How to Choose the Right Motorcycle for You

If you want to find the right motorcycle for you, there are several factors you might consider.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle brochures, access to motorcycle manufacturers' websites
• Access to dealer showrooms
• Online insurance quotes

1. 
   Sport-touring motorcycle with bags

   Decide what type of motorcycle most interests you. Generally, motorcycles can be divided into five style variations:
   cruisers, sport bikes, touring, dual purpose and off road. Four sub-categories or hybrids of the aforementioned motorcycle styles include power cruisers, naked bikes, sport touring and motard/supermoto.

2. 
   Motard, a dual-purpose motorcycle with street tires and brakes

   More is not always better. Larger displacement motorcycle engines have several significant monetary and performance costs. Large displacement motorcycles are more expensive in terms of both the purchase price and cost of insurance. Also, large displacement engines contribute to a heavier motorcycle, which negatively impacts braking distances, handling, tire wear and fuel economy. Generally, large displacement is more useful for higher speeds and long distance rides. Motorcycles with smaller displacement engines offer better handling, simpler maintenance and lighter weight while still capable of highway speeds.

3. 
   Cruiser with ape-hanger handlebars

   Ergonomic comfort is another consideration when choosing the right motorcycle for you. Four factors will have the greatest impact on your riding comfort, including handlebar positioning, foot peg positioning, saddle height and wind protection. Comfort is critical to your enjoyment of riding a motorcycle, so be sure to get one that feels comfortable when you sit on it.

4. Another factor to consider is carrying capacity. Whether you're riding short distances near your home or cross country, you will likely want to carry items such as water, a tool kit and rain gear. Longer trips could require a greater capacity for a tent, sleeping bag, clothes, and cooking utensils.

5. Consider insurance cost. Sport bikes have the highest insurance premiums of any motorcycle. Male riders under 25 who are insuring a sport bike can expect to pay thousands of dollars per year in insurance premiums.

6. Shop at a local dealer for greater availability of service and warranty work as well as parts, accessories and apparel.

7. Visit your local dealer for a demo ride. Be sure to consider whether the engine is powerful enough, the riding position comfortable enough and the styling appealing enough to meet your requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't buy more motorcycle than you need. You'll save money and have more fun on the motorcycle that best fits the kind of riding you do, even if it isn't the latest model or doesn't have fastest top speed.
• Consider buying a smaller motorcycle - both in terms of weight and engine displacement - if you are a new rider.
• Take a motorcycle training course before you buy one.
• Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing when you ride, no matter how long you plan to ride.
• Never use alcohol and/or drugs when you ride a motorcycle.
• Don't assume that you are a skilled rider just because you've completed a rider safety course. The training provides only the most basic skills to allow a new rider to obtain his motorcycle endorsement. Riding on the road is entirely different and much more challenging than riding in a parking lot. This is the best reason to buy a smaller motorcycle to start and then move up to a larger, faster motorcycle after your riding skills have developed.