The Right Bike for You

Selecting the right motorcycle is an important decision. You need to spend the time looking at the range of bikes when deciding which is best for you.

Before choosing your bike, ask yourself these three questions:

1. How experienced a rider are you?
2. What is your budget?
3. Is it right for you?
 

How experienced a rider are you?

When choosing a bike you need to be realistic about your own abilities and whether you have the skills to control and use the bike to its full potential.
 
If you are looking at purchasing your first bike, and are an inexperienced rider, then it may be a good idea to choose a street bike. They are more forgiving of rider inputs while learning how to handle a bike.
 
Once you have passed your test, you may consider a more powerful bike. Remember that getting off a 12bhp learner bike and getting on something with 150bhp’s worth of warp speed is no comparison. It needs a different mindset. Superbikes have such phenomenal acceleration that, if not careful, you can easily end up doing 120mph within a few seconds.

Before you make your purchase be sure to research which bike is right for you.
 

What is your budget?

When considering your budget, buy the newest bike you can afford. Its brakes and suspension will be more efficient and should be in better condition.
As well as looking at the purchase price think about the bike maintenance, insurance, fuel, tyres and also the clothing you need to ride it. Make sure that you can afford to keep your bike, and yourself, safe on the road once you’ve purchased.

Scrimping on safety isn’t a good idea where motorcycles are concerned.
 

Is it right for you?

You’ll be spending a lot of time on your motorcycle so it needs to be comfortable and, above all, your safety is paramount.

When trying out motorcycles:

  • Your arm reach should be comfortable and you should be able to hold the brake and reach the clutch without moving your arms.
  • You should be able to use your feet to manoeuvre into car parking spaces.
  • Your foot should be able to access the rear brake and lock it.
  • You should be able to shift up and down instantly with your toe.