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Long story short: Looking for the perfect bike in India? Our comprehensive guide will help you choose the ideal motorcycle based on your riding style. Don’t miss out on finding your dream ride!
There was a time in India when we, as customers, only had limited options among motorcycles or scooters to choose from. Royal Enfield Bullet, Yamaha RD 350, Yamaha RX 100, Hero Honda CD100, Bajaj Chetak, and Rajdoot 175 were some of the models available in the 1980s. You can observe here that options to select are minimal, and foreign brands are very low. There were no motorcycle options according to riding style at that time.
But the times have changed, and post-2000, the complete scenario and landscape have changed. Several foreign motorcycle brands, like Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Indian, KTM, etc, established their base in India. Now, options to select expanded, and there is now a choice for customers on how to choose bike according to their riding style.
Choosing the ideal bike for your riding style in India necessitates thoughtful deliberation. Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to assist you in making an informed decision. First, let’s discuss the different types of motorcycles.
Different types of motorcycles
Motorcycles or bikes can be classified based on
- Types of motorcycles based on body style
- Types of motorcycles based on fuel type
Types of motorcycles based on body style
Also, motorcycles can be classified by fuel type: petrol and Electric.
The main classification of motorcycles is based on the body style, and there are 12 types of motorcycles based on the same.
- Super Bike or Supersport Bike
- Sports Bike
- Street Bike
- Cruiser
- Tourer
- Commuter
- Cafe Racer
- Scrambler
- Dirt Bike
- Adventure Bike
- Scooter
- Maxi scooter
- Moped
Types of motorcycles based on fuel type
Also, motorcycles can be classified by fuel type: petrol and Electric.
To learn more about each type of motorcycle, check out the below article by our team.
Different types of motorcycles explained
We hope you have an idea about the different types of motorcycles. Now, let’s delve into the factors we must consider while choosing the perfect bike according to your riding style.
How do you choose the perfect bike according to your riding style?
Determine your riding style
The first and foremost question you must ask yourself is, are you planning to commute in the city, go on long tours, engage in off-road adventures, or enjoy sport riding? Your motorcycle riding style will dictate the type of motorcycle you need. It’s as simple as that.
Set your budget
The next important thing is to decide on your motorcycle expenses by considering the purchase price, insurance, registration, gear, and any customization or modifications you intend to do. Set a budget accordingly.
Engine size and type
You must consider the engine size and type that suits your riding style. For that, different motorcycle riding styles require various engine capacities.
- City Commuting: When riding in the city, opt for motorcycles equipped with smaller, fuel-efficient engines, usually ranging from 125cc to 250cc. These bikes are nimble and effortless to handle in congested traffic.
- Touring: For extended rides, it is recommended to search for motorcycles with larger displacement engines (350cc and above) as they provide better highway performance and comfort for long-distance touring.
- Off-Roading: Off-road and adventure riders frequently choose bikes with engine displacements ranging from 200cc to 500cc. These motorcycles possess the required torque and suspension to tackle rough terrains.
- Sport Riding: Sportbike enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating ride opt for motorcycles with engines exceeding 250cc. These models provide exceptional speed and manoeuvrability.
Ergonomics and comfort
When riding, it is essential to consider your physical comfort. Various motorcycles have different seating postures and ergonomics. Select a bike suitable for your body type and preferred riding posture.
- Relaxed & upright ride position: Cruisers, Touring bikes, Scooters, Naked/Streetfighters, and entry-level motorcycles all have relaxed and upright riding postures to avoid tiredness as much as possible in short and long-distance travel.
- Aggressive forward-leaning ride position: Supermoto, sport bikes, cafe racers, etc., all have aggressive forward-leaning ergonomics to get maximum feel and input from the ride. This riding posture will make you tired and energy-sapping while ridden for long hauls.
- Slight forward-leaning ride position: Adventure/Off-road motorcycles offer a slightly forward-leaning stance, which provides the best of both worlds – aggressiveness and comfort.
Features & accessories
Consider your motorcycle riding style when determining the necessary features and accessories.
- When touring, prioritize motorcycles with luggage mounts for panniers and top boxes.
- Consider bikes with advanced braking systems like anti-lock brakes (ABS) in heavy city traffic.
- For hilly or rough terrain, prioritize bikes with good ground clearance and robust suspension.
Local Road and traffic conditions
India’s road conditions can vary significantly. Consider a motorcycle with features that suit local requirements, such as:
- Good ground clearance for rough roads or speed breakers.
- Durable and puncture-resistant tires for variable road conditions.
Brand and model reliability
To obtain valuable insights, it is essential to research the reputation and reliability of various motorcycle brands and models. This can be done by reading reviews, consulting with experienced riders, and examining long-term ownership experiences.
Fuel efficiency
Given the fluctuating fuel prices in India, it is essential to consider a motorcycle’s fuel efficiency. Look for motorcycles that offer good mileage for your riding style. But one thing to note here is that when engine capacity increases, mileage decreases. So be mindful of that, and do not be too stubborn about fuel efficiency.
Test ride
Always test-ride the motorcycles you’re interested in. This will help you assess the bike’s handling, comfort, and performance, allowing you to make an informed decision. Nothing can replace the actual hands-on experience of test-riding a motorcycle.
Resale value
Consider the potential resale value of the motorcycle. Some brands and models hold their value better than others, which can be vital if you upgrade or sell your bike. For example, brands like Hero Motocorp and Honda have better resale value than others.
Insurance costs
To fully comprehend the ongoing expenses, it is recommended to obtain insurance quotes, as motorcycle insurance expenses may differ based on the model and engine size. Opt for comprehensive insurance as the cost might be high, but gives you complete protection for your bike.
Legal considerations
Ensure that the motorcycle you select meets all Indian regulations, such as safety standards and emissions requirements. Any modifications that do not comply can result in legal problems.
Maintenance and service availability
Consider the availability of authorized service centres and spare parts for your chosen brand and model in your area. This will affect the ease of maintenance and repair. If the service network of the motorcycle brand is vast, it will always reduce your problems when issues arise. So opt for motorcycle brands with a good service network.
Personal preference
Choose a bike that you connect with on a personal level. Your passion for the bike is crucial for the riding experience. This is what really matters in the long-term aspect of your motorcycle life.
Research and Seek advice
Join local motorcycle forums, riding communities, and social media groups in India to seek advice from experienced riders who can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and firsthand experiences.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we discussed everything we must consider to choose the perfect bike according to motorcycle riding style. Let’s conclude about these factors in a nutshell.
- Determine your riding style, whether commuting in the city, going on long tours, or engaging in off-road adventures.
- Set your budget and calculate how much you are willing to spend.
- Consider the engine size and type that suits your riding style.
- Consider the ergonomics and comfort of the motorcycle.
- Opt for features and accessories according to your riding style.
- Check for local road and traffic conditions in your area.
- Research the reputation and reliability of various motorcycle brands and models.
- Choose a bike that offers good mileage for your riding style.
- Always test-ride the motorcycles you’re interested in.
- To fully comprehend the ongoing expenses, it is recommended to obtain insurance quotes
- The resale value of the bike is an essential factor.
- Ensure that the perfect bike you select meets all Indian regulations
- Consider the availability of authorized service centres and spare parts for your chosen brand and model in your area
- Choose a perfect bike that you connect with on a personal level.
- Take advice from experienced riders in local motorcycle forums, riding communities, and social media.
If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
