Thousands of newbies join the ranks of bikers every year. This is facilitated by freedom of movement, speed and sensations that cannot be obtained on another type of transport. In addition to the spiritual side and unity with motorcycle culture, there is also a practical side of the issue. It is relevant for residents of megalopolises, namely the ability to freely maneuver between the flows of urban transport in a traffic jam and reach the destination within the planned time frame. Having opted for an off-road bike, it becomes possible to relax by riding in the wilderness.
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Features of choosing the first motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle will require maximum concentration, adherence to safety regulations and strict adherence to traffic rules. Do not forget about obtaining category A rights.
Having passed all the obstacles, the beginner gets the coveted rights. After that, the new driver of a two-wheeled transport faces a dilemma of what to choose. The store presents a wide assortment of various equipment: from Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other brands, bulky cruisers shining in the sun with chrome, well-known and recognizable classic models, compact and nimble enduros designed for outdoor enthusiasts and eye-catching graceful sportbikes. All this makes my head spin.
The safety of not only the driver, but also those around him depends on how correctly the choice is made. For example, on a multi-cube, acceleration to hundreds occurs literally in a matter of seconds. A biker who does not have a certain experience behind him cannot cope with it. Based on this, the conclusion follows that it is necessary to consider something not so powerful.
Special attention should be paid to manageability. It depends on this whether the beginner's trip will be overshadowed by extreme situations and the chances of getting out of it without consequences.
Another reason to choose an inexpensive device, which the overwhelming majority forgets about, is the cost of maintenance. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make mistakes. Situations will invariably arise in which a fall occurs (when practicing emergency braking or something else). In such cases, you need to understand the material side of the mistake, namely the cost of replacing the part. In retrospect, a preferable choice with a minimal plastic body kit.
What are
Each motorcycle is designed for a specific target audience with their specific needs. They have their own design and external features. Looking back at this, two large groups can be distinguished: road and off-road. Pit bikes for mini motocross and mini super moto, drag racing for drag racing, and mini bikes for karting stand apart. The above listed varieties are narrowly specialized and are not suitable for driving on public roads. All others can be used by beginners and amateurs.
- Classic (road). They are characterized by a correct fit and comfortable handling. They will provide fast movement within the city and, due to their small size, will not cause problems if they get stuck in a traffic jam.Some of the models are equipped with a plastic fairing and in rare cases even resemble sports motorcycles. But the overwhelming majority are outwardly similar to Soviet technology. It is best to start your acquaintance with the world of motorcycle culture with this category. Since here are inexpensive models and a wide range of medium-sized equipment. Due to its low weight, it easily keeps balance and provides easy maneuvering. A comfortable vertical position in the saddle will allow you to cross more than a dozen kilometers without being distracted by possible back pain; with a low center of gravity, the motorcycle will not fly off the road even at the sharpest turns. An additional plus is the absence of plastic, which can break if dropped.
- Enduro. Initially, they were not created for public roads, but over time they acquired headlights, turn signals, mirrors and other necessary attributes. Lightweight and easy to operate, they have a straight fit. The seats are too narrow and uncomfortable. The high cross-country ability affected the maximum speed on the highway and the volume of the gas tank. It is recommended to learn how to maintain balance before entering the road.
- Motards. Good solution for movement within the city. Tenacious and narrow feel confident on a bad road, if desired, they allow climbing stairs and curbs, Equipped with a powerful engine and have a comfortable fit. Outwardly, it is practically indistinguishable from enduro, but with one significant feature, which is the ability to develop high speeds on the roads. Not the best choice for a beginner. As a rule, owners of this category are more likely to drive on the rear wheel.
- Tourist. Everything is done in them for comfortable overcoming long distances. Soft and comfortable seats, ergonomic fit, volumetric tank, high weight and bulky quality, which can characterize this category of transport. The average weight ranges from 500 to 600 kg. Not the best choice for a beginner.
- Full-Dress. A kind of touring motorcycle. The most heavy, bulky, were created so that the biker did not experience any inconveniences during the trip. Strongly contraindicated for beginners.
- Dual-Sport. They are classified as tourist dual-use. They are still comfortable, but on top of that they have good acceleration dynamics and easy maneuverability at high speeds. A high center of gravity and a recumbent position are not recommended for beginners.
