In our country, a motorcycle plays the role of a two-wheeled friend “for the soul.” If in some India, Vietnam, China, a bike is used forcibly, transporting all family members, furniture and pets at the same time, then here it is purchased precisely for pleasure. The criteria for choosing a motorcycle are different for everyone - to get to work faster without traffic jams, to pick up girls, for traveling, to mix up dirt off-road, for “shooting” around the city at night, etc.
Choosing the first bike
If you are a beginner, we do not advise you to start immediately with a large cubic capacity. The choice of your first motorcycle should be based on safety considerations. It is necessary to understand the principles of driving a bike, learn the traffic rules well, and distinguish the difference between riding a car according to traffic regulations and driving a two-wheeler.
But there is a difference! A car is a large vehicle. It is clearly visible on the road (even though accidents occur regularly). The motorcycle always remains invisible. Even bright clothes don't help. It is very important for a beginner to verify this from his own experience. It will also be necessary to learn to predict the road situation “several moves” ahead.
All motorcyclists know that large cubic capacity and explosive nature provoke the pilot to break the rules. While an experienced rider can afford this, a beginner cannot yet react so well. His reflexes are not sharpened, his skills are still not enough. But there is more than enough ambition! Therefore, we recommend choosing a 125 cc vehicle as your first motorcycle. Here are a few of its advantages:
- You can open category A1 for legal driving under additional traffic regulations at the age of 16;
- These bikes are relatively inexpensive, both new and used;
- They are very cheap to maintain;
- They “eat” very little fuel;
- Consumables and spare parts can be found even in the outback;
- One or two seasons is enough to master the necessary motorcycle riding skills;
- If you buy a used Japanese motorcycle, for example, the legendary Yamaha YBR 125, then you can sell it at the same price without losing money.
Choosing a motorcycle by height
Height is an important factor that directly influences the choice of motorcycle. Saddle height varies depending on the type of bike. Thus, off-road motocross and enduro motorcycles are distinguished by high ground clearance and enormous suspension travel. They are very high in the saddle, but in this sport this is justified: the pilot almost always stands above the motorcycle, and “catches” it with his foot only in sharp turns. At the same time, such a tall bike is not suitable for riding around the city. Numerous traffic lights, crossings, and intersections force the pilot to stop regularly. Ideally, he stands firmly with both feet on the asphalt. This is the safest option, allowing, if something happens, to “catch” a falling bike by pushing off with your foot. Uneven roads, an occasional hole, a slope, sand, dirt on the side of the road - all this requires confidently holding the motorcycle at a speed of zero km/h. Of course, you can ride on any two-wheeler. Many pilots only lightly touch the asphalt with the toe of one foot. But this option is unsafe. And taking a passenger on board without being able to firmly hold the motorbike is generally irresponsible.
Therefore, when choosing a motorcycle, you definitely need to “try it on”. Or at least use the website https://cycle-ergo.com, where you can do this virtually by choosing a brand and indicating your height parameters.
Selecting a bike for the city
Choosing a city motorcycle is quite simple. There are a lot of models like Street or Classic. They are easy to recognize regardless of brand due to several features:
- Small amount of plastic;
- Average or even low saddle height;
- Smooth, almost straight landing;
- "Road" tires;
- Excellent handling and maneuverability.
They come in different cubic capacity and power. There are small-capacity bikes, such as the Yamaha YBR 125 or Suzuki Bandit 250. There are more powerful ones - the Honda CB 400 SF, proven over decades, or the Kawasaki W650 retro bike.
In principle, motorcycles of other classes may be suitable for the city. True, riding sports cars like the Yamaha YZF R1 or Honda CBR 600 RR on city streets is extremely inconvenient. The “recumbent” landing, the explosive operation of the engine, the need to “turn” it require a racing track, and not streets with intersections, traffic lights and active traffic.
