We can&#;t stress enough that riding isn&#;t for everyone. This is a high-risk mode of transportation best suited to coordinated adults with the ability to focus attention, willingness to master the sport, good vision, and a healthy dose of common sense. And don&#;t think that if you are considering a scooter you are less exposed to danger than you&#;d be on a motorcycle.

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Scooter or Motorcycle?
If you want a natural seating position, rather than straddling an engine, and to not be bothered with shifting gears, the flat foot-rest floor and convenience of an automatic transmission define you as a scooter candidate.

It&#;s easier to master a motorcycle if you already know how to drive a stick shift.

Scooters and motorcycles can provide limited storage, but they are not prime choices for transporting passengers or much cargo. While long-distance travel can be a joy for expert riders, new riders are better served sticking closer to home. Short commutes and local riding are well suited to a neophyte, though consider the dangers that these rides may provide. Tackling rush hour in a major metropolitan area demands more concentration and experience than cruising through a small town or exploring scenic, rural roads.

Choosing a bike is often inspired by style and image, but these really should be secondary considerations. Don&#;t pick a bike that&#;s larger than you can handle. A standard rule is to choose a model that allows both your feet to be planted firmly on the ground when stopped, and beginners should be careful not to choose a bike that&#;s too powerful for their ability. It is advised to start with a small-displacement model in the 250-500 cc range, although larger riders might be more comfortable toward the higher end of that scale, or even starting with a 700 cc, depending on confidence level and where they plan to ride. Following this strategy will lead you to a bike that will be satisfying in the long term. How can you possibly pick a bike you&#;d want to ride for years when you haven&#;t even ridden for a week?

You&#;ll also need a safe place to park your new ride. A garage is best, but bikes can be parked outside and covered. When parking outdoors, you&#;ll want a secure location and/or a means to lock the bike to prevent theft.

Weather is much more of a consideration for riders than car drivers. You&#;re literally out there in it, so be prepared to arrive wherever you&#;re going wet, rumpled, or both, even with protective gear. And consider a short haircut, or "helmet head" will become your nickname.

Licensing is another consideration. No license is required for scooters with engines less than 50 cc in most states. You&#;ll need to get a motorcycle license for anything larger than 50 cc, which involves a written and a road test. A list of licensing requirements can be found on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website.

Professional instruction and practice are a must before taking the test, and no new rider should take to the roads without lessons from a pro. Many classes provide entry-level bikes, giving a chance to not only learn, but to sample bikes before buying one.

Even if you&#;re an experienced rider but haven&#;t ridden in a while, a refresher course is a good idea. Classes are available for all skill levels.

Last, remember safety gear. You&#;ll need to invest in a helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, and other protective clothing. In addition to protecting you in a crash, the right gear will help shield you from the elements.

What You&#;ll Spend
Street-legal basic scooters can be bought for less than $1,000, and more upscale models for up to $9,000. Small, fuel-efficient motorcycles begin around $4,200, while larger and more fully equipped bikes can cost as much as a well-equipped sedan.

Add to that another $1,000 or more for protective clothing. Don&#;t skimp on the quality of the gear. The trade offs are comfort and safety, two things a rider should not compromise on. Insurance costs vary widely depending on your age, location, driving record, type of cycle, displacement, and other factors. Check with your company or agent for a specific quote.

If you don&#;t have a garage, you&#;ll either need to rent storage space or invest in a cover for anywhere from $35 to $200. Or, you could just leave the bike in the elements and bring along a roll of paper towels when you want to go for a ride--a wet seat is never fun.

While fuel costs are usually less expensive for almost any cycle than they are for a car, maintenance can be just as much, depending on the bike, how many miles you ride, where you get it serviced, and if you do some work yourself. Just like with cars, dealer service is often the most expensive option. Independent mechanics can be a more cost effective, and bikes are generally easier to work on than cars if you choose to do some maintenance yourself, as many owners do. However you choose to do it, motorcycles require oil changes and other service, just like a car. In colder regions, prep for winter storage is a factor. 

Buying a motorcycle as a new rider can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it also requires some careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bike for your needs and skill level.

