Finding the Type of Motorcycle that is Right for You

Mode of Transport
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Purchasing a motorcycle generally involves a great deal of research before you decide on the one that is right for you. There are so many makes and models to choose from that it can also be confusing. You will want to think about your motorcycle riding experience when you are looking at the type of bike to purchase. You will also want to consider what you will be doing with your motorcycle.

There are many different types of motorcycle to consider based on your interests. Do you want a motorcycle that is known for speed? If you will be taking long road trips on your motorcycle then you definitely want one built for travel and comfort. You may also want one that offers compartments to hold your necessities while you travel. Other motorcycles are designed for riding on dirt or for competition. There are also scooters that are fun for in town.

If you are new to the feat of motorcycle riding, it is recommended that you start with a moderately priced motorcycle or even with a used one. This is because a new motorcycle can cost you $20,000. Do you want to risk scratching it up or having costly repairs from dropping the bike over? Trust me, if you are new to riding that is going to be a part of the experience! You can always purchase a newer motorcycle once you have become a seasoned rider.

Even if you have a particular style of motorcycle in mind, it has to fit your body perfectly. This may be disappointing at first, but keep in mind that if the bike doesn’t fit you there is a risk of an accident. It is also very likely that you won’t be comfortable while riding it, so what fun will that be? Of course you can always have a customized motorcycle made later on of the style you want that fits you perfectly.

The best way determine if a motorcycle is a good fit for you is to sit on the bike with the kickstand on the ground. Can you touch the ground with both feet? If not, then you need to look for a motorcycle that isn’t as tall. If you can reach the ground with both feet, can you reach the handle bars comfortably? How about the brakes and the turn signals?

Of course a very important aspect you need to consider when looking for the right motorcycle is the price. You need something that is going to fit into your budget. Do you want to purchase a used motorcycle for the amount of money you can afford? Are you willing to take out a loan to pay for a higher priced motorcycle on monthly payments? You should decide this before you even begin looking at potential motorcycles.

A motorcycle can provide you with a fun mode of transportation for fun or for commuting. Motorcycles are very inexpensive to operate and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. You will find your motorcycle to be more comfortable if you take your time and select one based on how it feels with your body shape than how the body of the bike looks. Choosing a bike that doesn’t fit well will leave you disappointed as well as raise the risk of accidents and injuries taking place.

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Customized Motorcycles

Photo © by Jeff Dean
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Motorcycles are very popular, with thousands of them on the road. You will find them in a variety of makes and models for your enjoyment. Finding exactly the style you want that fits your body can prove to be difficult, especially if you are extremely short or very tall. Having a customized motorcycle made to your specifications is a great alternative, but it is also more expensive.

One of the most well known custom motorcycle makers is Jesse James, owner of West Coast Choppers. Jesse James has been passionate about motorcycles since he was seven years old. He has customized motorcycles for many celebrities including Shaquille O’Neal, Kid Rock, and Kyle Petty. The bikes range in price from $50,000 to $150,000.

While this is going to be much to expensive for the average individual, you can still get a great customized motorcycle from some other sources. There are many things you need to consider to get started. First, what is it that you need from a motorcycle that you can’t get from a standard one at any retailer? If it is simply the color, you will save a great deal of money by purchasing it from the retailer and having it repainted. In some cases, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and have the bike painted your ideal color at the factory.

Most of the time, individuals need to have a motorcycle customized to fit them properly. Take Shaquille O’Neal for example. He is such a large person, that the average motorcycle just doesn’t work well for him. Jesse James was able to use O’Neal’s measurements to create a motorcycle that was comfortable for him to ride. Customized motorcycles are a great choice for those with a disability that prevents them from being able to operate a standard motorcycle.

If you are determined to have a customized motorcycle, take the time to research the various manufacturers you have to choose from. Keep in mind that you may have to wait several months or even years to get the motorcycle you want if the manufacturer is very busy. Always discuss the options you want in great detail as well as the price. If the manufacturer won’t agree to your specifications then look for someone who will.

It is a good idea to conduct research about the manufacturer. Find out how long they have been customizing motorcycles. Ask for references and to see samples of their work. You will also want to inquire about warranty information and a guarantee if you aren’t pleased with the work. In most cases, you will have to pay a deposit before work begins on your customized motorcycle. Make sure they are familiar with working with the model of motorcycle you want to have customized.

