A Simple Guide for Buying a Motorcycle

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Choosing to buy a motorcycle is a big decision for new owners. There are multiple factors that weigh heavily into the process of selection. Some of these include how often you ride the bike, how heavy the motorcycle is and the amount of power it has. That's why we've put together this guide to help you find exactly what you need. For our riders in the Roanoke and Charlottesville, Virginia, area seeking more information, please visit Virgil Naff's in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Seven Common Types of Motorcycles

There are a couple dozen styles that motorcycles that can be labeled under, many of which are derived from one of these seven:

Scooters and mopeds.
Street and trail bikes.
Sportbikes.
Café racers, bobbers and choppers.
Standard or classic motorcycles.
Cruiser motorcycles.
Touring bikes.

Here are a few questions to help you figure out some of the details of your exciting investment.

Will the Motorcycle Be Your Primary Method of Transportation?

If you plan to use a motorcycle for your commute to work or school, then it's advisable to consider a smaller bike with a higher fuel economy. If you only want one for weekend getaways, then comfort and storage capacity will be higher on the list of qualities you need the motorcycle to have.

When Will You Be Riding Your Motorcycle?

If you commute five minutes to your workplace, then a bike with power and speed isn't as important as it would be if work is an hour's ride from home. Or if you're a remote worker, a motorcycle may seem like the ideal means of venturing around town and getting things accomplished. Just remember, if you're going to be carrying items with you on your bike, the weight of those items will influence the way your motorcycle handles curves and turns.

How Heavy Is a Motorcycle and Does It Affect the Ride?

Bikes can weigh in at anywhere between 150 pounds and up to a slightly intimidating 1200 pounds. Keep this in mind because the weight affects not only your comfort with the bike, but its speed and acceleration as well.

How Much Power Can You Confidently Handle?

Performance and power can be an addictive thrill. But please exercise caution and use good judgment when riding, especially if you have less than a year of motorcycle riding experience.

Take time to look at a variety of videos and images of men and women riding each type of bike you're most interested in. This will allow you to get a practical understanding of how each one is to be ridden and controlled. If you are in the Roanoke and Charlottesville, VA, areas and are ready to begin the buying process, our team at Virgil Naff's in Lynchburg, VA, can help with the questions you have.