- Sport-Tourist. It has incorporated the qualities of the first two types. Lightweight, relatively straight fit and smaller dimensions - qualities that allow considering this category as the first device to start the journey.
- Cruiser. A fairly common type of bike. Despite its design from the fifties, it is technically equipped with the latest technology. It is designed for short distances on an asphalt road. Off-road driving is contraindicated for him. The driver moves in a straight position on outstretched legs. This allows you to achieve the maximum level of comfort. Heavy motorcycles with engine displacement exceeding 1800 cubic centimeters. For the inexperienced, this is too much. At maximum speeds it is easy to control, but at low speeds it constantly heels. As a result, they are not the best option for drivers who are just getting started with motorcycle culture.
- Chopper. A type of cruiser with a more pretentious appearance. It got rid of all unnecessary, maximally lightening the weight and giving maneuverability. The landing remained unchanged. The forward-facing fork gives an original look. As a rule, single, in rare cases has a small narrow seat for passengers. The dashboard is limited by the speedometer. Neophytes should pay attention to models with an engine up to 500 cubic meters.
- Sports (sport bikes). Sharp, fast, with an aggressive design and a lot of eye-catchers. The dream of many. This category of two-wheeled vehicles is extremely difficult to drive.The reclining seating position with tucked legs provides smooth entry into sharp turns. With a long ride, it will disturb the aching lower back and numb legs. Sport bikes are equipped with reliable and sharp brakes that can stop vehicles in a matter of seconds. When braking, an inexperienced driver may have problems holding equipment in his hands and in an upright position. As a rule, the acquisition of such a device will result in serious costs. To reduce air resistance, the housing is covered with plastic. The price of plastic elements is unreasonably high. It is worth remembering that at the beginning of the path, falls cannot be avoided. According to statistics, the overwhelming number of accidents falls on the owners of sportbikes.
- Scooter. Its compact size, minimal fuel consumption, under-saddle rack, and automatic transmission make it a good option for city traffic. Engine displacement varies from 50 to 1800 cubic meters. The plastic case during repair will require significant infusions.
How to choose
- Appointment. Before buying, you need to ask yourself what is the purpose of the purchase and where it will be mainly used. For everyday travel in a densely populated city, you should give preference to something small. A chrome cruiser in such conditions is not the best purchase. Driving on poor roads will require a long travel suspension to smooth out bumps. The physical data of the owner plays one of the decisive roles in the choice. Two-meter athletes need to look in the direction of equipment of the corresponding dimensions. It is important not to overestimate your capabilities by purchasing too heavy or powerful apparatus.
- Ease of operation. At the beginning of the path, spark plugs and a carburetor will invariably be poured, difficulties in understanding the gearbox will arise. Solving problems will require contacting service centers or the nearest workshops, since it is impossible to fix them on your own. Too high costs make you think about the appropriateness of the choice. An easy-to-use motorcycle makes it easier to learn the basics of maintenance.
- Controllability and cubic capacity. At first, vehicles with a volume of 125, 250 and 300 cubic meters are ideal, the maximum allowable is 600. They have a smoother and softer ride. Simplicity of control will allow you to quickly gain the necessary experience and learn how to better navigate in the traffic situation. No one will forbid a self-confident beginner to take a liter bike, but the consequences can be sad. In certain situations, when it is necessary to slip through, a large volume can help out, but this is only in the hands of an experienced driver. In inept hands, this will lead, at best, to a visit to the emergency room.
- Weight. The one who does not drive does not fall. In the process of mastering the iron horse, more than one fall awaits. It is rather difficult to lift 300 kg and more devices.
- Pay attention to popular models. Even with the most careful care, there comes a moment when a part fails. Components for popular devices are presented in a wide range in any store. In addition, such models sell faster.
- Cost. You shouldn't spend fabulous sums on your first motorcycle for training. Typically, the highest number of falls occurs when the required experience is obtained. And during its operation, the driver begins to understand what exactly he needs.
- Don't take too old models. There is a wide assortment on the secondary market, but not all of them are worth attention. The low cost signals that soon it will need major repairs.
