Which Motorcycle is Right For You?

Finally decided that it’s time to take the plunge and purchase a motorcycle? Of course you have! Motorcycles are an economical and fun way to commute, run errands and even travel out of town. You can save fuel and enjoy some exhilarating rides at the same time.

However, it can be hard to choose a motorcycle if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Altus Motorsports is your Oklahoma motorcycle dealer. Here are some considerations you’ll need to think about when shopping for the perfect motorcycle.

What’s The Purpose?

First, you’ll want to think about how you plan to ride your bike. There are several different types of bikes out there, and it’s important that you get the right one for your skill level and riding style.

Looking to coast around town and look stylish? Consider purchasing a cruiser motorcycle. These classic bikes have iconic aesthetic features that harken back to the mid-20th century heyday of motorcycles. Cruisers are easy to handle, which makes them ideal for the novice rider, but they still have enough power and speed to please even an expert.

Want to ride for hours or need a good commuting bike? Check out touring bikes. These powerful machines are designed with ergonomic riding postures and they prioritize rider comfort over style. Touring motorcycles are packed with storage options for all of your gear, too, which is why commuters and travelers love them. They are also very stable and fuel-efficient so you can save money on gas.

Those of you who consider yourselves thrill-seekers may want to turn to a sport bike. These lightweight bikes have a streamlined aesthetic and are made to be agile. This allows them to handle better at higher speeds. Sport bikes are perfect for racing competitions and more extreme riding, and most are more tailored to experienced riders.

Don’t want to hit the pavement at all? Check out dirt bikes! These rugged two-wheeled demons can handle hard-pack dirt trails, mud and other unpaved conditions. Some are even dual-purpose to allow you to ride on roads if you want to.

What Size Do You Need?

Now that you’ve thought about the type of bike you need, let’s consider the size. People are all different heights and body shapes, so not every bike will work for every body. You want to make sure when you sit on a motorcycle that you can reach the hand controls and the foot controls, and that you can plant your feet flat on the ground. You also don’t want the bike to make you feel cramped (although some styles, like sport bikes, do put you in a less comfortable riding posture by design, because they’re intended to reduce drag). If the bike seems like it’s too large or unwieldy, go with something a little smaller that you feel comfortable handling. If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably want a lightweight bike rather than a heavy one since it will be more comfortable and easy to control.

How Much Can You Spend?

Finally, you should make a firm budget before you start shopping in earnest. You don’t want to blow all of your money on a bike just because it had some fancy feature or cool paint job when you really can’t afford it. Make sure that you factor in maintenance, insurance, registration, fuel and equipment costs, too, not just the sticker price of the bike itself. Remember that you can always look into used models if you wish to save a little more money.

Come on down to see us at our location in Altus, Oklahoma, to take a look at our full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale by leading brands. You can discuss budgeting with our finance department if you need assistance, too. Altus Motorsports proudly serves our neighbors in Amarillo, Texas.