| Today, motorcycling is more popular than ever and | | | | mightconsider though they are less popular than the |
| this trendshows no sign of slowing down. Bikes | | | | choices introduced above. For example, there is the |
| arebecoming more and more specialized and thus | | | | scooter which is gearedprimarily to local travel in an |
| there truly is no perfect bike-justthe perfect bike for | | | | urban setting. Scooters are great on gas and very |
| the type of riding one intends to do. So the most | | | | easy to handle, however they are notequipped for |
| important step in starting bikingis choosing the | | | | speed or long distances (there are however larger |
| correct bike for the type of riding one will be doing | | | | scootersdesigned for touring, e.g., the Honda |
| themajority of the time. | | | | Silverwing). |
| There are numerous options open to the new rider. | | | | One might also consider a dual-sport bike, a bike |
| There is the cruiser, e.g., the classicHarley Davidson | | | | designedfor both on-road and off-road use. Aneasy |
| Softail, that which is designed for just that-cruising, | | | | bike to handle, lightweight yet powerful, cheap to |
| andtends to provide a relaxed and comfortable ride | | | | insure, the dual-sportbike is also fun to ride. |
| though the profile is both longand low and can | | | | One last type of bike worth mentioning, having |
| provide for an awkward ride for the inexperienced | | | | always been apopular bike though gaining in popularity |
| rider. | | | | today, is the dirt bike. The dirt bike is designed for |
| There is also the sportbike which is built solely | | | | off-road andadventure riding and if one is interested |
| forspeed. A light bike, the sportbike isalso a | | | | in pumping adrenaline through his orher veins, then |
| dangerous bike and requires some experience in | | | | look no further than the sport of off-road riding. |
| handling. Not to mention that fact that | | | | Dirt bikes are fairly affordable, durable, and fun toride. |
| insurancepremiums are going to be higher for this | | | | The only downside is that they aredesigned not for |
| type of ride. Therefore, the sportbike is not | | | | the street but strictly for off-road (if one is |
| recommendedas a beginning bike. | | | | interested inboth consider the dual-sport bike above). |
| Then there is also the standard bike (think of a | | | | As can be seen above, there are many types of |
| crossbetween a cruiser and a sportbike) which is a | | | | bike for thebeginning rider to choose from. From |
| stable bike designed for generalriding. These tend to | | | | thecruiser to the dirt bike, there are many options |
| be fairly easy tohandle and provide a comfortable | | | | and one's choice should bebased primarily on the type |
| ride. The only downside to these bikes for a beginner | | | | of riding that he or she will be doing the majorityof |
| is that they tend tohave powerful engines and more | | | | the time. Choosing the correct bikeis essential to |
| power on a bike can be intimidating to thebeginner. | | | | one's enjoyment of motorcycling as a whole. |
| Great care should be exercisedif such a bike is | | | | Speak to friends who cycle and perhaps borrow |
| chosen. | | | | theirmotorcycle and test it out for yourself. Visit local |
| Another option is the touring bike, e.g., think of | | | | dealerships and test drive the types of cycle you |
| theclassic Honda Goldwing. The touringbikes are | | | | areconsidering purchasing. But by allmeans, don't jump |
| designed for long rides on stretches of open road. | | | | on a cycle and ride out of the shop unless you are |
| They are equipped with saddle bags forstorage and | | | | certainthat that particular bike is for you. Many |
| provide adequate weather protection and can thus | | | | seasoned riders will tell you that a bike is an |
| be driven under amultitude of conditions. Such bikes | | | | extension of therider...so make an informed, wise |
| arecostly, heavy and powerful and aren't | | | | decision and enjoy cycling for many years tocome. |
| recommended for beginners. | | | | And be safe! |
| There are other types of bike as well that one | | | | |