ALT-4 How to Choose the Motorcycle that’s right for you
So you've decide to take that exciting plunge, and buy your first motorcycle. Now the only problem is finding the right motorcycle to fit you. The options are nearly limitless. There's Honda motorcycles, Suzuki motorcycles, Yamaha motorcycles, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
First you need to decide what you plan on using your bike for. Are you going for a quick ride around the neighborhood? Plan on taking it out on the weekends? Or maybe you're planning on taking a cross country trip, or heading west or south for one of the big bike rallies. What you plan on using your bike for is as important as the bike itself. Why would you spend $30,000 on something that you only plan on using a few times a year?
So you're looking for a motorcycle that will only get used a few times a month, or year? Then you're going to want to track down a bike with a smaller engine. These bikes are sometimes called street cruisers because they are meant to be used less, and on paved roads. The motorcycles are easy to use, easy to learn how to ride, and they work well on paved roads.
But if you want to take your bike out on the open road, and plan on using it more often you're going to want something more powerful and something with a bigger engine, somewhere around 1000-1800 ccs. These bikes have a kick that only an experienced rider can handle.
Once you've decided on the type of motorcycle you're looking for, the best thing to do is try a few out. If you have friends with bikes, ask for a ride or better yet, a quick test drive around the neighborhood. Don't worry if you're friends are all bike less, just start visiting the local dealerships. Most dealers will let you take the bike out for a quick test drive, especially if you are serious about riding and buying. You're going to want to sit on the bike, and make any adjustments like moving the pedals and get a general feel for the motorcycle. The bike should feel comfortable, and you should check to see if you have any back pains or leg pains while making your test drive.
As soon as you find the right bike, you'll know. Once you sit on that seat, and hear the engine rev, you'll know that you're home.
