There have always been many people who want to join the aesthetics of riding two-wheeled vehicles with a motor, which is not surprising, because speed, freedom of movement and the ability to ride off-road attracts many.
But besides the spirit of freedom and the feeling of belonging to the biker culture, motorcycles have a very practical use. This is the ability to freely maneuver between rows of cars in traffic jams, allowing you to quickly get to the right place or, for example, choosing an off-road bike, ride it even in the wilderness.
However, when operating such an unsafe vehicle, you should be careful and follow the necessary safety regulations. Not to mention the fact that you need to go to a motorcycle school and get a license.
In today's article we will look at a number of motorcycle models that are well suited for beginners and give some tips on choosing them.
Choosing a motorcycle type
First of all, you need to decide in what conditions the motorcycle will be used. This will determine the most suitable variety.
The classification of motorcycles is broader than that given below. We will consider only those categories among which it is advisable to make a choice depending on the intended purpose.
City driving. Classic
An ideal option for city trips are classic and neoclassical motorcycles. This variety is the most common on sale and has a relatively low cost.
Neoclassics are motorcycles with the same classic structure, but with a modern design. Functionally, there is no fundamental difference between these two subspecies.
Classic motorcycle configuration (pictured: Honda CB1100)
Long trips. Tourer
For those who like to travel on a motorcycle from city to city, a tourer-type model is suitable. This variety is distinguished by a spacious trunk in which you can keep the things you need for a trip, and a comfortable seat in which it is convenient to sit for a long time.
Pay attention to the comfortable seat and spacious case of the tourer (pictured: Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer)
Speed driving. Sportbike
Sports motorcycles are distinguished by several key features:
- low driver position,
- high maximum speed,
- short passes.
An ideal option for those who want to “drive a motorcycle.” It’s not very comfortable for long trips due to the specific seating position that relies on your hands, which makes you tired after an hour of driving (or even earlier).
Sportbike with a predatory face – Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636
Motorcycle trips. Enduro
Enduro-type motorcycles allow you to turn off the road into the forest or mountains without fear for the condition of the “iron horse”. This is especially valuable considering that almost the entire road system in Russia creates conditions more suitable for SUVs than for conventional vehicles.
Enduros are ideal for motorcycle trekking and cross-country riding.
The specific shape of enduro motorcycles cannot be confused with anything (pictured is a Yamaha WR250)
Once again, clearly:
Used motorcycles: how to choose and what to look for
Buying a used motorcycle is a thoughtful and difficult process.
Photo: EAST NEWS
This year I bought my first motorcycle. The choice fell on the red (even more cherry) Honda Shadow VT750 produced in 2005. A childhood dream came true - since school I wanted something big, chrome-plated, beautiful and with a noble guttural exhaust. What can be proudly called a chopper. Although this word doesn’t quite apply to my bike, but still.
As I understand it, 90% (and maybe more) of beginners buy used equipment. The reason is simple: due to inexperience, it is better to fall from something cheaper. It makes sense to save the purchase of an expensive new motorcycle for at least the second or third season.
And second-hand equipment, which has been used up for the first ten years, almost does not depreciate in value. A motorcycle can be sold after a year for the same money for which it was bought (if there were no serious collisions).
I faced the traditional question for a beginner: how to find a new bike in good condition, in general, how to choose a used motorcycle. Age doesn't mean anything when you're trying to figure out how to choose a used motorcycle. You can find a 10-year-old motorcycle in perfect order, or you can find a 3-year-old bucket with nuts.
Together with motorcycle expert Nikolai Bogomolov, I have compiled 15 simple tips that will help you check the condition of your motorcycle. No special tools are needed.
1. Look at your appearance. Are there any scratches, chips, or nicks in the paint? By themselves, abrasions do not mean anything. Over time, they appear in everyone. But if the motorcycle is completely faded, this can become a bargaining point.
2. Check the suspension: front fork and rear shock absorbers. There should be no oil drips, grease stains or streaks.
3. Look at the engine. Here, like in a wine cellar, it should be dry - no drips or stains.
4. Separately check the condition of the chrome parts (if any). It is quite difficult to kill chrome on Japanese motorcycles. If the shiny coating bubbles or peels off somewhere, it means the motorcycle is very old. Or it was poorly stored outside. In any case, you can request a discount from the seller.
5. Look at the condition of the frame. All welds must be identical. If the frame was repaired, then the welder from the workshop will not be able to accurately replicate the factory seam. We are looking for traces of possible repainting or breaks. A motorcycle that has had its frame repaired should be treated with great suspicion.
6. Look inside the tank (shine it with a flashlight, not a lighter!). There should be no rust on the metal walls. Corrosion indicates poor storage of the motorcycle.
7. Check the condition of the brake disc and pads. They should not be very worn. If the parts are erased, then you can ask the seller for a discount - after all, the future owner will still have to change them.
8. Look at the condition of the tires. The protector should not be worn down too much. Compare the depth of the pattern on the sidewall of the tire and on the middle part - if the difference is large, then the tires need to be changed. This again can be a trump card when trading.