- Bright and eye-catching on the road. Such motorcycles do not merge with the road surface and are easily visible in car mirrors. Such attention will help to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Best motorcycles for beginners 2020
Kawasaki NINJA 650
Far from being the best option, but if you really want a sport bike, it is preferable to opt for something relatively weak. NINJA has a recognizable design and perfect style. In popularity it is on a par with such lines as Honda CBR, Suzuki GSX-R.It embodies the strength and power of sports bikes with the versatility of everyday use. Sharp front fairing, striking aerodynamic elements, shortened muffler and slightly elevated posture are features that distinguish this model from many others.
The heart of the motorcycle was 650 cubic meters with a capacity of 67 liters from. In comparison with his older brothers, it is not surprising, but for a beginner, more is not needed. The parallel twin cylinder provides a noticeable increase in power even at low revs. Thanks to the lightweight frame, the model does not feel heavy and difficult to control. These indicators are at their best.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- 6-speed gearbox;
- powerful engine with a maximum speed of 180 km / h;
- Trellis steel lightweight trellis frame;
- weight 193 kg;
- high levels of controllability;
- compact size, allowing you to move in the aisle during a traffic jam;
- effective braking system;
- informative dashboard.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- high price of consumables and parts;
- the planned replacement of the hose and candles is troublesome and will take a lot of time, since it is necessary to remove almost the entire plastic case;
- not intended for long-distance travel due to a hard ride;
- short transmissions;
- high fuel consumption.
Yamaha XT 660 X
A striking representative of the motard class with a volume of 600 cubic meters and a capacity of 48 liters from. 17-inch wheels will provide maximum passability not only on the asphalt surface, but also far beyond it. The motorcycle feels confident at low and high revs, does not have any technical breakthroughs: an ordinary steel frame, an unremarkable telescopic fork and a 5-speed gearbox. At first glance, an unremarkable model, but due to its simplicity, repairs will cost less than modern counterparts. In addition, it will be easier to deal with it for routine maintenance and replacement of consumables.
Advantages:
- weight 187 kg;
- the ability to drive on any road surface;
- high controllability;
- free hop suspension 200 mm;
- high ground clearance;
- acceleration to hundreds in 5 seconds;
- moderate fuel consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 km;
- 15 liter tank.
Disadvantages:
- design for an amateur;
- too high;
- there is a lack of traction after 120 - 130 km / h;
- there is no windshield.
SYM Joymax 300
A scooter is a kind of a two-wheeled vehicle, focused on driving within the city. The variator allows you not to worry about which gear you are driving at the moment, since the automation will do everything itself. Maxi scooter with a volume of 300 cubic meters with a spacious and full trunk. Power is quite enough for movement, gaining a hundred kilometers in a matter of seconds. Has a bright and challenging design. A large windshield protects the driver from oncoming air currents on the highway. The diamond-shaped headlight illuminates the space in front of the scooter at night. Thanks to the anti-corrosion coating, the plastic case is almost impossible to scratch. The seats are soft and comfortable, landing on them is straight, comfortable even for tall people. Classic dashboard with illumination at night and in cloudy weather.
Advantages:
- original design;
- variator (for a certain category of people, it will be the decisive factor for the purchase);
- capacious trunk;
- good acceleration dynamics;
- good optics;
- high quality plastic;
- power 23.5 l s;
- good maneuverability despite the size;
- maximum speed 130 km / h.
Disadvantages:
- the plastic case is easily broken or scratched when dropped;
- weight 184 kg;
- high price.
Suzuki Boulevard 400
Japanese cruiser from a well-known Japanese brand with a 2-cylinder engine of 399 cubic meters and a capacity of 33 hp. Peak speed is reached at around 150 km / h. The maximum performance of the model is achieved at 6 - 8 thousand rpm. Equipped with a traditional steel frame and inverted fork, 5-speed gearbox and cardan drive.Comfortable seats won't tire you on long journeys. The canonical dashboard is not overloaded with various kinds of sensors.
Advantages:
- original appearance;
- with proper care, parts are kept for a long time without replacement;
- riding with the maximum level of comfort;
- due to its slowness, it is not a bad option for a beginner.
