Motorcycle FAQs

by Alden Smith

Since motorcycle riding has a very different culture than most people are accustomed to, FAQ’s are not only helpful, they are necessary.  The motorcycle culture has its own terminology, and it can sound like a foreign language to a newcomer.  In this article, we will discuss Frequently Asked Questions and give you an idea of what the motorcycle culture is all about.

I'm New to Riding - What Kind of Bike Should I Get?

The best recommendation is a good used Standard motorcycle.  They are the most forgiving, get great mileage, and are usually well-priced.  It makes no sense to drop a $20,000 Harley while learning to ride.  Get one without the expensive fairing.  They are very expensive to replace, and are the first thing to break in a fall down.

I Really Want a Sports Bike.  Why Should I settle For a Cheaper Standard?

Consider the Air Force, and newly graduated pilots.  They certainly are not allowed to jump right in to an F16!  Neither would you want to climb on a motorcycle that has more power than you can handle. More new riders get hurt on sports bikes than any other model.  The reason is simple - they have blistering speed, with some models capable of over 170 miles per hour, and can get from 0 to 60 mph in the blink of an eye.  A new rider, focusing on learning to handle a motorcycle and driving defensively, stands little chance of being able to handle this kind of performance.  

What Is Available?

Available on the market today are the Touring, Sport-Touring, Sport, Standard, Cruiser, Enduro, Dual-Purpose and Dirt bike.  There is something for everyone. 

I'm Short - What's Available?

A good site to check out is http://www.ki.org/sbl/. This site is focused on the rider that is 5 feet tall.  There are many ways to retrofit a motorcycle so that you can ride one.  Custom seats can drop seat height several inches.  Frame modifications can also drop the overall height of the bike.

What About Performance and Handling?

Unless you are an experienced rider with a lot of miles under your belt, performance need not be the major concern in considering a first motorcycle.  Your interest here is in good handling, the ability to keep up with traffic flow, and a bike that is not finicky when stopping and starting.  Your first concern will be a motorcycle that is easy to ride.  Handling is another thing altogether.  A bike must be stable, handle itself well in curves and turns, and stop and start easily.  This is why the standard motorcycle wins the vote of advisors hands down.  It has all these features and is well suited for a new rider.

What is The Difference Between Chain Drive and Shaft Drive?

With today's technology, both systems work equally well.  A chain drive is easier to maintain, but it needs constant maintenance of chain tension and chain/sprocket condition.  A shaft drive is considered to be a smoother ride, but because this is an enclosed system, it must be repaired by a trained mechanic to repair, which can be expensive.

What Do I Look For When Purchasing a Used Bike?

First, familiarize yourself with the brand, then talk to owners.  This is a good way to learn about any problem areas in the particular brand you are looking at.  The most obvious thing to look for on a used bike is its cosmetics.  Are there scrapes or dents in the tank, indicating a crash?  Are the pipes scratched, with deep parallel lines?  Are turn signals or mirrors askew, indicating a tip over?  Are there deep parallel scratches on the engine casings?  Sit astride the bike, and look at the front forks.  Are they twisted or bent?  Are clutch and brake levers bent, or do they have deep scratches on the ball ends?  Do you see any twists or uneven configuration in the handlebars? Be leery of after market stickers on a bike - they may be there to hide damage to body work. Are the shift and brake pedals straight and unscratched? 

If possible, take the bike for a test ride.  Evaluate shifting, throttle response, braking and the overall feel of the bike.  When you look down at the handlebars while driving the bike, they should be straight on with the front end.  If they are skewed, suspect a crash.  

Buying a motorcycle is often an impulse decision. Don't make a hasty buy, or you may regret it later.

Thinking of buying a bike? Have you considered motorcycle insurance?

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.