Picking the right motorcycle is critical for your safety. When people ride motorcycles that are the wrong size or too powerful, they end up getting into serious accidents and incur massive medical expenses. To avoid these unfortunate results, you should give considerable thought to your riding style and skill and then choose an appropriate bike. At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, we think all the time about public safety, so we offer the following suggestions for how to choose a motorcycle that works for you.
Popular Motorcycles
Let’s look at some common motorcycles, including their strengths and weaknesses.
Touring Motorcycles
As the name suggests, touring motorcycles are popular for those who are going for long rides. With larger windshields and bigger fuel tanks, touring motorcycles have a relaxed, upright seated position.
This might be the most comfortable motorcycle and is a favorite for new riders. Helpfully, they come in many different sizes and horsepower ranges. That means a new rider can find a smaller version of a touring motorcycle with less horsepower—at least to start.
Touring motorcycles are great for long trips. On the downside, they tend to need more space for storage and, again, might simply be too big for a novice if you can’t find a model the right size.
Sport Bikes
Given their smaller size, a sports bike is a popular choice for new riders. They are designed to optimize speed, cornering, and braking. We see sports bikes in cities because they allow riders to move quickly through traffic. However, there are risks. These bikes are very fast—possibly too fast for novice riders.
Unlike touring motorcycles, sport bikes are not good picks for long trips, so go with a touring motorcycle if extended travel is in your future. Instead, a sports bike is a better choice for someone looking to weave around traffic.
Cruisers
A cruiser is a nice option for those who use a motorcycle every day. They are practical motorcycles which are some of the most popular on the market. Some common features include easy shifting and a comfortable riding position.
Cruisers come in different sizes, which is also a benefit. As explained below, you should not get a motorcycle that is too big and heavy for you. Instead, find a model that is a nice fit, which you can handle. Admittedly, most cruisers tend to be heavier, but you can certainly shop around.
Adventure Bikes
This is a popular model which combines features of sport bikes, touring bikes, and cruisers. Many people use adventure bikes for off-road riding.
As a novice rider, you should probably avoid this model. Riding off-road presents real problems because of the rough terrain. More skilled and experienced riders might enjoy an adventure bike.
Choose the Right Size of Motorcycle
Regardless of the type of motorcycle you purchase, you should ensure you get a bike that is the right size. Many people end up with a motorcycle that doesn’t fit them:
- Too tall. Your feet should touch the ground while sitting on the bike. If the motorcycle is too tall, then it’s harder to handle, and you might not be able to see over the handlebars. You could also tip over when you stop.
- Too wide. A wider motorcycle is also a challenge to handle properly. It will also put tension on your legs, leading to discomfort and accidents.
- Too heavy. Heavier motorcycles are harder for novice riders to handle, so choose something on the lighter end if you’re new to riding.
- Too much horsepower. The more power, then the faster you can go. But handling is at a premium when you are traveling fast. Any mistake could result in a devastating crash, especially in traffic or when taking a corner.
Remember to try out several different sizes to ensure you don’t get one that’s too big. This is a real problem for women riders, who often end up on a motorcycle that’s much too large, especially if a man went to buy one for them. It might have fit perfectly when he sat on it, but it will be too large for you.
People in the market for a used motorcycle often compromise and just grab what’s available. We think this is a mistake and can lead to handling problems. Whatever you save by buying used, you’ll pay back double or triple in medical bills after an accident.
Call Our Firm after an Accident
Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers can represent victims seeking financial compensation. Call us to schedule a meeting with an Augusta motorcycle accident lawyer.