The stereotypical image of a motorcyclist cruising down the highway, footloose and fancy free, is part of the enduring myth associated with this iconoclastic means of transportation. Motorcycling is exciting, it’s practical, it’s affordable and it’s getting more popular with each passing year.

Motorcycle sales peaked in the USA in 2017 with approximately 1 million vehicles sold and although sales figures have dipped in the past 4 years, global demand for motorcycles is expected to increase almost 8% per year over the next 5 years.

Researchers predict motorcycle sales in Africa, the Middle East and the Asia/Pacific markets will experience the fastest growth levels in the next 5 years. China alone will account for 55% of demand through to 2021.

New or Used, Sporty or Comfortable – How to Choose the Right Bike

What kind of motorcycle to buy is a very personal decision based on a wealth of criteria. A rider’s height, weight, age, physical condition, riding experience and confidence level is vital to the decision-making process.

The vast array of motorcycling options can create a mind-boggling experience for beginners and veterans alike but the first step to find “the right bike” begins with a decision about what kind of riding action will be performed.

Solo riding, duo riding, fair weather or all season riding, around town or highway riding… how, where and when a rider opts to travel will largely determine what kind of bike to buy.

Some people enjoy a leisurely ride down the main drag on a Saturday night on a boulevard cruiser; some people want to traverse the country with a fully-loaded touring machine, while others prefer to avoid the pavement altogether and race around the desert on a motocross machine.

Power and Maneuverability Matters on the Road

Some motorcycles are small, light and easy to maneuver. They usually have a low saddle height with a comfortable, upright seating position and they require minimum effort to operate. Other bikes are much heavier, employing a more aggressive riding posture and delivering a lot more power to the pavement.

Engine sizes range typically from 50 to 1500 cubic centimeters and horsepower figures determine how much load the bike can bear, how quickly the motor can propel the bike forward. Smaller engines are economical and simply designed, reliable and easy to maintain. Larger engines generally employ more sophisticated fuel, exhaust and electrical systems.

Power is an important consideration when determining what kind of riding will be practiced and a rider’s experience will help make the decision easier too. Novices should not operate powerful machines until they are ready to handle the complexities and challenges associated with these vehicles.

What Kind of Bikes are Available to Buy?

There are standard street bikes, sport bikes, touring bikes, cruisers, choppers, off-road bikes and more but these are the main categories of motorcycles. Selecting the right motorcycle depends entirely on individual needs and tastes.

• Standard motorcycle models typically include a small- to medium-size engine, a relaxed riding position and minimal amount of fairing, if any at all. These kinds of bikes are very popular, very affordable and plentiful in every market. Novice riders are wise to select this type of motorcycle when starting out.
• Cruisers and chopper-type motorcycles are modeled after the laid-back design of machines originally made popular in the 1950s. They tend to have mid- to large-size engines, reclined seating positions and minimal fairing options. These types of bikes are attractive to young and older motorcyclists alike.
• Sport bikes are high performance machines that boast exceptional acceleration, braking and handling capabilities. They range from small 250cc to 1200cc displacements but the power to weight ratio is greater than all other motorcycle types. A combination of light weight and high horsepower makes for an exhilarating ride but many injuries and deaths occur every year due to inexperienced riders overestimating their riding abilities.
• Touring motorcycles are designed for the long haul: lengthy trips across country for single and duo riders. These machines are sophisticated, robust and carefully designed to be dependable for extended periods on the road. They are typically heavier than other models and they often come with an exorbitant price tag.

Motorcycle Buyers Guides and Advice

There are a number of other important decisions to make too (e.g. safety equipment, riding apparel, motorcycle insurance, roadside assistance, etc.) and these issues will be reviewed in coming articles.

Stay tuned for some exciting reviews and advice designed to help consumers make informed decisions prior to buying new (and used) motorcycles.