Motorcycling - Picking The Right Bike

Choosing the right motorcycle is probably even more complicated than picking the family car. Sedan, Truck or SUV and pick a brand, then haggle about price. You're done. But there are a dozen different basic types of motorcycle before you even get to the stage of looking for a brand or add-ons.

Sportbikes, tourers, cruisers, motocross and several more basic types are available in as many varieties as the number of motorcycle gang movies.

Road Motorcycle (Cruiser)

These motorcycles are best for long distance. I have a Honda Shadow Ace 750, and I can ride it for longer distances than on a sportbike.

Cruisers and tourers get good gas mileage along with dozens of styling options, so you are sure to find one that will suit your personality.

I would suggest beginners start with at least a 600cc. You can buy smaller motorcycles with smaller engines, but you will probably soon outgrow it and want to move up to a bigger bike. I started out with a Kawasaki Eliminator 125. These bikes are mainly for novice motorcycle riders, or someone who has never been on a motorcycle before. The only reason I bought it was because a friend had it for sale for so cheap that I couldn't pass up the deal.

Sportbike

The next step up for speed, with maybe a slight compromise of comfort, is the sportbike. With engine sizes between 650cc to 1000cc you get plenty of acceleration for that perfect riding rush. You also get pretty good maneuverability and stopping power. I found this out on my husband's Honda CBR600RR after I spotted someone trying to pull out in front of me, and the stopping power was awesome.

On the downside, for anyone looking to use it for a commuting vehicle, sportbikes are swept for speed, not comfort. The riding position is more crouched and the wrists get a real workout. I can ride comfortably for about 20 minutes, and then it's time to switch bikes.

Either type can be gussied up with a variety of gadgets, carrying options and esthetic choices for paint, seat fabric and so on. Saddlebags, though, always look a little odd on sportbikes and large mirrors would definitely ruin the streamlined styling. Don't get tacky!

Think carefully before you buy either one of these types of motorcycle, since one doesn't serve the purpose of the other very well. They also won't be good choices for those who want to cruise the boulevard or take that cross-country trip with the gang.

- by Robin Moose

Be sure to visit my website dedicated to women motorcyclists at http://www.womenontwowheels.com
I also have a motorcycle blog at http://www.squidoo.com/motorcyclewomen I hope you enjoy the information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Moose
    United States Australia Belgium Canada Spain France
    India Italy Netherland Singapore United Kingdom