Disadvantages:
- expensive consumables;
- low acceleration dynamics;
- weight 260 kg;
- drum brake
Honda cb400
The overwhelming majority starts with it. For those who are not familiar with the model range, Honda will remind the representative of the Soviet motorcycle industry Izh Planet 5, but with its agility and reliability, it leaves it far behind. Having debuted on the market back in 1992, it has not lost its popularity today. The heart of the Honda CB400 is a 399cc 4-cylinder engine rated at 53 hp. It is characterized by a straight landing, it is preferable for riders with a height of 160 to 190 cm. Due to its low weight, it is convenient to operate on busy roads in noisy cities. A small visor will protect against oncoming air flows on the track. The cruising speed of the vehicle is in the region of 130-140 km / h.
Advantages:
- 6-speed gearbox;
- high maneuverability;
- disc brake system;
- fuel consumption 4 - 8 liters, depending on how aggressive driving;
- clean classic design that has not lost its appeal over the years;
- the best solution for a beginner.
Disadvantages:
- at speeds over 120 km / h, there are inconveniences caused by a strong oncoming flow, the problem will be solved by installing a large visor;
- too soft a fork will require the installation of stiff springs;
- the suspension is relevant only for hard road surfaces;
- high maintenance cost.
Bajaj Pulsar 200NS
The Indian company quickly broke into the CIS market and took a leading position. The aggressive streetfighter is equipped with a powerful 199cc heart and 24hp. The liquid cooling system eliminates overheating on hot sunny days and when driving in dense city traffic. The Brembo braking system makes the motorcycle obedient in all hands. The brand has proven itself well on sports models with a volume of over 600 cubic meters.
People of medium height will like a low saddle. The narrow tank with no clippers does not interfere with the movement in the aisle.
Advantages:
- 6-speed gearbox;
- use of 3 plugs per cylinder for maximum performance combined with economy. And as a consequence, a lower level of exhaust emissions into the atmosphere .;
- 4 valves per cylinder for best response to throttle grip movement and high revs;
- a resonator in the exhaust system that boosts torque at low and medium revs.
Disadvantages:
- the cost is comparable to the famous brands KTM, Suzuki, Honda and others;
- high price for consumables;
- short transmissions;
- no ABS;
- long handle stroke;
- too small mirrors;
- there is no gear indicator.
Motoland XT250 HS
To date, the most budgetary novelty of 2019. It is equipped with a 250 cc engine with a capacity of 16 liters. Simple and reliable, based on Honda MD 33. With proper maintenance, it will not cause trouble for tens of thousands of kilometers. A striking and aggressive design that will be recognized by Husqvarna enthusiasts. Inverted front fork with air release valves. An adjustable shock absorber is installed at the back. One of the best solutions for a beginner due to its availability and ease of maintenance.
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- weight 105 kg;
- reinforced hubs;
- aluminum straight-through muffler;
- low cost of components.
Disadvantages:
- low acceleration dynamics;
- too soft suspension for off-road;
- a kind of management will require the development of skills and habituation.
Loncin JL150-68A CR1
The company is part of the holding of the largest Chinese manufacturers. Since 2007, they have been producing an engine for BMW (G650 GS). In other words, the company is trustworthy and recognized by the world leader for its high quality.The model received a single-cylinder engine with a volume of 149.9 cubic meters and a capacity of 16 liters. It is enough for confident city driving. Liquid cooling eliminates the risk of overheating when moving in traffic. The ergonomic fit allows you to travel long distances with a passenger without fatigue. A small amount will be enough to master the basics of management.
Advantages:
- budgetary cost;
- attractive appearance;
- stylish headlight combined with a fairing;
- disc front brake;
- easily alloy wheels;
- the device is suitable for driving on a dirt road.
Disadvantages:
- at high revs, a lack of power is noticeable.
Buying your first motorcycle is a big undertaking and requires a responsible approach. The first thing to discard is the expensive, powerful models. Physique and physical ability play an important role in making choices. A stylish, bright budget low-power motorcycle will introduce you to the basic nuances of driving, give you the first experience and teach you to feel the road. The minimum training time is several seasons. Only after that, an inexperienced rider will be able to answer the question of what he first needs from a motorcycle. Strict adherence to traffic rules, attentiveness and cool calculation, combined with the right motorcycle, will help the first season driver survive and enjoy the ride with minimal risk of ending up in a hospital bed.