Today we are blessed with a huge selection of motorcycles to choose from, and there really is a bike for “every purse and purpose.”
No matter what shape or size you are, there is a bike out there that will fit both your needs and frame. Unlike cars that are designed to accommodate several different shapes and sizes, bikes are a lot more like shoes, some will fit great, and others, even though they are the same size won’t feel the same.
A big part of the decision making process will be the test ride, no matter how experienced or inexperienced you are you have to go out and check as many bikes as you can. Once you have narrowed it down to 2 or 3, book test rides and only commit once you are sure which bike you simply can’t live without.
Decide On What Kind Of Riding You Want To Do
Although it is possible to discover that you want to do more off-road riding after being sold on the idea of a sport bike, this is pretty uncommon. Most of us do a lot of research before we part ways with thousands of dollars, and this is arguably the most important step. Once you are sure of the bike you want, a test ride is crucial. Most dealerships aren’t too keen on letting everyone go for a joyride, but there are events held every so often and it is well worth waiting for them if that is your only option. It is also important to test a bike in the environment you plan on using it. So, if possible, take that ADV to the nearest dirt road, or if you are getting a touring bike try to go for a short highway run.
Accept That Unicorns Don’t Exist
Most of us would love to get a motorcycle that can do it all, tear up a track, do a little trail riding on the way home and then handle the commute come Monday. Obviously, a bike like that simply doesn’t exist. There is a reason why motorcycle enthusiasts often own more than one bike if they can afford it. Once you have accepted the limitations of each kind of motorcycle, you will be able to make a decision on what kind of bike you really need/want.
Choose Between Comfort And Performance
Sport bikes look great, and are faster than super-cars, but once you ride one you might find being in full tuck all the time isn’t all that it's cracked up to be. Dirt oriented dual sports actually offer a similar compromise, with off-road performance sacrificing road comfort. Other bikes are less extreme, with naked bikes offering a neutral riding position with decent performance, but don’t always have the best wind protection. A touring bike ticks all the highway boxes, but performance is usually muted thanks to all the extra weight.
Buying New Or Used
Not all used bikes are equal on the used market, touring bikes for example – especially Japanese made bikes – are among the most reliable machines and touring bike owners are usually the most careful in terms of maintenance. Getting one of these bikes will save money in the long run, and it isn’t hard to check if all the maintenance is up to date. A ragged dirt bike or sport bike lies on the opposite end of the spectrum, as they tend to see the most abuse. If the deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
The most obvious reason for getting a new bike is really the warranty. It offers peace of mind, something that is hard to put an actual dollar value on. You also know exactly what has been done to the bike, because the only one who has added anything is you. Although a used bike might look stock, or better yet, have the mods you want, there is no telling what happened in the past. Electrical gremlins almost always point towards some failed mod from Christmas past.
Dirt Riding
If you are interested in exploring some trails a more approachable dual sport will be the best bet, dual sports are some of the most beginner friendly bikes and don’t require much maintenance. They are almost all road legal too, so you also won’t need a pickup or a friend with a pickup to get to the trail.
If you are only keen on motorcross, taking a friend's bike for a ride is an essential first step. If this is not an option it might be best to wait for a test ride event before you pull the trigger as it is a discipline that gets really expensive really quickly, even more so if you buy the wrong bike.
Touring
Although you can tour on any bike, you don’t necessarily want to. A bike that has a small tank or a hard seat (or both) will detract from the whole experience. In the past touring bikes were all pretty big and heavy, but today there are several approachable touring bikes on the market that can maintain highway speed without issue.
Sport Riding
If you are looking for something fun to ride on a canyon road or do the odd track day on, there are several great options. Naked sport bikes offer an element of comfort, although windblast on the highway will render the comfortable riding position moot over time, they can cover the daily commute in a way that a regulation sport bike can’t.
Ergonomics
We cannot overstate how important it is to get a bike that “feels right.” Motorcycles all have their individual characteristics, and all these characteristics will appeal to different riders but one thing a bike simply needs to have is ergos that work for you. A bike doesn’t need to be comfortable to feel right, but it just needs to fit your needs and retain an element of fun.
Personal Preference And Design
We are incredibly versatile as humans, willing to adapt to almost anything, including wildly impractical motorcycles. Sometimes the pain is not worth the pleasure, but as long as you are having fun, then you are doing it right. There is a wide range of different types of bikes out there, no matter how eclectic your taste, you will find something you like.