Whether you’ve recently passed your motorcycle license test or are just in need of a new motorcycle, it’s hard to choose the right bike. There are so many different varieties of motorcycles that it can be overwhelming just looking at the options available to you, especially if you’re new to riding. Choosing the right motorcycle is very important because being comfortable on your new bike will help your safety and confidence overall on the road.
Let’s look at a few of the different types of motorcycles available to help you find the right bike for you and your riding style.
1. Sportbikes: Sportbikes are designed to have great performance and to go fast. The body of a sportbike is very aerodynamic, as well as lightweight. The engine is built for power and speed. These bikes are very popular among riders who like to go fast and love the thrill of riding. Some advantages of riding sportbikes are that they have great, agile handling around corners and accelerate very quickly. Due to the seating position, sportbikes aren’t the best choice if you plan to go on a lot of long-distance rides and want to stay comfortable. Some popular sportbikes are the Ducati SuperSport, the Yamaha YZF, the Kawasaki Ninja and the Honda CBR.
2. Cruisers: When people think of an American style motorcycle, they think of cruisers. Cruisers feature relaxed seating, a lower seat height and classic styling. If you have a more laid-back riding style, cruisers are definitely a good choice. While cruisers are often used for short rides and weekend trips, they are also great for long-distance rides as well. Many of them even have a cruise control feature and are even comfortable to ride on uneven pavement. If you encounter a lot of stop-and-go traffic conditions, cruiser bikes are easier to balance and walk if needed. Cruisers are also known for all their customization options, so they are a great choice if you plan to upgrade your motorcycle. Examples of cruisers include the Harley-Davidson Street Bob, the Honda Rebel and the Indian Scout.
3. Touring Bikes: Touring motorcycles are made for long-distance rides. Features include spacious seating, a lot of storage space and excellent navigation systems. Touring bikes are great for riders who want to be comfortable on long-distance rides and plan on riding for long periods at a time. These bikes are great for those who can’t stop riding. A few examples of touring bikes are the Honda Gold Wing Tour, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide, the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager and the BMW K1600 Grand America.
4. Dual-Sport and Adventure Motorcycles: These bikes are made for those who love riding off-road, as well as on pavement. If you need a motorcycle that can tackle any riding condition thrown at you, this is a great choice. Dual-sport/adventure bikes can handle any terrain with versatility, including rough routes that other bikes can’t handle. Many adventure bikes have large engines and are designed with long-distance routes in mind. These motorcycles have knobby tires and long-travel suspension that helps them handle gravel and dirt roads properly, as well as a standard paved road. Some examples of dual-sport/adventure bikes include the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, the Yamaha XT250, the Ducati DesertX and the Suzuki DR-Z400S.
When looking at a new bike, pick the one that will fit your riding style best. Choosing the right bike will help you ride with more confidence, which will in turn help you ride safely by focusing on the road. Make sure you test ride a bike before you purchase it to see if it’s the right one for you.
At Hupy and Abraham, we do all we can to help motorcycle riders. Our firm has promoted rider awareness and safety for decades with the “Watch for Motorcycles” message. “Watch for Motorcycles” is spread to the public through billboards, TV ads, stickers and more to help keep riders at top of mind of other drivers and help save their lives. Stay tuned to HUPY.COM for more motorcycle articles, tips, tricks and videos.
As a rider, an accident can still happen, even if you do everything right. Hupy and Abraham has helped over 70,000 clients receive over $1 billion for their injuries. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 800-800-5678 so we can start fighting for you.