The popularity of motorcycling in all its forms continues to grow with more women and men learning to ride, taking to the roads and highways. Additionally, the rise of gas prices makes the two-wheeler a fun and practical commuter.  It&#;s estimated that in the USA alone, about 19% of all motorcyclists consist of women riders. Buying your first motorcycle can be an overwhelming decision and when starting out you&#;ll be bombarded with advice from rider friends, your training school instructor, your partner and your dealership. Much of the advice you&#;ll get is combined with personal preferences which don&#;t necessarily apply to you.

Motorcycle Buying Tips &#; Getting Started

Riding and manoeuvring a motorcycle is physically demanding partnered with important controls and co-ordination methods which directly impact what you&#;re doing. There&#;s also a defensive mind-set required and a lot of practise before you become proficient and safe. With all that to consider, here are the main questions to ask yourself when buying your first motorcycle.

• What type of riding will you do and how often? Decide what type of riding you want to do. There are different kinds of motorcycles for different purposes, such as cruising, touring, sport, adventure and off-road. Think about where and how often you will ride your bike, and what kind of performance and comfort you expect from it.
• Identify your riding goals and style. What kind of riding do you want to do? Do you prefer long-distance trips or short commutes? Do you like speed and agility or comfort and stability? Do you want to ride on paved roads or dirt trails? There are different types of motorcycles for different purposes, such as cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, adventure bikes and dirt bikes. Choose a bike that matches your riding goals and style.
• Consider your budget and maintenance costs. Motorcycles can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the brand, model, condition and features. You also need to consider the cost of insurance, registration, fuel, maintenance and repairs. Look for a bike that fits your budget and has low operating costs and can be serviced by a dealer easily. You can also look for used bikes that are in good shape and have low mileage.
• Does the motorcycle require a certain amount of power for your needs? I.e. mountainous areas.
• Do you need stowage?

Which Motorcycle?

It is best to visit a few motorcycle dealerships &#; big and small, and different manufacturer types. Sit on many different motorbikes and start to get a feel for things. This will also help you overcome that showroom discomfort which may discourage you from trying enough models on for size before choosing your own.

Also, don&#;t let the engine &#;cc size&#;  fool you &#;  it&#;s the torque and horsepower which speaks to the power of the motorcycle. Generally higher cc engines have more power output but also they&#;re are usually heavier in weight &#; including sportbikes. Also the more weight a motorcycle has, the less power to weight ratio results &#; the &#;brake horsepower&#; will be much less. For example, a cc Harley-Davidson can have finally brake horsepower of just 69hp; a lightweight 600cc sport bike can have final brake horsepower of 140+. I think you see what I mean. However, remember the general rule is a larger engine (cc) will be heavier.

Motorcycling is rewarding and fun! And finding the right motorcycle for you is key!

Oh and when you sit on a motorcycle you might like, observe your riding position. Note your arm length distance to the handlebars and controls &#; and the ability &#; yes or no &#; to manoeuvre with your feet touching the floor. These two factors are critical for control, weight management, and building your confidence.

What Type Of Motorcycle Is Best For Me?

Choosing a motorcycle can be a daunting task, especially if you are not sure what type of motorcycle is best for you. There are many diverse types of motorcycles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your riding style, preferences and needs. Here are some of the most common types of motorcycles and what they offer.

Motorcycles range from lightweight fuel-efficient smaller engine-size bikes to 200hp pavement dominating giants!  There are a wide variety of styles and performance levels in-between. It is really best to not get in too over your head and be sure you get something you can &#;overpower&#;. Not that the motorcycle will over power you! And some motorcycles are built for specific types of riding &#; such as models designed for modest off-road use or those meant for long-distance highway cruising. Others are meant for a combination of purposes.

Equally, automatic scooters or electric motorcycles are the perfect answer for urban, city dwellers! You&#;ll get lots of on-bike storage with a scooter which are available up to 850cc sizes now! And often a scooter is more novice-friendly to ride than motorcycle again thanks to their agile balance and automatic transmissions.

Consider These Add-Ons

• Saddlebags or Luggage Racks. Most motorcycles have no on-bike storage. Scooters however, have a small storage compartment as well as a lockable space large enough to swallow up a helmet or small bag of groceries. To carry anything on a motorcycle, you might want to consider saddlebags, rear top-case with rack usually mounted over the rear wheel behind the seat, or side panniers (hard case) mountings.
• ABS &#; Anti-lock braking system. This is almost standard on most new motorcycle models or it may be an option. If you are buying an older model, ABS will be abscent.  ABS is a terrific featured to have!
• Windscreen or fairing. These supply extra protection from the wind and rain, and they can make highway riding less tiring.
• Crash bars. These are hoop-shaped bars mounted on the frame which can help protect a rider in a spill by keeping the weight of the bike and off the rider&#;s body.

