Congrats on deciding to join the amazing world of motorcycle riding! It’s an exhilarating experience filled with freedom and adventure. But before you hit the open road, one crucial decision awaits: choosing your first motorcycle.
Two popular options for new riders are cruisers and sportbikes. They offer vastly different riding styles, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you pick the perfect match.
Cruising in Comfort: The appeal of Cruisers
Imagine cruising down a scenic highway, wind in your hair, feeling the rumble of the engine beneath you. That’s the quintessential cruiser experience.
Cruisers are known for their laid-back style and comfortable ergonomics, making them a popular choice for beginners.
Here’s what makes them great for new riders:
- Lower Seat Height: New riders often appreciate the lower seat height of cruisers. It allows you to comfortably plant your feet on the ground when stopped, boosting confidence and control. This makes maneuvering at low speeds and putting the bike on the kickstand a breeze.
- Relaxed Riding Position: Cruisers feature a more upright riding posture with your arms outstretched and legs relaxed. This position is much more comfortable on shorter rides compared to the forward-leaning stance of sportbikes. It allows you to enjoy the scenery and focus on the road without putting strain on your back and wrists.
- Stable Handling: Cruisers typically have a wider wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). This wider stance translates to superior stability, especially when riding in a straight line or on highways. It allows for smoother handling and inspires confidence for new riders.
- Easier Clutch Control (Sometimes): Cruisers often come with engines that deliver power at lower RPMs (revolutions per minute) compared to sportbikes. This can translate to a smoother power delivery and less abrupt engine response when you release the clutch. This can be helpful for beginners who are still mastering clutch control.
However, cruisers aren’t perfect for everyone. Here are some things to consider:
- Heavier Weight: Cruisers tend to be heavier than sportbikes. While the lower seat height helps with balance at a standstill, the weight can be challenging to manage at low speeds, especially for shorter riders. This can make tight turns and maneuvering in traffic a bit more demanding.
- Limited Handling: Their focus on comfort and stability comes at the expense of agility. Cruisers aren’t built for carving up twisty corners. While they’re perfectly suited for cruising on straight roads, they might feel cumbersome when navigating tight curves.
- Fuel Efficiency (Can Vary): While cruiser fuel efficiency has improved in recent years, they generally consume more gas compared to some sportbikes. This might be a factor if you plan on using your motorcycle for daily commuting.
Sporty Spirit: The Thrill of Sportbikes
Sportbikes are designed for performance and agility. They offer a more aggressive riding experience that gets your adrenaline pumping. Here’s why some new riders might find them appealing:
- Lighter Weight: Sportbikes are typically lighter than cruisers, making them easier to handle and maneuver, especially at lower speeds. This can be a significant advantage for new riders navigating traffic or practicing in parking lots.
- Improved Agility: Sportbikes are built for sharp turns and precise handling. Their narrower design and suspension setup allow for a more connected feel with the road, making them ideal for tackling twisty backroads.
- Fuel Efficiency (Can Vary): Sportbikes are often known for their impressive fuel efficiency, especially smaller engine models. This can be a major plus for budget-conscious riders or those who plan on using their motorcycle for daily commutes.
However, sportbikes come with their own set of considerations:
- Higher Seat Height: The high seat height on sportbikes can be intimidating for shorter riders. It can make it difficult to comfortably plant your feet on the ground when stopped, potentially affecting confidence and control.
- Forward-Leaning Riding Position: Sportbikes have a forward-leaning riding position with your arms stretched low and weight placed on your wrists. This can be tiring on longer rides, especially for new riders who haven’t built up the necessary strength and endurance.
- More Responsive Engines: Sportbikes are known for their powerful engines that deliver a lot of power at high RPMs. This can be exciting for experienced riders, but for beginners, it can make clutch control more challenging. The responsive nature of the engine can lead to jerky starts or unintentional acceleration if clutch control isn’t mastered. This requires a smoother touch and a more precise understanding of throttle control.
- Less Forgiving of Mistakes: Sportbikes are built for speed and performance. While they can be a lot of fun, they can also be less forgiving of mistakes compared to cruisers. Their high speeds and aggressive handling require more skill and experience to manage safely.
Additional Considerations for New Riders
Choosing the right motorcycle is about more than just cruiser vs. sportbike. Here are some additional factors to consider:
- Engine Size and Power: Don’t be lured in by the biggest, most powerful engine as a beginner. Look for models specifically designed for new riders, often with smaller engine sizes and more manageable power delivery. This allows you to focus on mastering the fundamentals before graduating to a more powerful machine.
- Safety Gear: This is non-negotiable! Invest in a high-quality helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots that offer proper protection. Remember, safety gear is not a fashion statement; it’s your shield on the road.
- Motorcycle Safety Courses and Training: Taking a motorcycle safety course is one of the best investments you can make as a new rider. It will teach you essential skills like braking, cornering, and maneuvering, all in a controlled environment. Consider enrolling in a beginner-friendly course before hitting the open road.
Conclusion
There’s no single “right” answer when it comes to choosing between a cruiser and a sportbike for new riders. It all boils down to your personal preferences and riding style. Here’s a quick recap:
- Cruisers: Ideal for comfort, relaxed riding, and lower seat heights. Perfect for cruising on straight roads and enjoying the scenery. Consider the heavier weight and limited handling capabilities.
- Sportbikes: Offer exceptional agility, fuel efficiency (often), and a more connected feel with the road. Great for carving corners and those who enjoy a more performance-oriented riding experience. Be mindful of the higher seat height, demanding riding position, and potentially more challenging clutch control.
The best way to make your decision? Do your research online, visit dealerships, and most importantly, take some test rides! Sit on different bikes, feel the controls, and experience the riding position firsthand.
This will give you a much better understanding of which type of motorcycle feels more comfortable and inspires confidence.
Remember, prioritize safety and choose a bike that you feel in control of. Once you’ve made your choice, enroll in a safety course, gear up properly, and get ready to experience the freedom and joy of motorcycle riding!