At SCRCS, we store some fabulous motorbikes for our customers, and if there’s one thing all of these owners share in abundance, it’s passion.
They absolutely love their two-wheeled companions. They mean the world to them - just as much as a classic car might be the most important collection of metal, rubber and oily fluids to a four-wheeled enthusiast.
You may have spotted this passion in a friend or family member and now feel compelled to get involved yourself. Perhaps you’ve already taken your tests and now need to find your own two-wheeled companion.
But, wait! Before you spend your hard-earned on your first motorbike, here’s some key considerations to take into account:
Dropping it
Let’s be honest - most new riders will inadvertently drop their first bike at some stage. It happens - it’s almost inevitable.
For this reason, you might want to opt for something as light as possible (which will cause less damage hopefully when dropped) or opt for a secondhand bike that won’t cost too much to repair and might already have the odd scratch or three.
Weight
We alluded to this above, but the weight of a motorcycle (be it a first purchase or one of many) is vital to how much you’ll enjoy using it.
Even ‘small’ bikes can be incredibly heavy and may be a pain to ride in stop-start urban traffic.
Always try out any bike you’re thinking about buying and use your head rather than your heart to judge how the weight might impact your enjoyment of it.
The distance you intend riding
If you’ll only undertake small trips or a few back road blasts on your bike, a sports bike or something else that responds and handles well will be perfect.
However, take a bike like that consistently on long journeys, and it’ll soon get tiresome.
If you’re regularly going long haul, look for a bike that offers a more upright riding position and, ideally, a windshield.
Storage
This is probably the last thing on your mind (you just want to get out there and ride, right?), but even if you only intend to use your bike as a bit of weekend fun, there will be times when storing stuff might be a requirement.
A quick trip to the shops or unexpected return from a mate’s with a present will be a pain if you don’t have anywhere to store the stuff.
Some bikes offer storage space under the seat, while others will provide room for a ‘top box’ on the back. Take this into consideration, no matter how boring it might feel.
And finally: the seat height
Of primary concern with a motorbike should be your safety and comfort, and the seat height plays a massive role in both.
Look for a bike that doesn’t force you to be on tiptoes every time you come to a stop - that’ll soon get annoying and is potentially rather dangerous if you’re inexperienced.
As with every tip above, choose carefully and try before you buy; it’s hard to retrace your steps once you’ve laid down your hard-earned money, after all!
