You are about to become a motorcycle owner. And that's great! A motorcycle in Cyprus is an all-season mode of transportation, and it's much more convenient to navigate through traffic on it. Additionally, a motorcycle will be an excellent companion for countryside trips. However, to start, you need to choose the type of motorcycle, its key technical characteristics, and model. It's difficult for a novice to understand all the nuances, so in this article, we will try to discuss the most important points in detail.
1. General selection criteria
No matter what article you read or which expert you ask, they will all give you a standard set of recommendations. Of course, you should follow them, but without fanaticism. If you have your heart set on a particular model, you should go for it, even if it doesn't fit the parameters listed below. We will list below where to start, and the details will already relate to individual preferences.
1.1. Power
First of all, beginners are advised to choose a not very powerful bike, with an engine capacity of up to 300-400 cubic centimeters. It is sufficient for comfortable movement, whereas more powerful motorcycles start and stop more abruptly. This can cause difficulties and even accidents for an inexperienced driver.
1.2. Weight
It's easier to handle a light bike, that's a well-known fact. Such a motorcycle is more maneuverable. Moreover, if it falls, it is easy to lift. Whereas a heavy motorcycle, especially a cruiser or a chopper (which are often confused with each other), can simply injure its owner when tipping over.
1.3. Balance of price and reliability
Everyone talks about not buying an expensive motorcycle for a beginner. There is some truth to this, but a very cheap model may be unreliable. Buying your first bike just to constantly repair it? Definitely not worth it. Therefore, choose the optimal balance of price and quality: it's best to pay attention to a simple model (perhaps used), but from a reliable manufacturer.
1.4. Bright color
Of course, no one obliges a novice to buy their first bike in a color they don't like. But visibility on the road is a significant advantage. It will play into safety and increase visibility. If you have no prejudices against brightness, buy a motorcycle in red, orange, or acid/neon shades.
1.5. Low seat height
It is much more convenient for beginners to ride with their feet closer to the ground. This ensures high safety and reduces the risk of injury in case of a fall. Moreover, it's easier to get on and start such a motorcycle, which is also important for the first month of use.
1.6. Fuel tank capacity
At first, it is quite difficult to track and calculate the amount of fuel needed for specific distances. To have some reserve, it's better to choose motorcycles with larger tanks, so that the fuel lasts for 400-500 kilometers. And refueling for completely inexperienced drivers in the first few times is quite an adventure. A large tank simply helps to save extra nerves at first.
1.7. Presence of ABS
Here, the opinions of experienced drivers are divided. Some strongly advise beginners to choose a motorcycle with ABS, while others discourage this step. The plus of ABS is smoother braking and, consequently, better handling. It also reduces the likelihood of falling during sudden braking, which is important for a novice. The downside is that the driver does not develop the skill of extreme braking, and if they switch to a motorcycle without ABS, they may lose control when reducing speed.
2. Choosing the right class of motorcycle
The terrain you intend to travel on with your motorcycle directly affects the choice of its class. The most versatile option is a classic road bike. It is perfect for both urban and rural trips. It is worth choosing a model with high ground clearance and good wind protection – this will ensure comfortable riding on any road.
Most modern models are equipped with both ABS (anti-lock braking system) and TCS (traction control system). This helps avoid accidents and hazardous situations, as well as allows time to get used to traffic conditions and adapt to riding both in the city and beyond.
A scooter is an excellent option for those who need to travel around the city for relatively short distances. It is lightweight, comfortable, and maneuverable, inexpensive, and consumes little fuel. Yes, it's not a beautiful cruiser or a prestigious sportbike, but it's perfect for getting used to riding on two wheels.
Off-road motorcycles are suitable only for those who plan to ride off-road. For example, enduro bikes are generally easy to handle, but they require the purchase of special equipment and certain driving skills. In Cyprus, you can try renting an enduro bike and ride it in certain places to see if you like this activity or not. As a rule, enduro bikes are not used in the city, so they are not suitable as regular transportation – neither for beginners nor for experienced riders.
As the very first motorcycle, it is definitely not worth taking cruisers (they are very heavy, tall, and require certain driving skills) and sportbikes (they are unsafe and can create hazardous situations threatening the life of the rider)
3. TOP-10 motorcycle models for beginners
So, to give you an idea of what to look for and what to focus on, we offer you a selection of 10 good examples.
3.1. Honda CB125
An excellent motorcycle that is chosen by both beginners and experienced riders. It is a lightweight, maneuverable, and stylish model that provides not only trouble-free riding but also comfort.
3.2. Yamaha YBR 125
A classic model recommended for beginners who are unsure what to choose. If you ask an experienced motorcyclist what to take as a first bike, he will answer without hesitation, "Yamaha YBR 125." It is a small and lightweight model from a well-known manufacturer, its agility and ease of handling are truly appealing from the very first moment.
3.3. BMW G310R
German reliability and cosmopolitan appearance – that's what you can say about BMW G310R. An excellent start for those who are ready to constantly travel by motorcycle. Yes, repairs and parts will be more expensive than on Honda or Suzuki, but comfort and class speak for themselves. At the same time, the model remains budget-friendly among all its two-wheeled BMW counterparts.
3.4. Kawasaki KLR650
Kawasaki is a versatile fighter that can handle both urban environments and light off-road. It has a high ground clearance and a spacious fuel tank, which speaks to its ability to make out-of-town trips as enjoyable as possible.
3.5. Suzuki V-Strom 650
A wonderful budget model for city trips. It has a low seating position and good handling, as well as a stylish appearance – ideal for those who don't want to ride a scooter. Drivers also note that the Suzuki V-Strom 650 has a very comfortable seat.
3.6. Moto-Italy RT 50
One of the few scooters that can ride not only in the city but also on "rural off-road." Wide wheels and a steel frame open up opportunities to ride through mud and moisture, which will appeal to suburban residents. Maneuverable and stylish, the bike has only one drawback – it is designed for one person, you won't be able to seat a passenger.
3.7. Yamaha Neos 50 rp
Another scooter from a renowned manufacturer with good off-road capability. The wide road clearance opens up opportunities for travel on dirt roads, which can be quite dirty. It reaches speeds of up to 60 km/h and consumes little fuel. The downside is the relatively expensive repairs due to the difficulty of obtaining spare parts.
3.8. Honda Zoomer 50
A bike without plastic elements, with wide wheels, and a bright design. It looks exotic, but it rides wonderfully: it can reach speeds of up to 60-70 km/h! The downside is the high cost, although repairs and spare parts are quite reasonably priced.
3.9. Kawasaki Vulcan S
One of the few cruisers that would be suitable as a first motorcycle. It is relatively lightweight for its class, yet the motorcycle has good handling and a "calm character." If you practice on empty roads, you can acquire the necessary driving skills fairly quickly.
3.10. Suzuki Intruder C800
Another good cruiser for starting out. Although it does not have an ABS system, it brakes quite well. The lightweight, relatively low price, and comfortable seating will appeal to those who want to start with a "prestigious" bike.
A wide selection of motorcycles is available on the DOMCar portal.
Photos: pixabay, flickr