Here&#;s a quick run-down of model types available. Keep in mind there are variations in form to each of these categories, but the following represent the basic standard of motorcycle styles.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website motorcycles for grown ups.

SCOOTER

SMALL SCOOTERS  

Small scooters with engines 50cc or less, are some of the smallest, lightest, and easiest gas powered road approved models. They are easy to handle, and maintain. They&#;re usually among the least expensive to buy and ensure. The transmission is CVT automatic with electric start (and usually an additional kick-starter as a backup). They provide a comfy chair-like seating position unlike a standard motorcycle. They&#;re not high power and usually have a top speed of 60 to 100 kmph (50cc).  Registration and licencing requirements vary by country.
Best fit for: City commuting

MID-SIZE SCOOTER

Scooters in the 125-to-250cc range provide more power than 50cc models for keeping up with traffic, carrying a passenger, and for all-around use. There may be restriction depending on the individual power of these models. Lightweight, closer to the ground, easy to manoeuvre and ride, with electric start and automatic transmissions. Fuel economy is generally superb.
Best fit for: City commuting; Short or longer freeway jaunts.

MAXI-SCOOTER

The maxi scooter have engine sizes from 300-850 cc and are a great choice for riders who prefer the look and feel of a scooter with the highway capability and range of a touring motorcycle. A combination of comfort seating position, shift-free riding and oodles of on-board storage of your usual scooter. These indeed are larger, heavier, and less manoeuvrable than smaller scooters, yet provide brisk acceleration and easily carry two riders for long distance touring and at highway speeds.
Best fit for:  City,  Long distance touring, Passenger, Commuting, stronger rider

MOTORCYCLE TYPES

STANDARD

 The standard motorcycle (also called naked bikes or roadsters) are versatile bikes that can be used for commuting, touring or sport riding. They have an upright riding position, a moderate engine size and power, and minimal fairings. They are easy to handle and suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders. These are the most well-rounded street motorcycles available in a range of engine sizes; in single and multi-cylinder designs.  Perfect for day-to-day use and commuting.  These are also easily maintained with straight forward maintenance and upkeep.
Best fit for: City, Mid length distance touring, Passenger, Commuting

CRUISER

Cruiser motorcycles (or simply cruisers) are styled after American motorcycles from the s to s. They have a low seat height, a relaxed riding position with forward or middle foot pegs, a large engine with lots of torque and a distinctive sound. They are ideal for cruising on highways or scenic roads but not very agile or fast. You&#;ll experience a relaxed riding position, solo or seating for two. Cruisers combine the look of a traditional motorcycle with a more stylish, custom appearance. They are generally lower in height meaning your feet can touch the ground.  Available in single and multi-cylinder designs, cruisers run the gamut from small, fuel-efficient models to big, large-displacement and tour motorcycles.  These are also easily maintained with straight forward maintenance and upkeep.
Cruiser Best Fit For: City riding, Day trips/short tours, Passenger, Commuting.

DUAL PURPOSE 

This style is designed to be ridden on or off-road and available in a wide range of engine sizes. The dual-purpose models are hybrids that combine the features of off-road and street motorcycles. They have an engine that can handle both low-speed torque and high-speed power, a frame that can absorb shocks from both smooth and bumpy roads, a moderate seat height that can accommodate both standing and sitting positions, and tires that can grip both pavement and dirt. They are a great choice for urbanites / commuters who appreciate their higher ground clearance, all-purpose tires, and extra suspension travel as much as trail riders do. Completely street legal with lights, directional signals, and other road-going equipment, dual-purpose models are lightweight and well-balanced. Easily maintained with straight forward maintenance and upkeep.
Best fit for: City, Off road riding, gravel roads etc. Adventure riding, Passenger, Commuting

