Choosing The Right Motorcycle For First-Time Buyers

If you've been thinking about finally buying your first motorcycle, it's an exciting time. However, if you don't know what you're looking for or you're not certain what you really need in a bike, it can make the whole process a little bit more challenging. Here are a few tips to help you explore your options and choose the right bike for your needs.

Know What You Can Handle

For many first-time motorcycle buyers, the temptation to buy a fast, sporty, high-end bike can be very real. However, if you buy something with more power and performance than your riding skills can realistically handle, you're likely to end up getting hurt. Start with a lower powered motorcycle first, because that will allow you time to build up some experience and develop your abilities on a bike before you start riding something with more power. Taking your time will help keep you safer on the road and will allow you to become more familiar with riding.

Make Sure The Bike Is Comfortable

Don't choose any bike without at least sitting on it, if not taking it for a test ride. Every motorcycle is different in its ergonomic style, physical size, and weight. As a result, each one will feel and handle differently. If you choose a bike that's too tall or too heavy for you, it's going to be hard to handle on the road. That will put you at a disadvantage. You also want to think about your ability to lift the bike in the event of an accident. If you're pinned under it, you don't want a motorcycle that's too heavy for you to push up to get yourself free.

While you're test riding, you should also be attentive to how your wrists feel on the handlebars. If the bike strains your wrists, it's going to be uncomfortable to ride. The bike's center of gravity is also a factor. When the seat sits lower, like it does on some cruisers, the center of gravity is lower and the bike is easier to handle.

Consider Where You'll Ride

Where you're riding is also an important factor. If you live in an area that has a lot of heavy traffic, you don't want a bike that's primarily air cooled. Sitting in traffic with a bike like that can leave you with an overheating engine.

If you're only going to use your bike for weekend trips and short rides, you can put less focus on the comfort and accessories, though you still need to be attentive to the strain it puts on your body. For bikes that will see long rides, consider one with a reserve fuel tank to help you avoid the dangers of running out of gas.

Contact a motorcycle dealer, like Worth Harley Davidson North, for more help.