Having your very own motorcycle is a great recreational item to spend your time with. However, investing in a customized motorcycle will allow you to have the very best motorcycle that fits your style as well as your body. Being comfortable on your motorcycle will allow you more enjoyment and you can also use it for long road trips. You are less likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident if the motorcycle is a proper fit. While a customized motorcycle is more expensive than a traditional model, it is an investment that is well worth it.

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All About Suzuki Motorcycles

2002 Suzuki FXR150 Motorcycle.
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Suzuki Motor Company was founded by Michio Suzuki. He had a very successful looming business when he decided to invest in the concept of motorcycle manufacturing in 1920. Suzuki didn’t take the motorcycle world by storm, in stead it was a slow and steady rise to success. There were a variety of motorcycle models that had moderate success. People began to take notice of the Suzuki line of motorcycles after their Diamond Free model won the Mount Fuji Hill Climb in 1953.

In June of 1954, Suzuki implemented their trademark ‘S’ logo that is still used today. They also put their years of observing the motorcycle industry to good use. 1962 saw them as the winner of the Grand Prix World Championship. Suzuki decided to begin selling its motorcycles in the United States in 1963. They have come a long way since that first introduction. Consumers quickly took to the models, finding them to be valuable and reliable.

Suzuki introduced the X-6 Hustler in 1966, becoming their first street legal performance bike. At the time, it was also the fastest 250CC on the market. They followed the success of it with a 500CC model called The Titan. In 1969 Suzuki took the world by surprise when it introduced the GT750. This was a two stroke motorcycle that could reach a speed of 110 miles per hour. It was able to accelerate from zero to sixty in only five seconds. Since this motorcycle was so well received, Suzuki decided to make a larger bike with the same type of power. The RG500 became the most successful racing bike of that era.

Suzuki continued to dominate the motocross racing circuit in the 1970’s, winning the World Motocross Championship in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1976. Due to tighter emission regulations, Suzuki had some stumbling blocks in 1976. However, they were successfully able to redesign their four stroke models to meet these regulations. They models also sold very well.

Suzuki again make racing history with the introduction of the XN85 in 1982. This was a turbo charged motorcycle that won many high profile races. The first American to win the World Motocross Championship did so in 1982 on this bike. In 1986 they offered the GSX-R, also a turbo charged racer bike. What made it so original was the aluminum frame. This made it the lightest motorcycle in its class.

In addition to selling large quantities of racing bikes, Suzuki has done well in the cruiser market as well. The Boulevard model comes in many different sizes to meet the needs of the consumer. This is a very sporty looking model built to look great as well as to offer comfort. The five speed transmission allows the operator of the vehicle to remain comfortable regardless of the riding terrain.

The body of the Boulevard model allows for a smooth ride regardless of the speed at which you are traveling. This model is one of the top selling cruisers out there as well as the best price with the 2007 models priced around $13,000. Each one comes with a 12 month unlimited warranty that can be extended. Suzuki offers the best warranty of any motorcycle manufacturer with unlimited miles, no deductible, reimbursement costs if the motorcycle breaks down, rental vehicle reimbursement, and the remainder of the warranty is transferable should you decide to sell your motorcycle during the warranty time frame.

Today, Suzuki is in the top four motorcycle manufacturer’s world wide. They offer a wide variety of street, off road, and racing motorcycles to choose from. You can find Suzuki motorcycles at more than 1,600 dealerships around the world. They are well known for offering style, comfort, and speed with hundreds of different models to choose from. They are also among the top sellers because the models are very attractive, the price is very reasonable, and they stand behind their products by offering an excellent warranty.

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How to Choose the Right Type of Motorcycle

So you want to buy a motorcycle? Believe it or not, you have a lot of decisions to make before you are ready to make a purchase. There are dozens of types of motorcycles on the market today, and you will need to make sure you get one that is the right fit for you.

Main Types of Road Bikes

Road bikes are the bikes you will use on paved roads. Most people who are in the market for a motorcycle will choose this type of bike. These bikes are very fuel-efficient and typically have top speeds between 100 and 125 mph. There are multiple types of road bikes you can choose from.

Cruisers include bikes made by Harley-Davidson and Excelsior-Henderson among other manufacturers. When you sit on this bike, your feet will be facing forward. Most cruisers require you to keep your hands up and your spine straight. Choppers are a common type of cruiser. These are designed for comfort on long rides, not necessarily great speed. Many cruisers are custom made for their owners.

