The New Riders’ Guide to Choosing a Motorcycle
Purchasing your first bike is a big step, and not one to be taken lightly. There are a number of things a beginner should look for in a motorcycle, and many common mistakes that can be avoided. Here’s a guide to help you select the right motorcycle for a new beginner rider.
1. Smaller Engine Size
One of the biggest mistakes new riders make is purchasing a first bike with far more power than they need, or can handle. If you have just started riding and want to gain some experience, start off with a bike that has an engine smaller than 600cc. Learning to ride a slower bike is the way to go because you learn excellent control. When the time comes to upgrade, you’ll have all of the experience and skill you need to handle a powerful crotch rocket.
2. Select a Bike that Fits Your Body
While this advice may seem odd, the fact is bikes come in a number of shapes and sizes, just like people. Always test out a bike before you purchase to make sure it fits you well. After some shopping around you’ll find that some bikes may strain your body and feel uncomfortable to drive while others may have a seat that feels too high, for example. Choose a bike that feels comfortable because you’ll probably be spending many hours each week riding.
3. Consider a Used Bike
Most new riders can’t wait to purchase a brand-new, flashy motorcycle. Unfortunately, the fairings on a bike can be easily cracked or scratched. Used bikes are usually the best choice for a beginner because there is no worry about damaging the bike and decreasing value. Buy a used bike to gain experience riding and upgrade later to a new model when you have the confidence and skills you need.
Here are some suggestions for great bikes for beginners. These bikes have a good bit of power but aren’t difficult to maneuver. They’re also priced affordably and help a new rider learn to control the bike and their body.
* The 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500R.
Priced at just $5,500, this bike belongs to the popular Ninja series but is a beginner model that’s designed to be manageable and easy to drive.
* The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD.
This model is priced at the same point as the Ninja 500R and has a similar build. This bike has excellent balance and is mid-sized, perfect for beginners that are still learning to control steering.
* The 2008 Suzuki GS500F.
This bike is priced at $5,900 and features a sports bike look like the Ninja. The GS500F is a high-performance beginner bike with a smaller engine that makes it easy to learn on.
