The motorcycle industry is worth more than $120 billion and is estimated to hit $180 billion in the next decade. As our nation is continually faced with higher fuel costs and heavier traffic in major cities, people are turning to motorcycles in droves.
Motorcycles average a fuel efficiency about twice as high as most of the cars on the road today. And with the amount of driving that Americans do each day, that can translate into some serious fuel savings over the course of a year.
Different types of motorcycles will have varying fuel efficiencies, along with their own unique benefits. No, you don’t have to drive a Harley if you’re considering life on two wheels.
So what are the best motorcycles on the road today, and which should you consider buying? Read on below to discover your options.
Standard Motorcycles
The most common motorcycle is the standard-style bike. These feature comfortable riding positions that have you sit slightly upright. No outstretched legs like a chopper, and no-cramped arms like a sports racer.
These offer the classic bad-boy look. They do well around town and on the highway. They are widely used as commuters and for low-key joyrides.
While they offer a good balance of comfort and performance, they aren’t designed for long-distance rides. The traditional motorcycle is affordable, easy to drive, and offers the power and speed that would handle most riding situations and styles.
Cruisers
Everyone has thought about getting a Harley one day, thinking they are the best cruiser motorcycle. But that’s just one brand that produces cruisers. Cruisers are classics. Everyone knows a cool uncle or dad that has one.
These bikes offer a laid-back riding experience. Sitting is upright, footpegs are forward, and handlebars are quite high up. It’s easy to sit back in one of these and soak up the open road for a few hours.
They are designed for relaxing, or adventurous joyrides around town or down the highway. And if you want to take the cruiser one step forward, you can opt for the California-style chopper, which features the unmistakable lengthened forks and stretched-out appearance.
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are designed for long-distance journeys. Whether you’re traveling across the country for weeks at a time, or just traveling across your county over a weekend, these bikes are designed for comfort.
These bikes are big, as they can comfortably carry two riders and a whole lot of gear. They usually feature a front windscreen making it easy to ride all day long. If you’re into long-distance rides, this is the type of bike for you.
Adventure Bikes
Need a bike capable of causing down dirt trails along with city roads and highways? An adventure bike is one that can do it all. These motorcycles feature long-traveling suspension, to make it easy to handle rough terrain.
The riding position is comfortable and makes it easy to stand up during your ride when navigating tough terrain.
Sport Bikes
And then there are the speed demons among us. If you’re looking to go as fast as you can, you can’t argue with the shape and design of sportbikes.
Driving one of these is a completely different experience from any of the other bikes listed above. Your front pegs will be behind you, while your handlebars will be very low. To ride a sportbike is to hug it.
The benefit is the increased control and sharp cornering. You really get to lean into your turns, getting as close to the pavement as you feel comfortable doing.
Mopeds, Scooters, and Motorbikes
Whatever you like to call them, they have two wheels and an engine, just like a motorcycle. Motorcyclists don’t like to call them motorcycles, but for all intents and purposes, they are motorcycles.
Scooters usually have a max speed of around 45 mpg, meaning they can’t head out on the highway. But they can navigate most city and suburban roads with ease.
Their gas mileage can push 100 mpg. And their price tag is usually under $5K. If you don’t need high speeds or style points, a moped is a great option for cheap commuting and fresh air.
Getting Your First Motorcycle
Ready to buy your first motorcycle so you can start enjoying life on two wheels? There are just a few things to keep in mind as you get started as a motorcyclist.
Get Licensed
First, you need to have a motorcycle license. Getting one requires you to take a practical test. You may need to take a one or two-day course in order to take a test in your state.
Upon passing, you can upgrade your driver’s license to include a motorcycle endorsement.
Backup Funding Source
The nice thing about having a motorcycle is that it can always be a source of cash, should you ever need to borrow money against your motorcycle.
Using your motorcycle as collateral, you can take out a loan against your title. You will need to own your motorcycle free and clear in order to take out a loan. All you need is a source of income and the title, and you can borrow money at a low rate since the loan is secured by our vehicle. Check out georgiatitleloans.com if you ever need to get a loan in less than 30 minutes.
Dress for the Slide
And lastly, remember to always dress for the slide, not for the ride. That means always wearing a helmet, even if it isn’t required in your state. You might be a great motorcyclist, but the people driving those huge pickup trucks or minivans might not be great drivers.
Wear boots that cover the ankles, long pants, long sleeves, and gloves. Should you ever fall, your skin will be very thankful.
Choosing Between the Different Types of Motorcycles
There are other types of motorcycles you can get as well, which are mostly variations of the ones listed above. Whatever your goals and preferred riding style, there is a perfect bike out there for you. You just need to find it.
Looking for more tips and tricks like this? Head over to our blog now to keep reading.
