What Size Motorcycle Do I Need?
To get the most out of your riding experience you’ll need a motorcycle that can comfortably carry your weight, allows you to easily reach the controls and maintain good balance by being able to touch your feet to the ground. Cost, performance, style, and usage are all things to consider when looking for the right bike.
What Size Motorcycle Do I Need?
Aside from maneuverability and engine capacity, you need to determine carrying capacity. Are you planning on taking long trips with luggage? Or having a passenger? The weight limit for most bikes is around 350-450 lbs. To determine the carrying capacity, subtract the bike’s weight from its gross vehicle weight rating and the outcome is the remaining weight left for you and a passenger or cargo.
A lighter motorcycle will be easier to handle, balance and maneuver, especially if you’re a novice or smaller rider, but what if you’re a heavy or tall rider? A general recommendation for new riders is a 250 or 300cc bike, but a 600cc bike would be powerful enough to support a heavy rider and therefore a better choice. Ultimately it’ll come down to what’s comfortable for you to handle.
Once you’ve determined the best engine and carrying capacity for your bike the next step is sizing things up. Motorcycling is all about balance and your feet (not just tip toes) should be able to touch the ground. Riding when you can’t easily access the controls is another crucial indicator that a bike is not ideal for you. Stretching too far to access the controls or feeling awkward while seated on a bike will make it hard for you to ride safely and comfortably.
What Type of Motorcycle Do I Need?
Motorcycles are purpose-specific machines which is the reason they have evolved to have so many different types. The way a bike’s chassis and wheelbase are designed, how its engine is tuned, and its suspension is set up all align with a certain purpose. Take a moment to think realistically about how you plan to use your bike and that’ll help you narrow down your list.
Cruisers often have low seats which helps them fit a variety of body types and sizes, however the leaned-back position may make it hard for those with shorter arms to reach the controls. They’re heavier than sport and adventure bikes but most are still light enough that the average rider will find them manageable. Their engines are tuned for low-speed torque making cruisers easier to ride and there’s little bodywork to damage in a tip-over.
Standard motorcycles typically have a mid-level seat and are relatively light in weight. These are the “do-all” bikes with a good mix of comfort, neutral riding position and control with minimal or no fairings to damage. Adventure or dual-sport sport bikes tend to be comfortable, light and unlikely to suffer damage in a tip-over but often have tall seats which can be problematic for short riders.
The best way to determine if a bike is right for you is to hop on it! We’ll help you find the perfect ride whether you’re purchasing your first bike and have no idea where to start or if you’re a seasoned rider that knows exactly what you’re looking for. Give us a call at 303-308-1811 or schedule a test ride here.