A sport bike is a bike that is designed for speed and handles well. It can stop and accelerate quickly and is incredibly maneuverable. These are sometimes called “crotch rockets.” They have a lightweight frame and a high performance engine. The foot pegs are typically quite high, requiring the rider to hold his legs close to the body. The rider generally has to lean forward in order to reach the hand controls.

Those who travel long distances on a regular basis or use their bikes for a long commute may wish to look for a touring model. These bikes have large screens, hold more fuel, and have more comfortable seats than other models. They are less sporty than the first two types, but are far more practical.

Naked bikes are bikes that have few extras. These street bikes are not covered with shiny body panels and do not have screens. They are simply an engine and a seat with the necessary controls. Functionality and performance are the main goals of these bikes.

If you are unsure about the bike you want, head to a dealership and test-drive a few different types. You will find one that is comfortable for you. This is the type of bike you should look for once you are ready to buy.

Scooters

While you may not think of a scooter as a motorcycle, it is does fall in this category. Scooters or motor scooters typically have small wheels and engines. They do not have foot bars, but the rider’s feet sit in front of him on a platform that is part of a step-through frame. These are not designed for speed, but they are designed to be a convenient, portable means of transportation. These are becoming more and more sporty in design as they gain popularity, especially among city dwellers.

Off-Road Motorcycles

Off-road bikes, which are sometimes called dirt bikes, have small, lightweight engines. They have simple construction and have little to no bodywork, because they are not designed for show. The tires are designed for rugged trail riding, and are large and knobby to aid the bike in maintaining traction. These bikes are used for off-road sports, not as a means of transportation. They are usually not street-legal.

Dual-Sport Motorcycles

For those who want to enjoy off-roading with their bikes but also want their motorcycle to be a means of transportation, dual-sport bikes are probably the best option. These bikes can be legally driven on the street, but they are also built durably enough to handle riding off road. There are several types of dual-sport bikes available.

A hypermotard has a powerful engine and is equipped with road tires and rims. The rest of the bike resembles an off road bike. Supermotards are similar bikes. They are known for their good handling on concrete and fast acceleration.

Adventure-touring bikes are road bikes that can go off road on gravel and dirt paths. They are not intended for use in motorbike sports, but those who enjoy touring the outdoors and do not want to be confined to paved roads will find these a good fit.

Get Your License

Before you can ride your bike, you need to have a motorcycle license. Check with your local DMV to find out the rules and regulations in your state regarding motorcycle riders on the road. You may need to take a motorcycle riding safety course. Remember, very little stands between you and the pavement when you are on a motorcycle, so you need to make sure you know how to handle the bike safely. Be sure to practice riding in a variety of conditions, especially wet conditions, before you head out on the open road. If you are not fully prepared for varying road conditions, you could be putting your life and the lives of those around you at risk when you take your bike on the road.

Getting the Right Gear

One of the most important pieces of gear you will need is a helmet. Some states do not require a helmet, but it is a very necessary piece of safety equipment. You will want to get a leather coat and gloves to protect your skin when you ride. Eye gear is required in all states, even those that do not require helmet use. Make sure you purchase eyewear that is designed to be used by motorcycle riders.

Finding the Right Bike

Once you have determined the general style of motorcycle you want, the search begins to find the one that best fits your tastes and needs. There are many places you can go to find the perfect bike. The most obvious option is a motorcycle dealership. If you want a brand new bike, this is the only option. However, if you are shopping for a used bike, you may find that an individual owner will offer you a better price.

If you decide to buy from an individual, you need to spend some time searching motorcycle classifieds. You can find these online or in your local paper. If you want something very specific, shopping with Internet motorcycle classifieds is going to be the best option. You will have a larger base of motorcycle owners from which to choose when you shop online.

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Different Types Of Motorcycles For Diverse Needs

For motorcycling enthusiasts, a motorcycle is more than just a motorized adaptation of a bike. To them it signifies power, freedom and style that must be flaunted. However, for most people a motorbike is a two-wheeler similar to bicycles but fitted with heavy and sturdy components that makes it powerful enough for fast travel.

There are different types of motorcycles that serve different purposes. While the basic purpose of a motorcycle is to act as a means of quick travel, it is also used by the army and law enforcing bodies, or for sports and racing purposes and touring. Another offbeat purpose that it serves is as a showpiece to flaunt. Concept motorcycles, though of not great appeal to the common man, are of great interest to those who view bikes as pieces of art similar to cars.

