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How to choose the motorcycle that's right for you

By Lance Oliver

A non-rider often asks, "What's the best motorcycle?" The experienced rider answers, "That depends on what you want to do with it."

Today, motorcycles are better than ever and also more specialized than ever. The key to being happy with your choice is not finding the "best" motorcycle, but rather finding the motorcycle that's right for you and the kind of riding you want to do.

Some motorcycles are obviously more suited to new riders than others, however.

Help buying used

In Five things every new rider needs to know, we make the case for choosing a used bike as your first bike.

Not sure what to look for when buying used? Refer to our used-bike buying checklist in Rider Resources.

The two things most likely to add to a new rider's confidence level are light weight and the ability to get both feet on the ground at a stop. Lighter is always better when you're still learning to balance, steer, accelerate and brake. And while experienced riders often learn to become comfortable just getting one foot down at a stop, it's more reassuring to plant both feet when you're just getting started.

Fortunately, weight and seat height figures are almost always included among the specifications listed for new motorcycles on the manufacturers' websites, so that's a good place to start sorting through which bikes are most new-rider-friendly.

But with hundreds of new and used models available for sale, you still need to narrow your search a little.

The first step toward figuring out which bike is right for you is understanding the categories of motorcycles and their pros and cons, from the perspective of a new rider. Use the following table and refer to our glossary if you don't understand a term.

Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail

Example shown: Harley-Davidson Softail
Built for: Relaxed rides
New rider pros:
check Low seat lets rider get feet down
check Low center of gravity offsets heft
check Engine tuned for low-rpm power makes clutch/throttle coordination easier
New rider cons:
X Long, low style means handling is a bit awkward on some models
A couple of options:
arrow While the big cruisers are heavy and expensive, mid-size machines like the Honda Shadow or Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster are more nimble, affordable

Standard
Honda 599

Example shown: Honda 599
Built for: Doing a little of everything
New rider pros:
check Neutral ergonomics give rider a better sense of control, comfort
check Lack of fairing makes tip-over less costly
New rider cons:
X Some larger standards make well over 100 horsepower and can be intimidating to an inexperienced rider
A couple of options:
arrow Buell Blast is one of the few motorcycles specifically designed for new riders
arrow Suzuki SV650 is more powerful, relatively light, offers nimble handling

Touring
Yamaha FJR1300

Example shown: Yamaha FJR1300
Built for: Long rides on the open road
New rider pros:
check Comfortable, good weather protection
check Convenience of integrated luggage
New rider cons:
X Generally heavier and more expensive than average
X Most have powerful engines that demand respect
X Saddlebags, fairing subject to damage in a tip-over
An alternative:
arrow To get the convenience without the expense, add aftermarket windshield and luggage to a smaller standard

Sportbike
Kawasaki ZX10-R

Example shown: Kawasaki ZX10R Ninja
Built for: Speed and handling
New rider pros:
check Relatively light weight
New rider cons:
X High power and strong brakes demand respect and a deft touch
X Engine tuned for high-rpm power makes clutch/throttle coordination trickier
X High insurance costs
X Drop it and replacement plastic is costly
One good option:
arrow If you must have sportbike styling, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a less expensive, more forgiving way to learn

Dual Sport
KTM 640 Adventure photo by H. Mitterbauer

Example shown: KTM 640 Adventure
Built for: Riding on and off road
New rider pros:
check Relatively light weight
check Versatility: Ride the trails on Sunday, ride to work on Monday
check If it gets scratched and dirty, off-road riders will just respect you more
New rider cons:
X Tall seats on more serious off-road models
X Light weight offset by height
A good option:
arrow Yamaha XT225 is light, simple, inexpensive to buy and insure, has a relatively low seat and won't suffer much damage if you drop it

Scooter
Suzuki Burgman

Example shown: Suzuki Burgman 400
Built for: Urban transportation, practicality
New rider pros:
check No clutch — just twist and go
check 50-90 mpg, depending on size
check Storage and weather protection on most models
New rider cons:
X Scooters with smaller wheels can be less stable at speed, feel "darty"
A few good options:
arrow For low-speed urban use, Honda Metropolitan, Yamaha Vino or similar 50cc scooters get phenomenal mileage
arrow Bigger scooters like the Burgman (left) or Piaggio X9 are capable of highway journeys