First: let's make it clear that there is no such thing as "the right motorcycle". You can ask around and the only consistent thing you will get is a bunch of different opinions. Here goes another one:
Let's assume you're reading this because it will be your first. You probably don't need my opinion if you've already owned one. What kind of motorcycles are there?
Most generically: sports, cruiser, tourer, off-road, moped. Do take a look at wikipedia for details and a better description of all types.
What do you picture yourself riding? As simple as the question looks, there's a few things involved in the answer: what kind of bikes do you like more, what you'll likely use the bike for. Clearly, a responsible person would start by analyzing his or her needs and base the selection on this critera. However, bikers are clearly insane, so let's just pick one that you like.
In all seriousness, while you will likely base at least part of your decision on its utility, you're also very likely to switch your ride once you've ridden for a while. Plus, let's face it: bikes are fun so just get some eye candy.
Moving on to the useful part of the article, keep a few things in mind: Your bike will give you better mileage than your cage, but if you're freaking out about it, consider that smaller engines have better mileage in general. You can get 60mpg from a 250cc, while you'll get 45mpg from a 750cc (ballpark figures). Also, you probably care about how long you'll be sitting on it. Are you commuting a few miles to work? Don't worry much about comfort. Are you planning on visiting your uncle Jesus in Mexico? Look at cruisers or tourers or start working on your core muscles if you plan on getting that sweet superbike.
That brings me back to the original question: what do you picture yourself doing on your bike? Commuting on it and occasionally taking it out on the weekend? Where will you take it out; the super slab, the twisties or the sand dunes?
Think about it, and share your thoughts in the comments. Yes, that means YOU.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Which one is for me?
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1 comment:
OK—probably using it a few times a week. In San Francisco, tooling around. Maybe once a week from SF to Palo Alto. And on the weekend possibly up to Marin or across to the East Bay (I'd see one significant ride per weekend). Is a 250 sport bike suitable for this kind of usage?
Will steep hills in San Francisco feel insane (especially going down)? :-D
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