SPORTBIKE 

Sportbike motorcycles are born from the racetrack and are built for speed and performance. They have a powerful engine with high horsepower and rpm, a lightweight frame with aerodynamic fairings, a lean-forward riding position with rear-set foot pegs, and high-performance brakes and suspension.  They are available from  lower engines sizes (125cc) and up. The bodywork is light and designed to slice the wind. The engines are high-performance on lightweight frames. They are exhilarating to ride on twisty roads or racetracks but for some can be uncomfortable and may be impractical for everyday use. These are easily maintained, but require extra attention due to their high performance checks i.e. chain life, tire life , tuning etc.
Best fit for: City (not ideal for traffic as can run hot), Highway, Solo rider, Short touring

TOURING 

Touring motorcycles are designed for long-distance travel with comfort and convenience. They have a large engine with plenty of power, a comfortable seat with backrests and armrests, a large windshield and fairing for wind protection, hard luggage cases for storage and various accessories like audio systems, navigation systems and heated grips. They are great for exploring new places but can be heavy and expensive. They are comfortable enough for two people. Easily maintained with straight forward maintenance and upkeep.
Best fit for: Long Distance travel/touring, Passenger, Cargo, Commuting.

SPORT TOURING

This style of motorcycle provides nearly all the features of a basic touring but has added performance to its styling. This is for a rider who wishes to enjoy performance on variable roads and the features of long distance riding. Easily maintained with straight forward maintenance and upkeep.
Best fit for: Long Distance travel/touring, Passenger, Cargo, Commuting, Adventure terrain, gravel etc.

ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE

Electric motorcycles have become more and more popular and produced now by a multitude of manufacturers. These are a popular choice of urban riders who can appreciate their economical operating costs, low maintenance, and don&#;t mind their limited range and top speed. A rechargeable battery is included, and it can be charged using household current. Range varies by model. Easily maintained with straight forward maintenance and upkeep. Best fit for: City, Commuting

OFF ROAD MOTORCYCLE

Off road motorcycles (or simply dirt bikes) are made for riding on unpaved surfaces like dirt, sand, gravel or mud. They have a small engine with high torque, a lightweight frame with long suspension travel, a tall seat height with high ground clearance, and knobby tires for traction. They are fun to ride on rough terrain but not street legal or suitable for long-distance travel. Best fit for: trail riding, offroad riding, trail riding.

The style of motorcycle you decide upon is personal and as individual as you are. The above guidelines will help you narrow down the choices and find what will be best for you.

More Factors To Consider When Buying A Motorcycle

• Buying your motorcycle is personal.

  Even though you may only commute to work if it&#;s a sexy looking sportbike you&#;ve always wanted, and can safely manage / operate, then go for it!   And many riders travel long distances and take tours on sportbike motorcycles without trouble &#; it&#;s truly an individual thing.
• Try out different bikes before you buy one. The best way to find out if a motorcycle suits you is to ride it yourself. Visit local dealerships or rental shops and test drive several bikes that match your criteria. Pay attention to how the bike feels in terms of size, weight, power, handling and comfort. Choose a bike that you can easily control and enjoy riding.

• Your first bike need not be new.

    Buying used from a dealership is a good idea as they&#;ll back it up with some guarantees. It may not be wise to invest a lot of money in a new bike when your first bike may not be the style of riding you end up doing. Trust me, I&#;ve seen this happen far too often.

• Don&#;t worry about outgrowing your first bike.

  This is an invalid and overused sales phrase. Your first year of riding will focus on learning and skills. You&#;ll discover and fine-tune the type of riding you&#;ll end up doing. You can easily trade in your motorcycle towards another or upgrade to  a newer model.
• It&#;s

  really important to dominate (control, manage,) the motorcycle model

  you buy, not the other way around; or grow into it. If you purchase a motorcycle which is above your abilities, you&#;ll spend too much time being intimated, frustrated, anxious and often frightened. Generally, this combination can prevent you from truly discovering or enjoying motorcycling and possibly cause you to quit.

Whether you decide on a commuter or a big roaring cruiser, remember your adventure starts with the proper protective gear: a full face helmet and eye protection, and protective jacket, boots, pants, and gloves and rain suit &#; and the right mindset!

And remember, when negotiating your motorcycle purchase at the dealership you can often get your new gear as part of your package, or at least at a reduced price.

Buying a motorcycle as a new rider can be a fun adventure if you do some research and preparation beforehand. Remember to always wear proper gear and follow the rules of the road when you ride your bike. Have fun, be safe and as I always say &#; &#;the thrill starts with the skill!&#;

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