Always wear safety gear!
I rode for years without a
helmet because I thought
it was pretty cool. All it
takes is one close call to
change your mind!
I've seen quite a few and
have also had my share.
Get a good DOT legal
helmet, one that is Snell
rated, which means it has
an impact test rating.
Get a good jacket with
Body Armor, (elbows,
shoulders and a spine
guard.) falling over at a
red light, and it happens,
could make it all worth
the cost.
I rode for years without a
helmet because I thought
it was pretty cool. All it
takes is one close call to
change your mind!
I've seen quite a few and
have also had my share.
Get a good DOT legal
helmet, one that is Snell
rated, which means it has
an impact test rating.
Get a good jacket with
Body Armor, (elbows,
shoulders and a spine
guard.) falling over at a
red light, and it happens,
could make it all worth
the cost.
Scooters seem to be the happening thing lately. Mostly for the economy,(some can up to 100mpg) but there a lot of people who choose them for the ease of use and the fact that you don't have to "throw a leg over" to get on them. They are fully automatic, no shifting, no clutching and there are quite a few models that are highway worthy. Only thing is, you have to get a motorcycle license to operate anything over a 49cc and they can be kind of pricey. Some would argue that if you have to go through all that, you might as well get a motorcycle. If you want the ease of an automatic, with the storage space of a small car, that you can park almost anywhere, get the scooter. There are quite a few choices, from 50cc to 650cc and some are equipped with room and foot pegs for passengers. |
Choosing What to ride
| Making the Right Choices |
| Sport-bikes are a lot of fun. They're also known as "Crotch Rockets" because they take off pretty quick, but they don't offer a lot of comfort. The riding position is usually leaned forward over the gas tank with a long reach to the handlebars. They don't offer much passenger comfort and are kind of awkward for your passenger when it comes to holding on or stopping. Most Sport bikes are tall, seat height is usually 31" or more but can usually be lowered. Unfortunately, lowering can change the way they handle on the road and can cause them to "bottom out" when entering a parking lot or driveway. Sport- bikes don't allow much room for storage or accessories. You'll notice commuters on these types of bikes wearing backpacks or carrying Tank bags. But, they do look pretty cool when you customize them and there are lots of different options when setting them up for show or racing. As a commuter bike, the ride to work becomes a lot more enjoyable! |
| Cruisers offer the most comfort for both rider and passenger. They usually have the lowest seat height and come in several different styles. They can be equipped with Wind-screens, Floorboards and Heel/Toe Shifters, Saddlebags, Headlight bars and more Chrome than you 'll ever want to clean. I've been called "The Cruiser Guy" at my last job, because I like the feel of cruisers, but I've ridden every type of street bike we've carried and more. I happen to like the comfort as well as the V-Twin rumble of cruisers. Although they come with a rather quiet exhaust system, you can add a set of after-market pipes that add some rumble. Just make sure you don't go too loud, or use any pipes without baffle tubes. The new laws on noise pollution could make some trouble for you. |
| Cruisers |
| Sport bikes |
 |  |  |
| Touring |
Touring bikes are easy. Some are
known as the "Couch on Wheels". I
guess that's mostly because they're
smooth, well balanced and easy
rides. I've actually had a passenger
or two fall asleep on the back of a
Goldwing. These have been known
in the past as a heavy tall bike, but
again, they have become another
bike that the industry has made for
the "Vertically Challenged" by
giving it a low seat height.
Most anyone can ride it and not be
on their toes at a stop light.
Some Touring bike are taller and
require a little more finesse to
mount as the "Luggage" can get in
the way and usually gets scratched
from a kick or two. It takes a little
getting used to.
I like Touring Bikes for the long trips
to Maine or New Hampshire and so
on. Most are equipped with Radios
and those that aren't can be
retrofitted with some tunes.
known as the "Couch on Wheels". I
guess that's mostly because they're
smooth, well balanced and easy
rides. I've actually had a passenger
or two fall asleep on the back of a
Goldwing. These have been known
in the past as a heavy tall bike, but
again, they have become another
bike that the industry has made for
the "Vertically Challenged" by
giving it a low seat height.
Most anyone can ride it and not be
on their toes at a stop light.
Some Touring bike are taller and
require a little more finesse to
mount as the "Luggage" can get in
the way and usually gets scratched
from a kick or two. It takes a little
getting used to.
I like Touring Bikes for the long trips
to Maine or New Hampshire and so
on. Most are equipped with Radios
and those that aren't can be
retrofitted with some tunes.
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