To help narrow your search for your Right Ride you must ask your self a series of questions and honestly answer them.  The following questions are in order of importance and should be weighted as such.

 

1.      Are you a new or experienced rider?

If you are new rider:

·        No matter what type of bike you want to ride you should take a motorcycle safety course to obtain your license.  Use the 250cc bikes that they have you train on to get a feel for the road and how a bike handles.  The basic principles for riding are generally the same no matter what bike you inevitably choose to ride.

·        Even as a new rider I would recommend riding nothing smaller than:  600cc’s if it is a sportbike and nothing under 750cc’s if it is a cruiser.  Power can get you into trouble but a lack of it can also get you into trouble.

If you are an experienced rider.

·        Why did you stop riding if you currently don’t have a bike?  Take this question very seriously you don’t want to stop riding for the same reason again.  Now is the time to correct the issue you had with your other bike.

·        If you currently have a bike why do you want a new one?  Continue with the questions below to help guide your decision.

2.      How much money am I willing to spend?

Sometimes it is not what we want, but what we can afford that dictates what we will inevitable ride.  In this case riding is riding and none but a select few purchase the bike of their dreams as a first bike.  Even then the dream bike changes over time because you are now riding and know better what you want.

Everyone wants the best deal possible.  To maximize your savings make your purchase in the winter.  Whether it is a new or used bike, discounts this time of year are at their peak. 

·        If it’s a used bike you are after, wait two or three months into winter to go looking.  Chances are the bikes that you will find have been sitting collecting dust because it is to cold to ride.  The owner will most likely “just want it gone” and be willing to negotiate to make that happen.

·        If it is a new bike you are looking for, the winter is also the best time to buy.  The winter months are that time of year you see the most TV commercials for manufactures with purchase incentives.  Less people are visiting the dealerships because it is to cold to ride.  So they offer discounts to get you in the door.

3.      What do you want to use your bike for?  i.e.: long cruises, daily rider, weekend jaunts around town, or to get some weekend track time?

If you want to stunt, ride the track on the weekend, or carve up the mountain side a sportbike is your answer.  Their handling and power is unmatched.

If you want a daily rider or to cruise on the weekends, a cruiser or pullback is the bike for you.  The riding position is much more conducive for long rides and is more comfortable than on a sport bike.  If you want to carry a passenger it will be a better ride for them as well.

4.      Do you want something with real power or just something that will get you around on two wheels?

If it is just to get around, the smallest I would dare go is 600cc for a sportbike and 750cc for a cruiser.  You will still need enough power to get you out of trouble.

If you are looking for more power the options are endless, but this idea should only be entertained by the experienced rider.

·        For sportbikes you can get up to a 1400cc bike

·        On a cruiser you can purchase a bike with 2000cc’s, more if it is a custom.

If this is the path you choose take your time shopping around and at least sit on as many bikes as you can, ride them if they will let you.  In doing this you should get an overall impression of each bike.  There are thousands of options one is bound to fit.

 5.      Do you want to portray a certain image while you ride?

There only a few bikes that come with status and image of their own, but you pay for that image.  Examples would be: Customs of any sort, Harley’s, Victory’s, and with a much smaller following that seems to be growing BMW’s and Triumphs.

 

This initial addition of Right Ride is a basic overview and is intended to be used as a guide to aid in the purchase of a motorcycle.  It is not the end all for motorcycle shopping.  In later additions we will offer an in depth report that will tackle how height and weight should figure into your decision.  Future reports will also include dimensions and statistics of as many bikes as we can get our hands on.  To give you, the rider, the best chance of getting the Right Ride.

 

            Average J

  

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