How to choose a motorcycle for a beginner

Choosing your first bike isn't just about how it looks or how much horsepower it has. First you need to think about what kind of life you plan to live with it. A motorbike is much more than just a means of transport - it's your new travelling partner, so it's important to be clear about what you expect from it.

Try to imagine the journeys you'll take. Are you a typical urban rider who will be taking to the streets and dodging endless traffic jams? Then you'll need a lightweight, easy-to-ride bike that weaves through cars like a fish through water. A scooter or a lightweight naked bike will be your ideal companion.

If you're tempted by long trips where you want to enjoy the scenic scenery, look for something more comfortable. Travel enduros or sport-touring bikes will give you comfort even over longer distances. Think of the movie "Easy Rider" and imagine the freedom!

What about the terrain? Are you an adventurer at heart who longs to explore forest paths, dirt trails and mountain passes? Then you need a rugged bike with a higher suspension travel. An enduro or adventure bike will allow you to tackle any terrain and leave only clouds of dust in your wake.

Naked bikes - Standard bikes, also known as "naked bikes", are such versatile, practical machines that can do almost anything. Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles - they have everything you need and nothing extra. These bikes have an upright and comfortable seating position, which means you won't feel like a banana in your school lunch after two days in your backpack.

Travel Enduros - If you've got a bit of Indiana Jones in you and a thirst for adventure, then travel enduros are for you. These bikes are designed to handle both tarmac and unpaved roads. They're like those good old boots you take on any tour - comfortable, reliable and always ready.

Scooters - For those who mainly want to ride around town and don't want to worry about congested parking lots and traffic jams, scooters are the perfect choice. Scooters are lightweight, easy to handle and have lower fuel consumption than most motorcycles. They're like little urban ninjas that weave in and out of cars and get you where you need to go without breaking a sweat (well, at least no more than necessary).

Sport Bikes - If you've ever dreamed of becoming the next Valentino Rossi, but also realize you're just a beginner, lightweight sport bikes are the way to go. Yes, sport bikes may not be traditionally recommended for beginners, but there are models that are perfect for those who want to get a taste of adrenaline on two wheels.

Each type also requires specific equipment, such as a motorcycle helmet - choose it in accordance with the machine you'll be riding. Will it be a motocross or enduro helmet, an integral helmet or perhaps an open helmet for the city?

When choosing your first bike, it's important to consider the power you'll need and, more importantly, be able to handle. Engine size is one of the key factors that will affect how confident and safe you feel on your bike. For beginners, the ideal engine size is between 125cc and 300cc. A powerful bike is not a good choice for a beginner. Why this range?

Engine displacement, often referred to as cubic capacity, refers to the amount of space in the engine cylinders where the fuel/air mixture is burned. A larger engine capacity usually means more power, but it also means more weight and more difficult handling.

125cc: This is often recommended as a first bike for beginners. 125cc motorcycles are usually light, easy to handle and have enough power to learn basic skills, but are not too fast or dangerous.

250cc: If you have a little more experience or are a bigger and heavier rider, a 250cc bike may be a good choice. These bikes provide more power than 125cc, but are still relatively easy to ride.

300cc: Some beginners may consider this category as well, especially if they plan to ride more on the highways or need a bike that can handle higher speeds. These bikes are still considered suitable for beginners as long as they are careful and responsible.

When choosing a motorcycle with the ideal engine size, it is important to consider not only the technical specifications, but also personal preferences and intended use. Try out a few different models to get an idea of how different bikes feel. Remember that a beginner's bike should be a teacher first and foremost - to help you learn to ride safely and confidently.

When you think of your first motorbike, you probably see a machine that will give you a sense of freedom and excitement to ride. However, to ensure your experience is positive and safe, it's important to focus on the weight and handling of the bike. A lighter motorcycle is like a beginner's best friend - always close by, reliable and ready to help.

Why is lower weight important?

Easier handling - A lighter bike means you can handle it more easily, whether it's parking, turning or pushing. Imagine trying to park a big, heavy machine in a crowded parking lot - that's a challenge you don't need as a beginner. With a lighter bike, it's a piece of cake.

