The use of motorcycles as a means of transportation on Russian roads is becoming more and more popular. The bike attracts with its maneuverability, small dimensions and moderate maintenance costs in comparison with the car. This is an ideal transport for moving in conditions of dense city traffic and constant traffic jams.
The increasing popularity of motorcycles makes it even more urgent to choose the first model for beginners. Further in the article we will tell you what types of bikes are and what you should pay attention to in order to choose the perfect “iron horse”.
Motorcycle types
The whole variety of bikes is classified into groups by analogy with cars. Motorcycles are produced for city driving, racing models, bikes for off-road and participation in motorsports, as well as motorcycles for travel.
Classic
The most famous group Motorcycles of classic models are convenient to ride around the city, but they are not suitable for long-distance travel. They have little carrying capacity and not enough ergonomics to keep the rider comfortable in the saddle for a long ride.
Classic bikes have lowered handlebars, which makes them look like a bicycle. The driver is upright. Such models are popular in the East, where they are bought specifically for driving in city traffic. Classic bikes have a simple design, are equipped with a durable gearbox and unpretentious mechanisms, and have a good supply of resources.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of motors for classic motorcycles. Two-, four-stroke units with a different number of cylinders are installed on the model. The cars are light in weight, so even a novice driver will be able to cope with it in the event of a blockage on its side.
Sports
Racing bikes are heading for speed. Their design contributes to this in every possible way: the shifted center of gravity provides easy control and good maneuverability.
Sportbikes have a lightweight design due to the manufacture of parts from light alloy metals, as well as durable and lightweight materials. The motorcycle is characterized by a streamlined shape and good aerodynamics, allowing you to literally cut through the air when driving at high speed. Quick start and high-speed movement is facilitated by a modified tilt of the steering wheel and a slightly raised seat. This allows the rider to sit leaning forward for enhanced aerodynamics.
Sportbikes are designed to ride on high-quality roads. Equipping with a powerful motor makes their cost quite high compared to other models.
Tourist
If you plan to travel around the country on a bike, the best choice for trips will be tourers - motorcycles designed for travel. Such models have a premium status in the world of motorcycles. They move smoothly and do not pretend to speed, but in a day they are able to cover a thousand kilometers, providing the driver with the necessary comfort.
The design of a touring motorcycle is thought out from the standpoint of long journeys. Very soft seats can have a backrest, a wide and high windshield is provided to protect against headwinds. The rider's legs are protected by side fairings, which protect them from dirt and side collisions.
Despite the impressive weight (more than 500 kg), the bike is very stable due to the low center of gravity. A significant mass corresponds to the dimensions - a heavy truck requires a lot of space on the road for convenient movement, it is hardly capable of conquering narrow lanes.
Tourers are equipped with motors running at low speeds, which also contributes to long trips. For the price, these motorcycles are almost identical to a middle-class car, so their purchase should be carefully considered.
Cross and enduro
Lightweight, agile models designed for off-road driving. Cross bikes are in demand among young people, they are used in motorsports, as well as outdoor enthusiasts.
If you need an analogue designed for the city, choose enduro motorcycles.
What to consider when choosing the first bike?
Picking up a motorcycle is easier than a car, but newbies in this matter have to take into account many factors in order not to make a mistake in choosing. You should not give in to the impulse and buy a powerful and fast racing model as your first bike. The technique of this group requires skillful handling and driving skills.
Before proceeding to the purchase, it is necessary to determine the parameters of the driver. Massive, tall men will look ridiculous on a small motorcycle with a small engine. For them, classic models can be the best choice. An enduro motorcycle is more suitable for a short one.
The volume of the motor is one of the main parameters that are paid attention to when choosing. It will be easier for beginners to start mastering a motorcycle with a low-power motor up to 150 cm3. Such models are capable of speeds up to 90 km / h, which fully satisfies the needs of comfortable movement around the city and beyond.
With motorcycles equipped with engines up to 400 cm3, it will not be so easy for a beginner to manage - they require special driving skills and experience. If the bike is equipped with an even larger engine, it is considered a tourer or cruiser. In this case, the power will be compensated by the mass.
Equally important is the weight of the motorcycle. Heavy models have a solid appearance, but you need to be able to handle them. Beginners often drop bikes, falling onto the road with them, so the weight of the vehicle should be such that it can be picked up by yourself.
Buying a bike that is too expensive as a first is also not recommended. Such models allow you to gain experience, to determine priorities. The motorcycle will be difficult to protect from breakage and damage due to driving errors, so it is better to choose an inexpensive but more reliable model. Remember that the first bike with one owner does not stay long.
Conclusion
Going for the first bike, decide on its type, as well as the planned driving style. The motorcycle chosen should match the riding experience of the rider, as well as match the size and weight of the rider.
Beginners should not choose fast and powerful sports models as their first bikes. The best option would be classic bikes or enduro with a small engine.
Experts will help you determine the technical parameters.