How to Choose the Right Motorcycle
Choosing a motorcycle is about more than good looks. It is determined by your level of riding experience and the type of biking you want to do. Choosing a proper motorcycle is also about safety since a beginner’s needs are different from those of a seasoned biker. With the wide selection of bikes manufacturers is offering, this may be a little more complex than you thought.
Getting in Tune With Your Needs
One of the first questions you need to answer is what sort of riding are you hoping to do. For instance, is the bike an inexpensive way to get around town, or go back and forth to work in an urban area. Conversely, are you looking to take a road trip on your new bike? The answers will help guide you. If you are a beginner, you might want a motorcycle that is easier to handle when dealing with road hazards. Your height is an important factor also since the seat height varies from one type of bike to another. Let’s take a look at the types of motorcycles you can choose from and whether they suit your needs.
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes will fit the bill if you are thinking of taking a road trip. They are the heaviest and biggest of all types of motorcycles. The engines are large and powerful. The seats are tall yet comfortable, and your body is placed in a natural ergonomic position. Touring bikes are expensive, and if you drop this bike, repairs will be costly. If you are a beginner, having both feet flat on the ground when you stop makes it easier for you, so you might want to think about the feasibility of a touring bike. Remember, with more power, your ability to control the bike must be greater.
Sport Motorcycles
Sportbikes are high-powered, ranging up to 1000 cc. They are lighter in weight, and you are offered a choice of engines, brakes, and suspension systems. This bike is more of a stallion than a touring bike. The seats are set higher, and even a minor accident often results in greater expense. Due to the speed factor, insurance costs are considerably higher.
Cruisers
Think “Easy Rider.” This type of bike epitomizes the Harley-Davidson look and is the flagship of many motorcycle aficionados. There are advantages, however, due to the low height of the seats, placing your feet on the ground easier. Since the engine does not need a high torque to reach maximum power, this bike does not demand frequent gear shifting. Expensive repairs are not the norm with a cruiser. However, having a legal representative at your side after an accident will help make sure you are compensated for damages.
Standard Bikes
This sort of bike is not as specialized as the others. The seating is neutral, and they are cheaper to repair. The insurance on this type of bike is generally more reasonable. It is not necessarily the best for long road trips due to a lack of wind protection. Bigger models may be powerful and not a good idea for a novice.
Dirt Bikes and Dual-Purpose Bikes
Dirt bikes are made for riding off the road with heavier tire treads and lighter weight. Their construction is made for rugged biking, hence they have fewer things that will break. Dual-purpose bikes are able to be ridden on dirt trails but also on the street. The seats on this bike are tall, so height is a major concern as is experience.
Scooters
One highlight of scooters is that you do not need to shift gears. This is a boon to any beginner. They come with ample storage and are easy enough to maintain. One concern is that small scooters are not able to be ridden on highways, limiting their usability to surface streets. Depending on the scooter, some sport smaller wheels, which can take a bit of a toll on stability. Some scooters have greater power and can be used on highways.
How Choosing the Right Motorcycle Improves Safety
It stands to reason if you can control a motorcycle, you will be less likely to get in an accident. Even if you encounter potential hazards on the road, you have a greater chance of being able to avoid crashing. Safety is also about watching out for motorists who do not take the necessary steps to share the road with bikers.
Related Articles by Stockton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith:
- Passenger Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
- Property Damage in a Motorcycle Accident
- Pursuing a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
Stockton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton motorcycle accident lawyer. When a motorcycle accident happens, you may suffer a severe injury due to the lack of physical protection. Recovering from an accident can be physically challenging. Having the input of an experienced attorney can make an enormous difference in what damages are recovered. If this happened to you or a loved one, call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. I am here with friendly and free advice. You can contact me online too.
I’ve worked as a Stockton injury lawyer since the beginning of my career 35 years ago. Working in the Stockton County Counsel’s Office as a law clerk, I handled many different types of cases. I’ve drawn on that experience in the ensuing years and help Stockton residents with wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and those involving pedestrians.
Learn more about how I practice the law on:
Go to my settlements and verdicts page to see how other cases were resolved. Milliondollaradvocates.com is the website of a forum of trial lawyers who have won $1 million for clients. I am a California member.
AutoAccident.com is my website that I established and own. It provides Northern Californians with a comprehensive grouping of topics in personal injury law.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/motorcycle-bike-3049983/
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