Buying a new motorbike can be a worrying task for many people, from new riders looking for their first bike to experienced bikers looking for something different. There is certainly a lot more information available for car buyers than there is bikers, so it's really important that you make sure to look carefully before selecting the right motorcycle for you.
When seeking out your perfect motorcycle, you will want to find something that matches your personal aspects like your size and riding experience. To help you make that choice, motorbikes are usually split into 6 distinct types: cruiser, touring, sports, standard, dirt and dual-purpose. Some will state you can separate motorbikes into even more subcategories, but we will be discussing just these six.
An often made mistake amongst first time buyers is to opt straight away for a low cost street bike with little thought to the ride comfort or the power available. This can quickly dissuade new riders from carrying on with motorcycles, so checking into the various types of bikes available is a must.
The first type of motorcycle on our list is the cruiser. A very popular type of bike, cruisers combine a smooth and comfortable ride with a stylish exterior. They are defined by a low seating position, a loud engine/exhaust and a copious application of chrome plating. Most budgets can be accommodated with cruiser bikes; prices begin from around three thousand pounds and can go up to around fifteen thousand.
Touring bikes are built for long distance riding, with comfort the main focus of these 'Cadillacs' of the biking world. They are typically large heavy bikes with a high-powered engine and wide chassis. This can make handling them more difficult than smaller motorcycles - particularly at high speeds - meaning it is mostly experienced riders who opt for this type of bike. Touring bikes are not that suited to town and city riding, as their build is primarily for open and wide roads. The cost is also a consideration when looking at touring bikes, with prices typically starting at the higher end of 7 or 8 thousand pounds.
Another commonly seen style of motorbike is the sports bike. A typically lightweight motorbike, a sports bike is built almost completely for performance, with speed and handling being the main features. Particularly popular with younger riders, sports bikes tend to be mostly inexpensive, with prices ranging from 3 to 15 thousand pounds for a new model. It is also worth noting however that this style of bike usually carries more expensive insurance costs due to the increased risk associated with a high performance motorcycle.
The standard motorcycle type was once one of the most popular types of bike, but with the development of the other categories this popularity has waned in recent years. An all round motorbike, the standard type are actually most suited to learners - their speed, handling and balance are all quite forgiving for an inexperienced rider.
Dirt bikes are very lightweight motorcycles designed for off road use. Usually small engined, dirt bikes are mainly used for recreational biking with a rapidly emerging base of competition riding. This style of motorcycle is probably the cheapest option, with costs ranging from around one thousand pounds to 5 thousand pounds at the higher end. The final main type of motorcycle - the dual-sport - is simply a road legal version of a dirt bike. With headlights, indicators and emission controls built into the off road version, it is seen as a more practical version of a dirt bike.
There are many other things to take into consideration when looking to buy a motorcycle, be it your first or twenty first. Make sure to keep looking out for information for buyers, and I hope you choose the right bike to suit you!
When seeking out your perfect motorcycle, you will want to find something that matches your personal aspects like your size and riding experience. To help you make that choice, motorbikes are usually split into 6 distinct types: cruiser, touring, sports, standard, dirt and dual-purpose. Some will state you can separate motorbikes into even more subcategories, but we will be discussing just these six.
An often made mistake amongst first time buyers is to opt straight away for a low cost street bike with little thought to the ride comfort or the power available. This can quickly dissuade new riders from carrying on with motorcycles, so checking into the various types of bikes available is a must.
The first type of motorcycle on our list is the cruiser. A very popular type of bike, cruisers combine a smooth and comfortable ride with a stylish exterior. They are defined by a low seating position, a loud engine/exhaust and a copious application of chrome plating. Most budgets can be accommodated with cruiser bikes; prices begin from around three thousand pounds and can go up to around fifteen thousand.
Touring bikes are built for long distance riding, with comfort the main focus of these 'Cadillacs' of the biking world. They are typically large heavy bikes with a high-powered engine and wide chassis. This can make handling them more difficult than smaller motorcycles - particularly at high speeds - meaning it is mostly experienced riders who opt for this type of bike. Touring bikes are not that suited to town and city riding, as their build is primarily for open and wide roads. The cost is also a consideration when looking at touring bikes, with prices typically starting at the higher end of 7 or 8 thousand pounds.
Another commonly seen style of motorbike is the sports bike. A typically lightweight motorbike, a sports bike is built almost completely for performance, with speed and handling being the main features. Particularly popular with younger riders, sports bikes tend to be mostly inexpensive, with prices ranging from 3 to 15 thousand pounds for a new model. It is also worth noting however that this style of bike usually carries more expensive insurance costs due to the increased risk associated with a high performance motorcycle.
The standard motorcycle type was once one of the most popular types of bike, but with the development of the other categories this popularity has waned in recent years. An all round motorbike, the standard type are actually most suited to learners - their speed, handling and balance are all quite forgiving for an inexperienced rider.
Dirt bikes are very lightweight motorcycles designed for off road use. Usually small engined, dirt bikes are mainly used for recreational biking with a rapidly emerging base of competition riding. This style of motorcycle is probably the cheapest option, with costs ranging from around one thousand pounds to 5 thousand pounds at the higher end. The final main type of motorcycle - the dual-sport - is simply a road legal version of a dirt bike. With headlights, indicators and emission controls built into the off road version, it is seen as a more practical version of a dirt bike.
There are many other things to take into consideration when looking to buy a motorcycle, be it your first or twenty first. Make sure to keep looking out for information for buyers, and I hope you choose the right bike to suit you!
About the Author:
Find out more about the UK motorcycle marketplace by going to www.motorbikes4sale.co.uk, where Ryan Welsby helps you find great deals on motorbikes for sale from Yamaha to new and used Aprilia bikes.