Better control - The lighter weight of the bike means you have better control over its movement, especially at low speeds or in city traffic. You won't feel like a rodeo rider when maneuvering through traffic or taking off at traffic lights, but like a seasoned rider.

Gaining confidence - Your first bike should be your teacher, guiding you and helping you gain confidence on two wheels. A lighter bike will allow you to gain the skills and confidence you need more quickly. You won't fear every stop or start and will gradually become a more confident rider.

Safety - A lightweight bike is easier to handle, which means you have a better chance of avoiding unexpected obstacles and handling emergencies. At the start of your motorcycling career, you want to avoid unnecessary crashes and collisions, and a lighter bike can help you significantly.

How to choose the right weight?

When choosing your first motorcycle, it's important to try out a few models and see how they feel. A lighter bike should give you a feeling of control and confidence. Try to imagine how you will handle it in different situations - parking, turning in place or riding in city traffic.

Remember, your first bike doesn't have to be the lightest on the market, but it should be light enough that you feel comfortable and safe on it. As you gain experience and skill, you can opt for heavier and more powerful models later on.

Safety features.

When choosing your first motorbike, safety comes first. Modern technology allows us to ride safer than ever before, so you should choose bikes that are equipped with top safety features. Some of these technologies can be the difference between an accident and a safe return home.

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

ABS is a lifeline for all motorcyclists, especially beginners. This system prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain control of your bike even in a crisis situation. Imagine you're riding on a wet road and suddenly have to stop. Without ABS, the wheels could lock up and you'd be sliding down the road like ice. With ABS, you have a chance to stop safely and avoid an accident. At the same time, you can always use good quality motorcycle clothing such as a motorcycle jacket, motorcycle pants and motorcycle boots. For an even greater sense of safety, you'll appreciate motorcycle pads.

Traction control

Traction control is another great tool, especially if you ride in a variety of conditions. This system monitors the rotation speed of the wheels and if it detects that one of them is losing grip (for example, on a wet or sandy road), it will adjust the engine power to help you maintain stability. It's like having an invisible guardian angel watching over your ride and stepping in when things get complicated.

Seeing and being seen is a basic rule of road safety. Modern LED bike lights provide better visibility than traditional halogen bulbs. They ensure that you can see well in all conditions, while also allowing you to see the road ahead better. Quality lighting can mean the difference between spotting an obstacle early and having an accident.

Cost and maintenance: think of the future

When you're deciding to buy a motorcycle, it's easy to get caught up in its glossy curves and performance numbers. But don't forget the practical side of things - the cost of maintenance and operation. Some models can be more expensive to maintain, which can get pretty expensive over time.

Every bike requires regular maintenance, but some models require more frequent service visits than others. Before you buy, find out how often service visits are required and what the cost is. Some models may have more expensive servicing due to more complex designs or less available spare parts.

The availability and cost of spare parts is another important factor. Some exotic brands may have limited parts availability, which can mean longer waiting times and higher costs. Conversely, more common models usually have readily available and affordable spare parts and motorcycle accessories. It pays to invest in a bike that is reliable and has good parts availability - your wallet will thank you.

Now that you've got a few favourites on your list, it's time for a test drive. Nothing gives you a better idea of how a bike feels than actually getting on it and hitting the road.

Pay attention to how the bike feels when you test ride it. Is the seat comfortable? Can you reach all the controls easily? How do you feel after a long ride? Comfort is key because you'll be spending a lot of time on the bike and you want to feel good.

Try the bike in a variety of situations - in city traffic, on the motorway and on winding roads. How easy is it to manoeuvre? Is it stable at high speeds? How does it respond to your commands? Handling is essential for your safety and driving pleasure.

Each bike has its own character and feel. When test riding, focus on the overall feel of the bike. Do you feel confident and comfortable on it? Do you enjoy the ride? If so, you've found your two-wheeled partner.

Safety features, maintenance costs and a test ride are essential steps in choosing your first motorcycle. Modern safety technologies like ABS, traction control and quality lighting can greatly help you stay safe on the road. Considering maintenance costs and parts availability will save you a lot of worry and money in the long run. Finally, a test ride will give you an invaluable insight into how the bike actually feels. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding a bike that will bring you joy, safety and a great experience every mile.