The tire must not be too old (maximum: 5 years). Ancient tires begin to harden and crack - they do not hold the road well. To understand the age of the rubber, you need to find a 4-digit number with the production date on the sidewall. The first two digits will indicate the serial number of the week in the year, the second two digits will indicate the year of manufacture itself.
9. Look at the bolts and screws of the motorcycle. They should be the same. If there are different fasteners everywhere, it means the motorcycle has been repaired. Then you can ask the owner what work was done and why.
10. Check the electrical system. The only thing you can do without tools is to see if all the lights are on and if all the appliances are working. Old motorcycles have fairly simple electronics—there’s not much that can break. New technology with cruise controls and heated seats is more complicated. If you have any doubts about its performance, either bring an expert motorcycle electrician, or go look for another motorcycle that is more intact.
11. Check the fluids. The brake fluid should not be viscous and dark. The condition of motor oil is more difficult to assess - it can turn black even at the very beginning of its life. In general, after buying a used motorcycle, it is best to take it to a workshop and change all the fluids that are there.
12. Start the engine and listen. Most engines operate without any extreme clanging or rattling (although there are exceptions). Twist the throttle - the engine should pick up speed without failures, and then calmly release them.
13. Try to move. Engage first gear and slowly release the clutch. There should be no jerking at the beginning of the movement. If the motorcycle does not start smoothly, but begins to jerk, then the clutch is worn out. The part will have to be replaced soon. In this case, either look for another motorcycle or ask for a discount.
14. Take a test drive. You can leave a small advance payment to the owner to make him feel safer. The motorcycle should go straight even if you don’t hold onto the steering wheel - try letting go of your hands for a couple of seconds. If the bike starts to pull away, then the frame may be crooked. Bad sign!
During a test drive, engage all gears one by one and check the operation of the brakes. You can drive over a speed bump or pothole to see how effective the suspension is.
15. It is best to buy a motorcycle in August or autumn - at this time discounts begin to apply. What is sold for 200 thousand rubles in the spring can be purchased for 175 thousand at the end of the season.
And the last piece of advice is out of the question: remember that you can always find a similar motorcycle, only better. There is a suspicion that the seller is trying to sell a pig in a poke - go somewhere else. The selection on the secondary market is huge.
It is better to come to inspect a used motorcycle with an experienced person. It’s not difficult to find an expert - salons and motorcycle clubs are officially ready to provide consultations for 4-5 thousand rubles. This money can be easily returned when bargaining before purchasing.
Selecting the number of cubes
The next step is to decide on the required number of cubes. You should rely on the following criteria:
- The golden rule of a motorcyclist is to take a motorcycle that you can lift. Weight is directly related to cubic capacity. For example, to service 120-130 kg you need a 250 cc engine, for 160-180 kg - 400-600 cc, for 200-210 - 750 cc, etc.
- The number of cubes directly affects the cost of the motorcycle, so budget is one of the determining factors.
- More experience is required to operate a powerful model. Therefore, beginners take motorcycles with a 250 cc engine. For those who are confident in their abilities, you can take it “for growth.”
- If you have previously only had experience riding Russian motorcycles, when calculating the required cubic capacity, keep in mind that the same cubes of the “Japanese” will be more powerful.
Purchase method
There are three main ways to purchase a used motorcycle.
Method number 1. By advertisement
The advantage of the method: you can find a very cheap option.
Disadvantage: there is a high probability of spending the same amount of money on repairs a month later.
Method No. 2. Through an intermediary company
Advantage: everything is done for you - you just come and choose the model you like from the options presented.
Disadvantage: the most expensive method - you have to pay for mediation.
Method number 3. At a Japanese auction
Advantage: the opportunity to purchase a high-quality motorcycle with minimal wear and tear.
Disadvantage: having to wait several months for delivery. The price depends on the exchange rate.
For more information on how to order a car or motorcycle at a Japanese auction, read the article: “Buying a car at an auction in Japan. Step-by-step instruction".
Cruiser
The Cruiser is a powerful bike with a spectacular design, the concept of which was originally developed by Harley-Davidson. Differences from choppers, with which cruisers have much in common, are characteristic large wings, a large gas tank, and a low steering wheel.
Suzuki Intruder
Suzuki Intruder was produced from 1985 to 2005. It is in strong demand on the world market. Different models and their versions have been modernized in the process of evolution.
Equipped with a four-stroke v-twin engine, predominantly water-cooled, and a five-speed manual transmission. Gears shift smoothly, which eliminates the bike's bouncing at moderate riding intensity. Engine power depends on the model and starts from 60 hp. Single-disc brake discs are installed on the front and rear wheels with a 2-piston caliper. Fuel consumption is 5.7 liters per 100 km.
Pros:
- Beautiful design;
- smooth speed increase;
- comfortable low seat.
Minuses:
- heavy weight makes handling difficult;
- difficult braking;
- noticeable vibrations at high speed.
A used bike can be bought with documents in excellent condition for a price of 100 thousand rubles. and higher.