Different types of motorcycles:

Road motorcycle- the basic type of motorcycles is the road motorcycle catering to the needs of transportation and designed for moving on public roads. They come complete with all accessories essential for riding on the public roads. They have engine capacities of 125 cc, which can reach speeds up to 160-km/h.

Sports bike- these types of motorcycles are lighter and smaller and are intended for racing purposes. They possess four cylinder engines of 600 to 700 cc though super bikes may even have capacities of 1000 cc.

Cruiser- these bikes are meant for long distance riding with comfort and bring to mind the American bikes of the 1930s that were a rage till the 1960s. Harley Davidson and Henderson are examples of this type of motorcycles.

Touring motorcycles- these include Standard Tourers, Full-dress Tourers, Sports Tourers etc, and are designed to offer protection from harsh weather conditions including strong winds. These types of motorcycles have high torque engines, upright but comfortable seats and high capacity fuel tanks for long distance travel.

Naked bike- these are also called street bikes because the focus is on performance and ergonomics rather than style, which is why it is stripped to its bare essential parts. The Yamaha Seca II is a good example of this type of motorcycle.

Scooter- these are motorcycles meant for traveling short distances and have small wheels, about 14 inches in diameter and engines in the swing arm. These are 125 cc motorcycles though some larger ones may be over 250cc. A popular example of this type of motorcycle is the Honda Lead 80.

Moped- this is actually a hybrid type of motorcycle. These bikes with two-stroke engines that may be up to 50cc were immensely popular before the 1980s. however, they are used in some places even to this day.

There are several other types of motorcycles like, Off-road bikes that are best suited for rugged terrains and Farm bikes that were earlier used extensively by dairy farmers of New Zealand. For towing cars,light trucks and other such vehicles there is another type of motorcycle called towing bikes.

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A Look At Some Of The Different Motorcycle Engines

Motorcycles have been around for more than ten decades. During this time, motorcycle engines have developed through tweaking and reworking items to get the best performance. There have been more than one dozen engines, but some never met with success. Cost efficiency and customer satisfaction brought failure to a number of motorcycle engines.

All motorcycle engines are fueled by gasoline. To best understand engine types, it is important to understand how an engine works.

A pole called a rod cranks inside the engine and creates a draft that pulls both gasoline and air into a chamber called the cylinder. Inside the cylinder, a piston and rod quickly move up to push the gasoline and air into a smaller space where it meets the spark plug. The spark plug produces a spark between its two metal pieces.

Once the spark plug gives off a spark, the gasoline and air explode. This pushes the piston down, which in turn drives the belt or chain. This action is called torque. The movement of the belt or chain causes the rear wheel of the motorcycle to revolve. A motorcycle’s performance is determined by how many cylinders are inside the engine and how they are arranged.

Single cylinder engine:

A single cylinder engine has one cylinder and one piston. Single cylinder engines are used in all off road motorcycles. The single cylinder provides a lot of torque, but also a load of vibration. The vibration is loud and one of the qualities that dirt bike race fans crave during a race.

Twin cylinder engine:

Logically, twin cylinder engines have two cylinders. The cylinders are placed together at an angle. Usually the cylinders are positioned at a 90 degree angle, but there are exclusions to that standard. A twin cylinder engine produces more power because there is more torque and more fuel used. Twin cylinder engines do not vibrate as much as a single cylinder engine.

Now, as stated above, there are exceptions. The boxed or boxer design finds cylinders placed side by side. This produces even less vibration, but adds a new issue. The cylinders tend to jut out the side of the bike, which makes it hard to take sharp corners. Another issue is the tremendous heat that the cylinders project; it makes leg protection a necessary evil.

Triple Cylinder Engines

A three cylinder engine finds the cylinders included in a head. This type of engine offers a load of power, but it also requires more parts. Each cylinder requires an additional fuel injector and carburetor. The more cylinders included on an engine, the higher the engine RPM. More RPM means more power. Triumph makes motorcycles using three cylinders and boy can they fly!

Four Cylinder Engines

The four cylinder engine is just like the three cylinder engine only it has the additional cylinder and therefore weighs more. As is true of any engine, more cylinders equal more power and smoother sailing.

It is important to consider how much size and power you require in your motorcycle. If you are taking your bike off road, you need a bike with plenty of torque and a low rpm to make it up hills and quickly navigate corners. For off roading, stick with a single cylinder. A double cylinder is your second choice.

If your main purpose for riding a motorcycle is riding through traffic and along roads, do not purchase a bike with less than a twin cylinder engine, although a three or four cylinder engine is a better idea.

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