ALT-2 How to Choose the right Motorcycle for you
No matter who you are, whatever age, shape and size you are, whether male or female and whatever your standard of riding is or even if you've never been on a motorcycle before, there is a motorcycle out there for you. If you're an experienced rider wanting to increase the power of your machine or a beginner just starting out, the wide range of makes and models of motorcycles to choose from can be exhausting to search through.
The first obvious consideration for choosing a motorcycle is you price range which will govern exactly which motorcycles are available to you. Engine size generally ranges from a 50cc engine up to 1800cc with the larger capacity translating in to more weight, power and cost. A good thing about such a varied range is of engine capacity is that there will be a motorcycle out there suitable to you requirements of cost and power. Motorcycle engines usually fall into one of four categories which are:
250cc and below - considered to be small, light motorcycles.250cc to 650cc - considered mid range engines.650cc to 1100cc - the big boys of the motorcycle world.1200cc and above - the real road animals, lightning on two wheels for highly experienced riders.
If you are starting out on motorcycles there is nothing quite like a scooter to gain knowledge, balance, confidence and experience which are all important to keep you safe on the roads. Scooters are available as a small 50cc engined machine which are light, easy to handle and powerful enough to get a feel for how the road feels on two wheels and rapidly build confidence. Great for commuting, scooters were once only available up to 250cc engines but with their increased popularity they now come in up to a quick 650cc engine.
Seat height is important as you should be able to touch the ground comfortably with both feet. A test ride of any bike you are seriously considering to buy is important to get a good feel for the bike and make sure it fits you for size and power as well as giving you a chance to listen out for any irregular engine noise and test the overall workings of the motorcycle like the brakes and changing through the gears. If you aren't very knowledgeable about motorcycles you should take someone who is with you to view any possible purchase, especially if youre buying second hand. A checklist of areas to look over on a used motorcycle would be:
- Rust - Surface rust is easily treated but look out for more serious rust which may cause structural problems.
- Levers and Pedals - Check they're all in good condition, free from cracks and bends and firmly attached.
- Handle Bars - Easily bent and misaligned, check they're straight, solid and evenly spaced.
- Forks - Should line up with handle bars and any misalignment or twists could signify crash damage.
- Suspension - Pull on the front brake and push down on the handle bars feeling for anything irregular . The fork's suspension should glide smoothly up and down. Repeat with back brake on, pushing down on the seat.
- Exhaust and Frame - The exhaust can show signs of crash damage from being pushed into the frame so check to see if either is bent. With the engine running check the exhaust joints for air escaping with your hand.
- Electrics - Check that all switches and lights function correctly, remembering indicators and brakes for the corresponding lights to work.
Your driving license may restrict the options available for you to choose from so be sure to check what you can legally ride. You can always progress to bigger, more powerful motorcycles but you must stay within the law when choosing the right motorcycle for your needs.
