Choosing a motorcycle
You did it (or you’re thinking about it), you’re looking at purchasing a motorcycle. Whether you’re an experienced rider or you just caught the itch to mount an uncaged death machine, there’s a few things to consider. Since this isn’t a cycletrader listing review, we’re going to avoid the cost variable when it relates to the initial upfront cost of a (insert your favorite motorcycle here). However, we’re going to go through a few categories such as style, utility, and reliability before you pull the trigger, or twist the throttle, or dump it outside the dealership.
We live in a great era today where there have been generations of motorcycles created to fit anyones needs of style. Studded belts, tight jeans and tattoos are just like motorcycles. Which is great, Unlike cars, motorcycles have a unique way of expressing themselves and their master in charge of them. Of course I wanted the “Batman” huffy bicycle when i was 10, how else would anyone know what type of badass I thought I was.
Jane Motorcycles, Brooklyn, NY
Style
Other than what the bike looks like though, when I refer to style my focus is more in the categorically recognizable build of said motorcycle. What genre speaks to you? Where do you ride and what makes sense for your application? YOU. Not the top ten best bikes shoved down your throat. Putting rider experience aside for a moment, ask yourself what you realistically envision using the motorcycle for. And as a subtle reminder, it doesn’t matter what you use it for, because you’re the one making the decision in the end. A dealer isn’t going to ride this bike for you, and that marketplace owner doesn’t care what happens after they make a sale.
I’m not going to dive into the pros and cons of each category of motorcycles like cruiser, sport, adventure, dual-sport etc. The internet is already saturated with endless “you should do this, not that”. There’s good information out there covering these topics already.
Right tool for the job
Much like trying to hammer a nail into a wall with a salad spoon. It’s probably bigger and better than a normal spoon. But it is still not a hammer. Same can be said for motorcycles.
Some regions have buttery smooth flowing roads, while some are pot hole ridden and they don’t care how you feel. If you’re looking to cruise your local streets, take into consideration the condition of your surrounding roads. Not only the condition of the roads, but also the speed of traffic and the size of the road. A bike that struggles to go a highway speed of 70mph is not going to inspire confidence. But also a bike that can go 70mph in first gear is on the other end of this scale.
Also, ergonomics, ergonomics, ergonomics. From headtube angles, ground clearance and wheelbases. These all play a role in how the bike will feel and handle in a given environment. This also plays a big role in your riding comfort. We know those fancy shoes that cramp your toes fit the suit well, but you’ll be damned if you have to wear them again.
Sleek sport bikes strive to punch through corners and turns at the mercy of gravity and friction, because that’s what they’re made for. And if you’ve ever lived in a city, you may notice your door dash order that got to you in record time wasn’t on a sport bike. This food delivering specimen was riding nothing other than a moped or E-bike. Mission built to flow through traffic, cut tight low speed maneuvers, navigate sidewalks and make sure you eat something today. Consider what the bike is built for, and if that fits your needs or not. Note that there are plenty of bikes that exist to just, look cool. And if that fits you, then why not.
Somewhere near Ridgecrest, CA
Utility
With that being said, utility and versatility are often overlooked aspects when choosing a bike. The sexy bullets on wheels rarely have any practical way to carry everyday items. Not saying you need a dual pannier adventure machine, but consider the options available to carry a laptop, or a change of clothes for the gym. I wear a backpack most of the time to carry items like it’s my damn purse. It makes the process of getting on and off the bike a little more streamlined. I don’t have any locking panniers, but I dream about them all the time.
There comes a point where even a good motorcycle specific backpack becomes overloaded and influences the ride. I also use removable saddlebags, and a tank bag because it fits my needs. If you’re someone who wants to have storage on your bike, make sure the bike either has it, or explore options available to add it (if any). That bobber is sick, until your Jansport backpack gets pulled into the rear wheel and now you’re late for your date. Dangling your groceries on your handlebars is also not a good look. Unless you’re trying to look like you have no idea what your doing, then send it.
Reliability. Not a liability
I’m going to throw a curve ball in this term. Because you’re probably thinking “I obviously don’t want a motorcycle thats going to die on me in the middle of the freeway.” Although that is absolutely something that should be considered, I want to explore more than that.
Are you reliable on the bike… More often than not, that machine is going to keep taking whatever you throw at it like a affection starved dog. Can you reliably maneuver the bike with confidence and make U-turns if needed? I’m not going to consider “Riding in a straight line” as a maneuver. Is coming to a stoplight a terrifying experience because you can barely touch the ground? Even if you’re telling yourself you’re going to learn and get better at it, that can still be better practiced on something that fits you.
Riding dirt for the first time? Yeah you’re going to dump it, that’s basically a guarantee. Now lets pick up that 500lb ADV bike 20 times and see how excited we are to keep learning. You’re going to ride more often without the looming fear of preventable consequences. Or the worst, dropping your bike at a stop sign and becoming the victim of new viral content.
This is much like starting any new journey. I’m also not referring to only those of you who have zero moto experience. This also applies to different styles of bikes and terrain among seasoned riders (road - dirt). I’ll end this section with an analogy and a story.
You want to start woodworking and make cute little tables for the neighborhood squirrels. You’ve never built a table. Hell you’ve barely had your hands on woodworking tools. But you have 10,000 “how to / DIY” videos on Youtube on this subject. You’re feeling ready to take on this venture. Would you start by purchasing the most expensive fine African Blackwood? Or are you going to start at a hardware store with some cheaper materials that do the same thing. You know you’re learning and going to making mistakes. You opt for the cheaper materials until you get the hang of how to make clean precise cuts and learn the techniques for connecting it all together. You find this to be enjoyable and repeatable at little consequence. You’re happy, and so are the squirrels.
If you chose the expensive wood straight out the gate. You may quickly find yourself in way over your head. Stressed about making a single mistake. You spent so much on this wood it’s virtually irreplaceable. The learning experience has become overwhelming and now that piece of wood is in two pieces for sale at a bargain on marketplace. And the squirrels have no where to eat their acorns.
2. (story) When I took my motorcycle endorsement class, I showed up on my Yamaha Tenere 700. Because that is what I ride daily. Thats what made sense to test out on. I was offered the option to use the smaller (250cc) bikes available in the class, but that didn’t make sense to me. I should be able to confidently pass this course on the bike i’m going to be riding, or I should be riding something else. That’s the way I see it. There was a mix of riders in the class who have not purchased a bike, and those who have.One of the riders that showed up for their endorsement was on a 600cc sport bike. They opted to take the test on the smaller available bikes. Someone asked why they didn’t use their bike for the test, because it’s such a cool bike. And the response was “That bike would be way to hard to pass this test on.”
End note
There’s no right or wrong answers. Do it for YOU. But you might as well have fun while doing something that’s supposed to be fun.
Ride your ride.
