Last week's column was about how to ease into longer distance riding. Since then, I've gotten requests asking for information on how to choose the 'right' motorbike, and the subsequent differences in riding styles.

Since this is often the time of year that dealerships are offering buying incentives, I'll start this weeks column on the three major styles of motorbikes. Next week, I'll go over some modifications, or farkles - (fancy accessory really kool likely expensive) that can make riding more safe and comfortable on any bike.
Choosing a bike can be difficult, especially if you're newly endorsed and haven't had enough hours in the saddle. As with any new hobby, you don't want to go the cheapest route, nor should you start off on the high end.

My suggestion to new riders that want their own bike is to look for a small 250cc-600cc bike (cc's refer to the engine displacement/size), and buy used. This will enable you to experiment with confidence, and if that bike doesn't suit your needs, you can sell or trade it for another. The reason for suggesting the smaller bikes is that, although endorsed, riders now face the challenges of the open road, and a smaller bike, while not the fastest, will be easier to handle in a variety of situations. Remember, anyone can ride fast, but not everyone can maneuver a bike in slow speeds, and a lighter-weight bike will allow you to enjoy riding, as opposed to fighting, the bike.

Now that a good engine size has been determined for a starter bike, what 'style', or riding position do you favor most? What kinds of riding do you envision yourself doing? Does an easy Sunday morning breakfast ride -- 50-100 miles away, on lightly traveled secondary roads, perhaps meeting up with a group for the ride back, hitting up a diner and kibitzing with fellow riders for lunch -- sound like a great way to spend the day? Start looking at cruising bikes.

Cruiser bikes tend to allow you to be in a laid back, feet forward, easy chair position. Oftentimes, these bikes are more comfortable for long distances because of lower seat heights, handlebars that allow a more relaxed arm position and different foot options (referred to as highway pegs). As long as you don't get a cruiser bike with Ape Hangers (think 'Easy Rider"), you'll have a great bike to, well, cruise on. They tend to be a tad bit heavy due to engine construction, and lots of chrome. Deck them out with some nice leather saddlebags and a seat roll, and you have a stellar means to go exploring, whether it's a weekend trip or cross country, either by yourself or two-up (carrying a passenger).

Easy riding doesn't get your blood going? Ever been passed in your 'cage' by a group of colorful leather-suited motorcyclists, almost touching their foot pegs as they lean tight and drag a knee around a twisty road? Does seeing them, all crouched up, zooming past you, make you want to ditch your four wheels and join them? Then look at the Sport Bike category.

Sport bikes are built for speed. Like an Olympic sprinter, these bikes are out the gate fast with fantastic agility. They are very aerodynamic, and the rider is forced into a aerodynamic position for the most efficient, well balanced, fast ride. Sport bikes tend to be very lightweight, and nimble - their build allows for rapid acceleration, and quick turning. Sitting on a sport bike, you will find your legs crouched up, arms low, neck cranked up, almost like a thoroughbred horse jockey. Your center of gravity is low and focused forward on the bike - in fact, most riders lay their upper bodies on the gas tank for support.

Everything about these machines is about speed, and being able to quickly and efficiently negotiate turns and straightaways. Certain areas of the U.S. have roads that draw sport bike riders to challenge their skills, like Deal's Gap (I've mentioned Tail of the Dragon before), and their courage, by navigating these areas and not winding up in the Tree of Shame.

In the sport bike world, subcategories of bikes exist, depending on use. Track bikes are exclusive to racing. Often stripped of street legal equipment (no headlight or turn signals, treadless tires, and high end, noisy exhaust systems), these bikes are geared primarily for speed. Manufacturers have given those riders who want this kind of performance a de-tuned, street legal version that can be ridden on the street, yet still give a rider a run for his money during Track Days. For those riders who want the nimble aspects of a sport bike, yet still wish to take moderately long trips, there is the Sport Tourer bike. Allowing the rider to maintain some of the aerodynamics of the sport bike style, yet a tad bit more comfortable in the saddle, these bikes can be outfitted with smaller side cases to allow for a weekend out touring and exploring. Perfect for commuting, fun to ride, a sport touring bike gives you just enough excitement to spice up your life.

Laid back cruising or speedy leanings do not, however, allow you to look at a dirt road and say, "I wonder what's up around the corner?" point your front tire in that direction, stand up on the pegs, twist the throttle and, in a puff of dust, ride off. If riding on the tarmac, with the option of riding the Road Less Traveled is more to your liking, then welcome to the world of Dual Sport, also known as Adventure motorbikes.

Sitting in a more upright, chair-like position, dual sports are known to give you the most comfortable riding position. Unlike a cruiser that allows you to lean back in the seat, a dual sport encourages its rider to sit with a straight back (a great bonus for those of us with back issues), and your legs in a neutral, almost chair-like position. Center of gravity is really what sets these bikes apart from cruiser or sport bikes. Dual sports have a higher seat and center of gravity, to allow the bike maximum ground clearance for off road riding (think Jeep Wrangler vs a BMW Boxer). Dual sport bikes are fitted with specialized tires that can handle various road conditions, yet that are able to scoot down a dirt or gravel two track with ease.

Some dual sport riders outfit their bikes with knobbies, (similar to mountain bike tires), that can even further their ability to explore back roads, and handle deep sand, mud, river crossings, and other conditions that would leave cruising and sport bike riders standing on the edge of the road. These bike can be fitted with a multitude of accessories, including aluminum hard luggage, that can make them into very comfortable, versatile, touring machines with the capacity to take you on RTW (‘round the world), adventures.

Everyone has his or her favorite type of motorbike. What you hope to gain by riding, (cheap therapy), and what your goals are (commuting, or escaping from work), are the primary things to consider when choosing your first bike. Test ride as many different styles as you can, and when out in your cage (car), view the road as if you’re on a motorbike. If traffic is flowing like a fast river, maybe a sport bike is for you. If you see a group of chrome cruisers sauntering up a country road, maybe you should consider a cruiser. If packing up and disappearing on long trips of dubious conditions, an adventure bike will be your trusty steed. What matters most is that you are on two wheels, and that you are content.

Until next time, shiny side up....