So, you've decided to get a motorcycle for yourself? Congratulations! A motorcycle will help you become independent, from public transport in these days of social distancing, as well give you a sense of freedom, and almost unlimited mobility, as well as fun. Different folks have different reasons for choosing a motorcycle; some will use it purely for commuting and for intra-city use, others will use it for city use, as well as the occasional highway run. And for those die-hard romantics will use it for leisure, spending some time every week outdoors, enjoying the freedom and joy riding a motorcycle brings.
Depending on what kind of riding you intend to do, and where you want to ride, you should choose your bike wisely, and more often than not, it's not just the upfront cost of the bike but also how much you will end up using it, that should determine your choice of motorcycle. Here are a few tips to choose the right motorcycle, if you've decided to get yourself a new ride.
Also Read: Must-Have Riding Gear
Depending on what kind of riding you will be primarily doing, choose your motorcycle wisely. A commuter motorcycle will return good fuel economy, but here also you will have several options and segments to choose from. A 110 cc motorcycle will be primarily focussed on returning fuel economy, but if you need to cover longer distances, and will have a pillion on board, more often than not, then a 125 cc motorcycle makes better sense. For those, who still need decent fuel economy, but need sporty performance, a 150-60 cc motorcycle works best. Then, there are those, who need even better performance and are willing to sacrifice on the advantages of fuel economy, then a 200-250 cc commuter motorcycle may be the perfect choice.
For those looking to start riding off-road, or beginners looking to venture off-road, an entry-level adventure motorcycle like a Hero XPulse 200 or a KTM 250 Adventure makes perfect sense. But slightly more experienced riders may not find these bikes thrilling enough.
For riders looking to cover long distance in comfort, but with a limited budget, bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan makes sense. But keep in mind, that it's not performance-oriented, and is on the heavier side, so riding off-road may not be as easy as a lighter motorcycle.
For those looking for an adrenaline rush, a smaller commuter oriented bike, or even an entry-level adventure bike won't quite cut it. These are riders looking to primarily ride on tarmac, need quick acceleration from stop light to stop light, and enough power for quick overtakes. For such riders, nothing less than a punchy naked street bike will do.
For those looking for a comfortable touring bike at a budget, there are the models from Royal Enfield, and die-hard RE fans will not even look at any other motorcycle. These are bikes which can be used for the daily commute, the occasional long ride, and even the weekend leisure ride.
For those who have a budget for a motorcycle which will cost as much as a regular hatchback, there are seveal options in the entry-level roadster segment. These are bikes which have the perfect balance of performance, handling and presence; a sort-of 'I have arrived in the big bike club' statement, yet not intimidating enough for riders with limited skills and experience. These entry-level roadsters, like the Triumph Trident 660 pictured above, will be perfect for the daily commute, for some weekend fun, and for the occasional touring duty if required.
The neo-retro Scramblers give the perfect blend of off-road presence, classic design and modern technology. These bikes look the part of pure-bred off-road dual-sport bikes, and have respectable off-road ability, and are not heavy or as performance-oriented as a middleweight adventure bike. For those who like the look of a Scrambler, and those who may not like the bulky look of an ADV, the Scramblers make a good choice. But lack of wind protection, and luggage carrying ability limit these bikes for multi-day adventures.
Heavyweight cruisers laden with chrome and a large displacement engine aren't for everyone. Sure, they have dollops of presence, muscular looks and are guaranteed head-turners, but they lack agility, and are usually cumbersome to handle in traffic. Of course, big heavyweight cruisers are mostly imported as completely built units (CBUs) and come with a hefty price tag, so not everyone can afford to acquire one, even as a second bike.
Middleweight adventure bikes offer versatility. Yes, they are bulky, somewhat heavy and still cost a lot more than naked bikes, but they can be used for long rides, some off-road duty if required, and offer a fun package. Yet, middleweight adventure bike riders need a certain skill set to truly enjoy the capabilities of their machines. Those with less experience may not enjoy these bikes, or be able to fully exploit their potential. Of course, there's a decent price tag to be considered to acquire one of these as well.
You need a decent budget, and a certain level of experience and skills to truly appreciate what a big ADV can deliver. For multiple-day trips across hundreds of kilometres, these are the perfect motorcycles with enough power to make long rides not as tiring. And these ADVs come with very good off-road capability as well. But you'll need to have a certain level of skill to exploit the capabilities of a full-size ADV. And yes, there's also the bulk and heft to consider if you're going to be riding alone. Drop it, and it will require more than just brute strength to pick it up all by yourself. And yes, these are quite expensive, to own, as well as to maintain and accessorize, so not for everyone!
