I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, "What kind of motorcycle should I buy?"-- and I reply immediately, "Where to begin...?"
Bike buying priorities can differ dramatically when it comes to personal preference, but I've nailed down ten parameters I feel should be considered when you're thinking about purchasing a motorcycle.
Check 'em out in my list of 10 Things to Look For When Buying a Motorcycle.
Related:
- 10 Tips on How to Save Fuel on a Motorcycle
- How to Test Ride a Used Motorcycle
- Why Ride?
- Before You Buy Your First Bike
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Excellent list..well done! Right after # 1 (interesting coincidence that #1 should be first) #3 – Seat height – may be the most important. If you can put both feet on the ground, and feel secure, everything else falls in to place and becomes simply personal choice.
Conversely, if you’re always feeling like you’re going to fall over at a light or in your own driveway, you’ll never really be able to relax and have fun, & be safe – and that’s what it’s all about.
Maybe #3 should be #1??
Pete,
Interesting point about seat height, and I guess it hits everybody differently; I’m testing a Husqvarna right now with a 34.4 inch seat height, and though I can’t flatfoot it at stoplights, I don’t find that intimidating. I figure bike type is the first and most crucial choice, and directly affects seat height, too– haven’t you noticed a lot of shorter inseamed people gravitating to cruisers for that reason?
Basem
Very true….Cruisers, by design have lower seat heights, thus they are attractive to more diminutive individuals. A bike like the Husky, and all dirt or dual purpose bikes, while tall, are usually light…tends to mitigate the seat height a bit.
I don’t know anyone who could plant both feet flat on the ground on a new dirt bike. I sure can’t.
I can’t put both feet flat on the ground on a GL…not because of seat height, rather seat width. A little alarming at times on a Wing, 2 up!
Ultimately you’re quite correct – the bike type will be #1, if seat height is an issue. Lucky are those who can choose the bike with no ergonomic limitations!
Pete has some really relevant points about seat height.
I’m within a fraction of an inch of six feet, but I sold my Yamaha FJR because of its seat height. It was wonderful on an open country road, but as soon as you came to a traffic light, it became a really tall, top-heavy pain in the butt.
Make sure your bike fits you, or it can become a $13,000 garage queen.