The motorcycle that seems to be a disaster to one user, another may find wonderful simply because in one case it was a model suited to the real needs of the subject and in the other it was not.
On the other hand, motorcycles are aesthetically attractive and it is easy to get carried away only by this factor when making a purchase decision, forgetting others that will really take their toll over time in terms of functionality and profitability.
Because a motorcycle -even the cheapest model- is fun and practical but also demanding. Here are the 10 questions that every potential motorcyclist should ask themselves before buying their first bike to ensure that their entry into the world of two wheels is successful and long.
The advantages of driving a motorcycle or scooter are many, but it unquestionably entails a risk that lies more in one’s own imprudence or that of others than in the vehicle itself. Today’s motorcycles -even the simplest ones- are naturally stable, have good brakes -most of them with ABS or CBS- and are safe machines when driven with prudence and common sense. Caution, sense of responsibility, civility and respect for traffic signals; there is no more secret. Respect for the motorcycle is positive. Fear, on the other hand, is a sure guarantee of accident.
The most honest recommendation that can be made to a person who rides a motorcycle gripped by fear is not to take it.
That when it rains you get wet, when it’s cold you have to wrap up, that you are the weak part of the traffic and when you make a mistake you fall. Obviously all this is perogrullo… but even so there are still many people -especially from the car- who take it for granted that riding a motorcycle is exactly like riding a car but with two wheels. Riding a motorcycle forces you to change your driving habits in order to learn completely new and specific ones, to always be on the defensive and be extremely careful and to take other distance references.
If you are not able to understand that, no matter how many years you spend behind the wheel, the motorcycle forces you to learn everything all over again, it is better not to try. Of course, the advantages are so many that the adaptation compensates…
The law does not require it -beyond those required to obtain the corresponding license, obviously- but common sense advises it. Most of the important brands are associated with a school or organization that offers improvement courses at a very good price for those clients who request it. Just inquire at the dealer in question. In this sense, we must highlight the HIS course -Honda Safety Institute- in the modern facilities of Santa Perpetua de Mogoda, which the Japanese brand makes available to anyone interested in improving their technique, whatever their level and who is considered the best in the world. It is not necessary to be a client of the brand and not even have a motorcycle yet, since the HIS provides the machine and the complete equipment.
The “bad news†is that the bike we like is not always the one that suits us. You have to be completely realistic when analyzing where and how the future motorcycle is going to be used and adjust the choice of model based on what we are really going to do with it, not based on what we think we are going to do or would like to do. .
A bad first choice can weigh down the day to day after. In this sense, what must be assessed is whether it is going to be driven solely and exclusively in the city or the new motorcycle is also going to be used for long-distance and highway outings.
And if it is going to work only as a work utility vehicle from Monday to Friday or its operational life will be extended on weekends or on vacations with leisure outings.
If the use is going to be strictly urban and you do not want to go beyond the model that is going to be purchased, scooters are probably the best option since they are easier to drive because they have an automatic transmission and their consumption in this city environment it is minimal.
If, on the other hand, there is an intention to gradually grow in displacement and objectives within the motorcycle world, a conventional gear model will also serve as a motorcycle school with which to learn. In addition, the conventional ones feel more comfortable on the road since they incorporate longer cushioning and larger wheels. The priority is to feel comfortable sitting on the handlebars.
Beyond the budget that each person manages for their purchase and their tastes, it really does not matter as long as the used motorcycle is in perfect operating condition… and for this it is best to go to a dealer or a store specialized in buying and selling and Do not trust too much “bargain” offers from unknown individuals. You may pay a little more, but that is because the professionals always deliver the motorcycles checked and updated, as well as with the corresponding guarantee required by law.
On the contrary, they are much cheaper to maintain than a car, since they are equipped with smaller and simpler engines and do not carry as much technology. In addition, they tend to roll for shorter distances and, therefore, suffer less wear. But yes, you have to be rigorous with keeping up to date with maintenance, since they are more delicate in this sense than cars. The most expensive part of owning a motorcycle, especially for beginners, is always the insurance policy. For this reason, most brands already tend to offer their models with insurance at a good price associated with a related company.
Although it is not necessary, it is recommended, at least at first. With time and experience, the height factor ends up being less decisive, but we must not forget that height is one of the issues that ends up generating the most disenchanted users.
The desirable thing is always to reach the ground comfortably at least with the tips of both feet. This is a guarantee of comfort and that there will be no falls while stationary, for example when changing direction, climbing a curb or leaning on slippery pavement.
As a general rule, scooters are usually lower than motorcycles and also you don’t have to climb astride them, so they are more suitable for short people. Within the “conventional motorcycle” segment, custom models are the most appreciated for short drivers.
It is pure common sense that the more equipment you use, the more protected you will be, but it is also true that on a day-to-day basis it can be impractical to be equipped from head to toe with sanity technical clothing. Especially if you must dress in a suit or with certain work clothes. For this reason, the minimum equipment to be considered essential must, of course, be a good helmet, a good jacket and gloves. But beware! They must all be approved products. They are the only ones that ensure the level of safety in accordance with European regulations. This means that you have to avoid suspicious offers on online platforms from brands of unknown origin. All the equipment sold in any specialized Spanish store with a recognized track record will always be legal and approved.
Electric motorization has advantages -the obvious silence and no emissions- but also the drawbacks of slower recharging and a somewhat higher starting price. The offer is continuously growing, especially in scooters, which seems to be the most logical option for electric propulsion. If the chosen model is going to be given intensive use and with a metropolitan radius of action, gasoline motorization is better, but for trips only through the center, electricity is a good alternative. In any case, it should be noted that the current motorcycles with internal combustion engines that are sold in our country comply with all the European Euro 5 anti-pollution approval and are very sustainable in terms of emissions.
