Sitting on a motorbike and riding into the sunset has always had an old world charm to it. It has been the modern take on fairy tales happily ever after. It can be thrilling to ride one. Perhaps it is the sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes with it. Or the rush of adrenaline. Or maybe riding a motorbike instead of a car is just something that is financially a better choice. Whatever might be your reason for wanting to start; there are plenty of choices in the market.
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For beginners, the general consensus is to go for simple, easy to control, entry level models. These are way easier to control than full size models and are comparatively safer as well. Since most accidents involving motorcycles happen in the first six months, it is important not to start on a machine that is too hefty or complicated, with very little margin for error. So keeping in mind the needs and vulnerabilities of a newbie behind the handles of a bike, here are some great options:
- KTM 390: This one is a lightweight bike with a single cylinder engine, which is great for new riders. Having more torque than usual beginner bikes, it’s fun to ride on the streets. It’s easy to handle and yet pretty safe for the freeway.
- Honda CRF 300L: Another lightweight option for beginners. This one has a single cylinder, four –stroke engine that is liquid cooled. In fact, being 11 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Honda CRF 250L, this model has regeared transmission with improved chassis and more power.
- Kawasaki Ninja 400: Reliability and durability is the foundation of this bike which offers a pretty low running cost compared to its counterparts. It is lighter, has more torque and power with an absolutely different chassis compared to the Ninja 300.
- Yamaha YZF-R3: For an entry-level bike, this option offers great control and a very comfortable riding position. It is a predictable and well handling motorbike with almost a 50-50 weight distribution.
- Suzuki GW250: This one is a budget bike, especially for people looking to it as a commute vehicle. The 250cc engine is responsive and offers torque from the get go.
There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to starting out on motorcycles. Despite a multitude of choices available in the market, it can be very intimidating to buy your first bike. Some major things to take in account while choosing your first ride would be, the purpose of riding one, your own physicality, budget etc. Then, there are more technical aspects of the quest, such as engine, weight of the bike and the gear. Brand, manufacturer and bike segments are other things to ponder upon.
There are several options available in the market today. And each one has something to offer. But here we have listed these purely with regards to being driven by a beginner. The priority here is comfort and control.
