In urban conditions, a motorcycle often outperforms a car in terms of speed and maneuverability, which is why the number of owners of two-wheeled vehicles shows a steady increase every year. The presence of a large number of beginners among them increases the relevance of the issue regarding the choice of the first motorcycle. The types of bikes and the main parameters of choice will be discussed in the article.
WHAT ARE MOTORCYCLES
Having firmly decided to buy a bike, you need to study the types of two-wheeled transport in advance. This information will help streamline your own requirements and expectations from the “iron horse”.
CLASSIC MODELS
Motorcycles designed to travel short distances, mainly in the city. Such a bike is not suitable for long-distance travel due to insufficient carrying capacity and device features that do not allow the driver to sit comfortably in the saddle, which is important over long distances.
The classic models have a low handlebar position, which makes it look like a bicycle. The driver sits upright. In the East, such bikes are often chosen as transport for daily commuting or business trips. They are characterized by an excellent supply of resources, undemanding mechanisms, and are equipped with a durable gearbox.
There are practically no restrictions on the choice of engines for classic bikes. They can be installed both 2 and 4-stroke power plants, differing in the number of cylinders. The models are light in weight, so when the blockage, which often happens with beginners, the unit is not difficult to lift alone. Difficulties in this matter may arise with weighted models that weigh about 200 kg.
TOURERS
If you dream of using a motorcycle for long trips and travel, your choice is a touring model. In the environment of two-wheeled vehicles, they have a premium status. On such machines you can move for a long time and slowly, but with great comfort. These models are not suitable for fast driving.
Each element of the tourer design is designed to provide comfortable movement. Soft seats (sometimes with a back), an overstated windshield or a fairing that almost completely covers the driver from wind in the face. Side fairings are designed to protect the biker’s legs from dirt and side collisions.
The lowered center of gravity increases the stability of the model. The motorcycle is characterized by a large weight – the mass of some models reaches 500 kg. You need to be able to handle such a heavy load, especially on narrow roads – if there is not enough space, the bike simply will not pass through the winding lane.
The engines installed on touring bikes are also designed for long trips – the motors operate at low speeds. The cost of the tourer is not inferior to the average car, so you should thoroughly weigh everything before deciding to buy this model.
SPORTS
Racing motorcycles, popular with lovers of speed and thrills. Speed characteristics are provided by a special design of the bike. The special placement of the center of gravity makes it easy to control the motorcycle – if the rider has enough experience and skills, the sportbike will be very maneuverable.
Sports motorcycles are assembled from components made of light alloy metals, durable but lightweight materials (carbon). This allows for a lightweight design and improved aerodynamics. Every detail of a racing bike “works” for the development of high speed or contributes to this. Due to the modified tilt of the steering wheel, the motorcycle accelerates quickly from a standstill, a slightly raised seat enhances the streamlining by tilting the rider forward when landing.
On sports motorcycles, it will not be possible to conquer off-road or go on a long journey. Ideal driving conditions for such models are highways, tracks with high-quality canvas. Due to the installation of a powerful engine, the price of racing bikes is quite high.
CROSS
Motorcycle motocross models combine lightness and maneuverability. They are literally made for off-road. They are acquired by young people, adrenaline lovers and motorcyclists. Driving on ordinary roads does not allow you to fully unlock the potential of a motocross bike.
Models for the city, combining the parameters of motocross bikes – enduro motorcycles.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING?
Choosing the right one for your first bike is not easy. Rough decisions to please desires can bring not only unnecessary costs, but also injuries.
After studying the information about the types of motorcycles, you should decide on the parameters of the driver. For tall and massive men, a small-sized bike will not be enough – it will look ridiculous on it. In such a situation, the choice of the classical model is optimal. Motorcyclists with short stature are better off starting their acquaintance with two-wheeled vehicles with enduro bikes.
Among the main parameters taken into account when choosing a motorcycle is the engine size. For the first bike, a low power model is suitable. For a beginner, an internal combustion engine with a volume of 150 cm3 will be quite enough. With such characteristics, the bike will move at speeds up to 90 km / h – this is enough for comfort in any conditions.
Engines with a volume of 200-400 cm3 are installed on serious models, you need to learn how to handle them. If the bike has an even larger engine, the equipment will be classified as a cruiser, tourer, where the power is compensated by its mass.
Equally important is the weight of the motorcycle. Heavy models have a solid appearance, but require skillful management. Beginners are often not able to hold a bike that falls on its side with the rider, so the weight of the vehicle must be lifting.
The price parameter is a personal matter, but experts do not recommend choosing expensive vehicles to get acquainted with the world of motorcycle transport. On such models, they usually master the ride, gain experience, therefore, due to driving errors, breakdowns and damage cannot be avoided. For the first time, it is better to choose an inexpensive, but more reliable model – usually the first motorcycle does not stay with one owner for a long time.
If possible, among other parameters, choose a color, give preference to a brighter bike. This will improve your visibility to other road users, especially at night, which will reduce the risk of accidents.
CONCLUSIONS
When purchasing your first motorcycle, study the types of equipment, decide on the style of driving. The weight of the bike, skills and experience in driving the vehicle are taken into account. When it comes to power, choose a subcompact engine mounted on a classic bike or enduro. After gaining experience, it will be possible to switch to a racing model.
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