in mind. They have fairings and windshields to make the ride more pleasant, saddlebags and often a radio. They easily can accommodate a passenger.

Cruiser motorcycles can be used for driving around town or for longer rides but often are not equipped with all the amenities of touring motorcycles.

Off-road motorcycles

Motocross bikes and dirt bikes are made for off-roading. These bikes are lightweight, have a suspension to ride over obstacles and have knobby tires for traction in the dirt. They do not come with mirrors, headlamps, brake lights, turning lights or horns, making them illegal and unsuitable for street riding.

Sport bikes

Sport bikes are powerful and designed with performance in mind. Riders are positioned forward in the seat with their chest leaning over the gas tank. Sport bikes are built for acceleration, speed and agility using high-horsepower engines, lightweight components and special tires to provide extra traction when needed.

Dual-purpose motorcycles

These are a blend of off-road motorcycles and street motorcycles. They are made to be ridden either off-road or on the street; they are equipped with all of the safety features that are necessary when riding on the street and have the suspension and type of tires suitable for off-road.

Dual-purpose bikes have seats that are similar to those of standard bikes, but they tend to be positioned higher to account for additional ground clearance. These motorcycles are great for people who like to be ready for anything — street or off-road.

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Considerations

Riding experience: Are you a novice, beginner or pro?

For first-timers, standard motorcycles are most suitable, while heavier street motorcycles and high-powered sports bikes are better suited for experienced riders.

Where you’ll be traveling: Are you planning to take long motorcycle journeys, or simply cruise around the city?

Touring motorcycles and cruisers tend to be most comfortable for people who want to ride for hours on end, while standard and sport bikes generally are preferable for shorter trips. If you may be traveling on both paved and unpaved roads, a dual-purpose motorcycle will be necessary.

Engine size and weight: Heavy, powerful motorcycles can be difficult for beginners to maneuver and control. Sport bikes have engine sizes smaller than touring motorcycles and many cruiser motorcycles, but the high performance may make them unsuitable for beginning riders.

When deciding which type of motorcycle to buy, it is important that riders know their own skill level and physical limitations, so they do not purchase a motorcycle they cannot control adequately.

Physical size of the rider: A rider’s height, weight and strength play a role in which motorcycles are a good fit.

In general, street motorcycles should be chosen to accommodate a rider’s height and weight, whereas dirt bikes and dual-purpose bikes might require taller riders so their feet can comfortably reach the pavement.

Heavier riders may be uncomfortable maneuvering smaller bikes, whereas lighter riders might struggle while maneuvering larger, heavier bikes.

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Remember: Rider education can make a huge difference in a rider’s skill and ability to be safe on the road. If you’re shopping for your first motorcycle, be sure to take a motorcycle-riding course beforehand. The course also may inform your decision by getting you more comfortable on a motorcycle.