5 tips for beginners to choose the right motorcycle

There is, quite literally, no “one size fits all” when choosing the safest motorcycle size. That’s because we’re all physically different, and different motorcycle sizes will be more suitable for each and every one of us. But, there’s a general rule of thumb you should know, and it goes like this: 

“You should be able to at least touch the ground with one foot while your bicycle is at a stop” 

This ensures that you’ll be able to push all levers with your feet while also being able to comfortably stand when you’re parking, getting on the motorcycle, and during redlight stops. You should also choose a motorcycle size that allows you to reach all hand controls easily. Usually, this isn’t an issue, but there are motorcycle models out there that require you to significantly loosen your grip on the handlebars to reach the hand brake levers. 

The size of the motorcycle engine you choose should correlate with your skill level. If you’ve only started riding motorcycles for a few weeks, then it’s always safer to go for smaller engines. This is because smaller engines often have slower acceleration speeds, making them easier to control in real traffic situations. 

On the other hand, if you’re a highly-skilled rider, then there’s nothing wrong with opting for a larger, more powerful engine. Not only will these larger engines give you more satisfaction when cruising down an empty lane, but their fast acceleration speed will also allow you to get out of emergency traffic situations when necessary. 

There have been various innovations in motorcycle designs over the years, each aimed at different types of drivers. Let’s go through a few of these designs here: 

• Standard: The name of this design is pretty much self-explanatory. The seats are standard, neither forward or backward-leaning. They usually have limited storage space available, but the simple design allows you to sit up straight or lean forward with ease while riding. 

• Sport: Sports designs favor speed. There’s usually some distance between the seats and handlebars to make the aerodynamic, forward-leaning stance more comfortable. These motorcycles are usually meant for more experienced drivers and are best for driving shorter distances. 

• Touring: These are basically the opposite of sports designs. Touring bikes are meant for long-distance driving. They usually offer a lot of storage space along with seat designs that allow you to sit up straight, letting you drive for hours on end without severely straining your bum, back, and shoulders. Touring bikes also usually come with extra safety features, such as protective screens and large rearview mirrors. 

There are plenty of other motorcycle designs out there, and choosing the safest design will depend on your riding habits. If you’re a new driver in the city who’s had enough of boring-looking scooters, then standard bikes might a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re a regular cross-country driver, then touring bikes are the ones for you!

New motorcycles are equipped with the latest safety innovations. Make sure you look out for these features when choosing the safest motorcycle to buy: 

• Stability control: Stability control systems automatically apply the appropriate amount of power or braking to prevent accidents occurring when you’re approaching a major turn on the road. 

• Anti-lock brakes: Anti-lock brakes prevent your wheels from locking up in an event of a sudden brake, giving you more control over your vehicle.

• LED lighting: LED lights increase your visibility while also giving you a clear view of the road. Also, they make you the coolest motorcycle driver by miles! 

• Diagnostics: Many motorcycle accidents occur when systems like brakes fail without the driver noticing. Diagnostics systems will automatically monitor your motorcycle to make sure that all brakes, suspensions, and other systems are working as they should. 

Every vehicle needs maintenance, and sticking to the maintenance schedule of your vehicle is the key to avoiding road accidents and unnecessary vehicle breakdowns. However, not all motorcycles are created equal in this regard. Some need more maintenance work than others. The catch is, there’s always a risk of maintenance error when it comes to your bike. 

For this reason, choose a motorcycle with a relatively short list of maintenance requirements. This will minimize your risk of system failures while you’re on the road. If you’re buying a second-hand motorcycle, make sure you check its maintenance records and carefully inspect the crucial parts, such as wheels, brakes, and suspensions. 

Securing motorcycle insurance is another crucial part of staying safe on the road. They can potentially save you a lot of money on repairs and accident compensations. To find out more about motorcycle insurance in Hong Kong, you can read our guide on ‘What every rider should know about motorcycle insurance’ or contact our experts at Kwiksure at any time. 

As motor insurance experts in Hong Kong, we are able to help you find cheap motorcycle insurance without any additional charges. To get a free price comparison quote, feel free to visit our website today!