Modern motorcycles have become better than ever, and there are more options than ever to choose from. Variety may be the spice of life, but the kind of variety that is offered these days can be quite intimidating, and for the uninitiated, really confusing. This is intentional; Manufacturers are in the business of selling more and more motorcycles, so it’s reasonable that they would want to tempt us into buying something we don’t need. The bike we really need may look quite different from the bike we think we want.
Spotting the difference between good marketing and a good motorcycle
With so many different motorcycles coming out all the time, the motorcycle industry has become incredibly competitive. Every brand is competing for our attention, and there is always a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver. Although prevalent in any industry, the consequences of these actions are not as dangerous as they are with motorcycles.
Any motorcycle in the wrong hands is a very dangerous vehicle. Suggesting that riders can do certain things on a certain type of motorcycle has become a default sales pitch these days. While adventure motorcycles are often touted as the “ultimate off-road bike” (spoiler alert: none of them are), it’s not the only segment with such potential. In the Western world, motorcycles are, for the most part, a lifestyle accessory. So, it’s extremely difficult to require something that most people don’t really “need” at all.
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The one motorcycle we really need is the motorcycle we already have
This may be an unpopular opinion, but the fact of the matter is that if you already have a motorcycle, you really need one. You don’t “need” another bike, or a different bike. Whatever extra resources you potentially have, you should spend on maintenance or your next motorcycle trip. Objectively speaking, this is the single most sustainable option one can choose. Electric vehicles are often seen as a more sustainable option, but only when compared to another new vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Keeping the vehicle you already own for a longer period of time and making the most of the resources already used in its production is by far the most eco-friendly option.
However, if you’re in the privileged position of owning a second bike, or want to upgrade, that’s a very different situation. This would be something you “want” as opposed to a necessity. Marketing goes a long way to disguise “wants” as “needs,” and while this may seem incredibly simplistic, we are all human, and we convince ourselves that we need something that we don’t actually have. On the other hand, new riders definitely need somewhere to start, and there’s no shortage of great options out there.
The affordable Honda that new riders really need
The Honda CB300R proves that intuitive controls and light handling matter more than raw power, making it an ideal choice for new riders.
A new rider-friendly motorcycle for every purse and purpose
The younger generation has little or no interest in two wheels, and as a direct result of this, the number of people buying motorcycles is decreasing. This is somewhat disappointing, as we cannot think of a better time for this. Nowadays there is a bike for every shape and size, all accessible, safer than ever. The obvious downside to all of these options is that buying the wrong bike can be a very expensive mistake.
As a general rule, new riders should stick to bikes with an output of less than 50 horsepower. Naturally, this is a broad generalization, and only applies to street-legal motorcycles. There are many open-class dirt bikes that are under 50 horsepower, all of which are completely capable of ruining a novice rider’s entire motorcycling experience.
Wide selection of great street bikes
From automated cruisers to advanced sport bikes, there are many great street bikes to choose from. Some entry-level bikes also offer sophisticated electronics that were previously reserved for halo models. Even if you’ve done your research and are sure what type of bike you want, a test ride is still important. Many riders have found a bike they hate because they never took it for a proper test ride.
adventure bike revolution
Suffice it to say that with adventure bikes so popular these days, most new riders will be looking at one of the many impressive new entry-level ADVs. The best thing about these bikes is that you can buy one and keep it with you forever. Many experienced riders are choosing one of these bikes, mainly because of how capable they are off-roading. Once again, a test ride is very important, and it is equally important to understand that ADV is not a dual sport. If you primarily need an off-road bike, a dual-sport will always be a better choice. ADVs are for travel. They’re street bikes built to work off-road, not the other way around.
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You may also consider buying used
Although there will always be an element of risk in buying a used motorcycle, we think this is the best place to start. It can be tempting to buy a bike that is more powerful than you need, and just because you can buy a used Hayabusa, doesn’t mean you should buy one!
If you’re unsure what type of ride you want to ride, the best place to start would be a used Japanese dual-sport bike. Due to how durable these machines are, the risk factor is also one degree lower, and it won’t bother you so much when you inevitably drop the bike for the first time. The unfortunate downside of any dual-purpose machine is that they are inherently compromised.
With most dual-sport bikes, the biggest struggle for new riders is seat height. There are some models that are more accessible (the Yamaha XT250 pictured above is one of them), but if you find you enjoy more off-road riding, a taller seat is something you’ll have to learn to live with eventually. If not, your next bike may be something more road-oriented.
Source: Various Manufacturers