Biker shows
Most motorcycle lovers join clubs where entertaining bike shows and festivals are held year after year. Sometimes they are arranged by the manufacturers of these vehicles. Such shows can be either open, that is, anyone can participate in them, or closed, by invitation or registration a few days in advance. The largest number of bikers at such a show gathers in Sturgis (South Dakota, USA) - more than one hundred thousand people. The festivals are famous not only for riding, but also for the performances of musical groups, as well as motorcycle stunts, which are quite an interesting spectacle. All visitors are allowed to drink alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
Choosing a bike for travel
The choice of a touring motorcycle sooner or later concerns everyone who is about to go on a trip. Ideally, a long-distance bike should meet the following criteria:
- Have a comfortable fit with a straight back;
- Have a soft suspension, moderately high ground clearance for overcoming country roads;
- Have good wind protection;
- Be hung with various trunks, bags, trunks (optional, you can finish it yourself);
- The volume of the fuel tank and gasoline consumption should allow you to ride the motorcycle for as long as possible (300-500 km from refueling to refueling);
- Ideally - ABS. This improves security. And long-term driving on the highway somehow dulls the reaction and reflexes of the pilot;
- The weight and size of the bike must be such that if it falls, the pilot can pick it up without assistance.
With or without a cardan is an eternal question regarding touring motorcycles. The presence of a cardan allows you to travel tens of thousands of kilometers without unnecessary worries. While chain maintenance is necessary every 500-600 km, as well as after every rain or wash. In this case, the cardan, which has served its life, will have to be replaced entirely - and this will hit your pocket very hard. While a chain with stars costs pennies, and you can change them even in the field “on the knee”. Here everyone makes a choice for themselves.
Classic “tourists” include BMW R1200GS , BMW R1200RT, Triumph Trophy 1200, Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager, Honda Gold Wing, and some other Honda and Yamaha motorcycles. Cruisers have also proven themselves to be good for tourists, allowing them to stretch their legs and relax on a long journey.
When choosing a motorcycle, remember that the best long-distance bike is the one you already own. It’s better to go on a trip in a small-capacity or road-going vehicle than not to go at all, saving money for years for the equipment of your dreams.
Ducati XDiavel
Let's get back to powerful motorcycles. A long and low cruiser that is suitable for tall people. Forward footrests and a seat behind the engine provide a comfortable riding position.
According to Ducati, the rider has 147 ergonomic configuration options available to him! 147, not 18! Definitely a recipe for success! There are seven footrest positions, seven seat positions and three handlebar positions. One thing: pay attention to what is the main offer and what is for additional money. For example, in stock XDiavel implies a regular seat. The manufacturer says that there are 6 more alternative options as additional accessories.
Inside the motorcycle is the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, with a maximum power of 152 hp. at 9,500 rpm. What I mean is that even a tall driver needs to improve his driving skills. For a novice rider, the Ducati XDiavel is too steep.
Does it make sense to take dockless?
We strongly advise you not to choose a motorcycle without documents. This choice brings with it many inconveniences:
- There is a risk that the bike is stolen - you will be considered an accomplice;
- The vehicle can always be “squeezed out”, stolen, you will never be able to contact law enforcement agencies, put on the wanted list and generally prove that this is your equipment;
- The traffic police will always be interested in people without docks. You will not be able to calmly go to a rally, or go on a motorcycle trip, or ride in a convoy to the opening or closing of the season. The fear of the law will always be present;
- If you get into an accident, you will always be at fault, no matter how fast you were driving or who should have passed whom. You simply did not have the right to be at additional traffic police stations in an unregistered vehicle.
Registering a motorcycle is a simple procedure and will not take much of your time. The main thing is to initially buy a “clean” bike, check it by frame number, get a certificate-invoice or draw up a sales contract. But after this you can be confident and calm. Which also increases reaction and safety on the road.
The choice of motorcycle is very important. Take this seriously, and then you will only enjoy driving!
Crime
In Japan there was a criminal group of bikers - bosozoku. They were considered reckless drivers and led a mostly illegal lifestyle. The state continually used brutal measures to combat them, as a result of which the number of bosozoku decreased every day. Some bikers arrested for illegal racing were already elderly.
This group of bikers had their own style that made them stand out from the rest.
Currently, bosozoku leads a non-criminal lifestyle and is not considered dangerous to society. Also, some group members chose to switch to cars.
