| Buying a new motorcycle isn't always easy. There's a | | | | Built for performance, sports bikes don't offer much |
| lot of information out there to steer car buyers in | | | | in the way of comfort or convenience. These |
| the right direction, but very little for the average | | | | lightweight bikes feature the ultimate in |
| motorcycle buyer. | | | | aerodynamics. Not good for long trips, sports bikes |
| The first step to buying your new motorcycle is | | | | are meant for just that: sport. Although relatively |
| deciding which type or model style is right for you. | | | | inexpensive (ranging from $5,000 to $20,000), sports |
| Most people group bikes into three distinct | | | | bikes often carry higher insurance premiums do to a |
| categories: Street, Dual-Purpose, and Off-Road. But, | | | | perceived risk by insurance carriers |
| those who know bikes well understand that there | | | | Standard Bikes aren't as popular as they once were, |
| are many more subcategories of motorcycles to | | | | but are still best for beginners since they are |
| contend with on the sales block. | | | | well-balanced, well powered and relatively light-weight |
| The biggest mistake beginning riders often make | | | | which makes them easier to handle. Good for both |
| when purchasing their first motorcycle is settling for a | | | | city use as well as highway riding, standard bikes are |
| low-budget street model (usually costing around | | | | a wonderful option for regular ordinary bikers who |
| $3,000 new). The problem is, these bikes have little | | | | just want reliable transportation. |
| power and can often sport an uncomfortable ride. | | | | Motocross Bikes are meant solely for off-road use. |
| Touring Bikes are considered the Cadillac of | | | | They feature small engines and are extremely |
| motorcycles. Although still considered a street bike, | | | | lightweight (usually weighing a mere 150-300 pounds). |
| this model is built for comfortable highway riding and | | | | Used for recreational riding, motocross bikes are |
| long trips. Featuring a large powerful engine, touring | | | | relatively inexpensive usually ranging in price form |
| bikes are very heavy and can be difficult to | | | | $1,500 to $6,000. |
| maneuver, especially at high speeds. These bikes are | | | | Dual-Purpose Bikes, on the other hand feature |
| great for experienced riders and those who do a lot | | | | knobby tires and a high center of gravity that works |
| of highway riding. In-town and city riders should avoid | | | | well for off-roading, but still have headlights, |
| them. Price too is a consideration when buying a | | | | turn-signals, and emissions control to make them |
| touring bike since the prices for one of these models | | | | street-legal. |
| ranges form $10,000 to $20,000. | | | | As you can see, there are a lot of different kinds of |
| Cruisers are a more classic looking street bike and | | | | bikes for a lot of different kinds of riders. The most |
| are by far the most common style of bike offered | | | | important things to consider when choosing a bike of |
| by today's dealers. Style and comfort is key to the | | | | your own is: |
| cruiser, which features large comfortable low-to-the | | | | -Your size and strength. |
| ground seating. Another benefit to the cruiser style: | | | | -Your experience and ability. |
| the liberal use of chrome and loud exhaust note, two | | | | -Your budget. |
| things many riders enjoy in their bikes. The cost for | | | | Once you've narrowed your choices to the style you |
| one of these can range form $5,000 to $20,000. | | | | want most, it's time to hit the showroom floor to |
| Sport Bikes are another sub category in the biking | | | | see what your favorite manufacturer have. |
| industry and are very popular among younger riders. | | | | |