The Road Needs Company
You have the gear and the M1 on your license now its time for the motorcycle. There are a couple of key factors in choosing a motorcycle. I personally recommend buying a used motorcycle because there are so many things that you will learn with owning used.
A beginner rider after they have finished the motorcycle training will feel a little shaky about getting a bike if they are in the right mindset, remember a motorcycle too powerful is as good as death for some people.
A New Riders Ability
A really easy mistake to make when choosing a bike is one too powerful.. Handling at high speeds may give the bike more stability but your chances of fixing an error becomes less than zero. Crotch rockets or sport bikes are considered bad for beginners especially 600cc’s and above. Learning on something smaller you can control will make you a better rider and more appreciative when you move up to a 600cc bike.
What Will The Bike Be Used For
What kind of riding do you expect to be doing. Is your daily commute long do you only ride in the summer months or is this an economical choice. There are so many different sizes and styles of motorcycles that it is essential that you understand what you will need before you pick something that becomes a giant eyesore.
Trying Out The Motorcycle
Once you find the bike that just calls out to you there are a couple key things that need to be considered. Bikes come in so many different shapes and sizes. The first thing to do is get the bike centered and put your feet on the floor. The point of this is to make sure you can plant your feet firmly on the floor to stabilize the bike when not moving. See if the owner will let you take the bike for a spin. Once the bike is mounted and your safety gear is properly fastened take flight. Make sure that the throttle does not strain your wrists. If you're looking for more comfort while riding maybe a cruiser’s lounging style is what you need. The main idea is to find something that fits your body.
New Vs Used
Now for the elephant in the room why a used bike and not a new one. let's first go over the pros of buying a new bike. A new bike virtually has no maintenance besides a 600 mile check and lubing the chain. There are no kinks to work out or adjust and if there are the new bike will come with a warranty. Dont forget the break in period. During the beginning of ownership the ride will be at slower speeds and not really a true learning experience. That is why I personally recommend a used bike. There are a lot of advantages that come with a brand new motorcycle. For starters it has a higher trade in value and you could possibly trade it in once you feel you are ready to upgrade to a 600cc bike.
A used bike on the other hand has the value of being previously owned. This is a value for new riders because at some point you will drop your bike. While my bike was on and in neutral my helmet fell and shifted the bike into first gear. While completely out of my control the bike fell i'm just glad it was a used bike. When the bike is used you're not as worried about breaking it. There is never a “right” choice when choosing a bike only preference and theory.
