How to Pick the Right Kind of Motorcycle for You

Summer is upon us once again and for millions of Americans it means one thing, motorcycle riding season is here. The gravitational pull of the open road, the exhilarating freedom of two-wheeled bliss, and the immediate surge of gratification you get when you twist the throttle.
These are a few of my favorite things. So what do you do if you find yourself watching from the sidewalk instead of riding as all of those bikes go thundering by? You find the motorcycle that is right for you. The most important decision you will have to make is what style of bike you want. This will be determined by the type of riding you want to do. Are you just looking for something to putt around town on? Or do you dream of having a lengthy cross-country adventure? Do you want a high-powered machine capable of racing on the weekends? Or would you rather be cruising up and down the boulevard in the evenings? How about getting off the road and hitting the trails? After you have envisioned what you want to do on your motorcycle read on. There are 5 categories of motorcycles to choose from, there are the standard, the touring, the sportbike, the cruiser, and then the dirt bikes.

First lets talk about the standard category. These bikes are generally small to midsize and will usually fit two people on the long flat seat. Some of the motorcycles in this group would be the Triumph Bonneville, the Honda Nighthawk, and the Suzuki GZ250. These motorcycles are regularly the no-nonsense workhorses of the bike world. With good miles per gallon ratios these motorcycles make for reliable transportation for the everyday commuter.
Next let's look at the touring group. These bikes are large machines capable of going from one end of the country to the other and back, keeping the rider or riders comfy all the while. With cushioned comfortable seats, windshields, radios, heaters, and storage compartments for your luggage these motorcycles have it all. Some of the most well known bikes in this range are the Honda Goldwing, the Yamaha Venture, and the Harley Davidson Electra Glide. These motorcycles are without a doubt the kings of the road.

The next group of bikes we are going to discuss are the sportbikes. With a lightweight body, lots of horsepower, efficient aerodynamics, and easy handling these bikes are a speed freak's dream come true. Most of these rides could go from the street to the track with very few modifications. With many models available from almost every major manufacturer on the planet these bikes have become the most popular choice for the younger set. Some of the most notable manufacturers of this group are Ducati, Triumph, Suzuki, Honda and Buell.

The fourth group of bikes we will examine are in the cruiser class. When you picture a gang of bikers rolling into town, with their black leather jackets and loud exhaust, they are riding on cruisers. With their low seat height and laid-back style these bikes are equally at home cruising up and down the boulevard or rumbling along down the highway. The most notable producer of bikes in this class is Harley Davidson, although in recent years many Japanese manufacturers have continued to gain a loyal following.

The final group of motorcycles we will look at is the dirt bike. These motorcycles are defined by their off road suspension, light weight, and knobby tires to gain traction in the dirt and mud. If you want to take your motorcycle out into the wilderness or to race in a motocross race this is the bike for you. After you have decided which type of motorcycle you can picture yourself on I highly encourage you to take a little time to visit your local dealership, discuss your options, and take a test ride. Always remember, keep it rubber side down.