What Is the Right Motorcycle for Me?
Whether you are just starting a new passion or looking to upgrade your older motorcycle for something that is a better fit for your advancing skills, learning as much as you can about the many types of motorcycles you have to choose from before deciding is key. Selecting a motorcycle that is a good fit for your current skill level and the specific ways in which you plan to use your motorcycle is crucial. Here are five different motorcycle styles that TEAM Arizona’s students tend to prefer, as well as some of the most important features that may make them the best motorcycles for you!
Sport Bike
Sport bikes are among the fastest, most nimble motorcycle options available, making them an excellent fit for adrenaline-seekers looking to get as much power out of their machines as possible. While these high-performance motorcycles may not be the best choice for beginners or riders who plan to primarily ride on streets with speed limits that often fall far below their maximum capabilities, they can take intermediate and expert riders to exciting speeds of well over 100 miles per hour on a closed course.
Most modern sport bikes are laden with the latest technology passed down from the highest ranks of motorcycle racing. Think MotoGP. Some of the latest, greatest technology includes six-axis IMUs, traction control, cornering ABS, multiple power modes, and more. If you want all the performance and excitement of a Formula 1 race car packed into a reasonable price point, then a sport bike may suit your needs.
Cruiser
Cruisers are some of the easiest and most comfortable motorcycles to ride, making them excellent choices for beginners. Cruisers typically have lower seat heights, forgiving engines with tractable power, and excellent gas mileage which makes them ideal for commuting, running errands, or just getting out on the open road. Fantastic technology is pouring into the cruiser segment as consumers demand more from cruiser manufacturers. LED lighting, TFT display screens, and quality paint jobs can all be found in various forms of cruiser motorcycles. Light or medium-weight cruisers are generally easier to handle for beginner riders, but once the experienced is gained, there are some incredible packages offered on the heavier side of the cruiser segment.
Dual Sport / Adventure Bikes
If you find yourself looking at the hilly mountains to the left and right of you when you’re driving out of town, wondering what exists beyond the narrow stretch of road you are on, then you may be a good candidate for a Dual Sport or Adventure Bike. This style of bike allows riders to enjoy the best of both worlds: on and offroad. The versatility of bikes in this segment allows riders to explore the wonders we have here in Arizona and beyond yet are comfortable enough to pack on highway miles without strife. The sit-up-and-beg rider position make them an excellent option for long hauls and the ability to add hard or soft bags to the subframe make them a great option for doing overnighters. Here again, this segment offers a huge variety in weight and size. There are some great 300cc options under 400lbs and there are some beasts that definitely command respect coming in at 1300cc and more than 600lbs when fully kitted out. Either way, you’ll want to make sure you’re trained to maximize the full potential of the motorcycle. That is where our Confident RiderCourse comes in for the street, and our dirt bike partner comes in for the offroad (www.dirtbiketraining.com).
Dresser / Tourer
If you want all the creature comforts, then this segment may be for you. Comfort is necessary if you plan to spend hours or even days exploring on your new motorcycle. Dresser touring bikes rank among the most comfortable for long-distance riding. Dresser models are often packed with luxurious features that provide everything you need for trips across town, your state, or even the country, such as heated seats, high-end GPS navigation systems, Bluetooth and audio systems, communication devices, and other extras that go above and beyond what most other motorcycles have to offer. This platform is also great for riding with a pillion. Make sure your skills are up to par before placing a passenger on the back, however.
Sport Tourer
Reformed sport bikers who don’t want to give up performance yet don’t want to spoon themselves into the tight cockpit sport bikes offer may find refuge in this category. The quality of bikes in this segment mean riders won’t have to give up much performance at all compared to sport bikes, including motor and bike handling, but will gain comfort with a much more relaxed seating position. Taller riders may find this to be an excellent option as well. These bikes blend the power and sporty appearance of a sport bike with an ease of use and comfort found in the dresser world. This one segment combines the best of two worlds to create one machine that riders can use for nearly any on road and even closed-course experience.
Choose TEAM Arizona for Top-Notch Motorcycle Training
Whether you are a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast looking to sharpen a specific skill or starting from the beginning, TEAM Arizona’s training courses are the perfect starting point for becoming a safe and competent motorcyclist. Many of our RiderCourse training locations are located near the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Still, we also offer options across other parts of Arizona to help as many residents as possible learn everything they need to know to take advantage of spending time in the sun. Contact us today to learn more about what to consider when choosing just the right type of motorcycle for your preferences and skill level, or to sign up for one of our many RiderCourses!
