How to Choose the Motorcycle that’s right for you
Choosing a motorcycle that's right for you takes a little soul searching and a fair amount of time, but it's well worth the effort you put into it.
If you're just looking to ride around town - taking in a country road now and again - without spending a lot of time on busy freeways, you'll probably want to consider a street cruiser with an engine size between 250 and 800 ccs. These particular bikes were made for short classic rides. Today's low center of gravity designs allow for ease of handling at low speeds and make turning corners a breeze. Plus, the newest designs allow the rider the privilege to indulge in a little bigger engine than the same rider could have handled 20 years ago. The Suzuki Intruder, the Honda Shadow, the Yamaha Rocket, the Kawasaki Vulcan and the Harley Davidson Sportster all make street cruising exciting and fun. As an added bonus, these attention-stealing bikes were absolutely made for showing off!
If you're really looking for something aimed at touring around the country and hitting the freeway as often as you can, you might want to consider something with a little more heft to it. Most touring bikes are fully loaded with windshield, faring, extra large gas tank, larger more comfortable seats, premium satellite radio, saddle and luggage bags. The engines on these primo bikes will run between 1000 and 1800 ccs making a ride that is smoother and easier to enjoy over longer stretch of freeway and scenic roads. Honda's Goldwing is famous for touring and carries a popular following among bikers who like to frequent the highways. But, both the Suzuki Boulevard 1800 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 are quickly becoming the favorites amongst bikers who like the sleek new bold looks and the feel of raw "get up and go" power that these mammoth premium cruisers can generate out on the open roads.
Looking for something with a lot more attitude? A little more kick? Why not try Kawasaki's Ninja? What youthful and exuberant rider wouldn't enjoy a bike that looks cool standing still? These bikes were made to look fast and brutal just sitting in your driveway. Personally, speaking as an older female rider, I don't cherish sitting in a position that looks like I'm leaning on the gas tank and letting my "tailfin" fly free in the wind, but, a friend of mine swears by his bike and wouldn't trade it in for any standard riding model in the whole world.
Probably the only realistic way you are going to find the motorcycle style that's right for you is to get out and visit the dealer showrooms. Make a day of it and visit as many different showrooms and car lots as you can. Yes, I said car lots. A lot of car dealers take motorcycles in as trade-ins and many are willing to make you a fantastic deal on what's in stock right now. Walk around and look at what's there. Sit on a few leather seats. Plant your feet firmly on the floor and sit that gorgeous bike up on its two wheels. With the bike firmly in hand and up off its stand, ask a friend or the salesman, "Is this cool, or what?" There's no doubt about it - you'll be in "Hog Heaven".
