Motorcycles & Scooters

Key Things to Consider

We can’t stress enough that riding isn’t for everyone. This is a high-risk mode of transportation best suited to coordinated adults with the ability to focus attention, willingness to master the sport, good vision, and a healthy dose of common sense. And don’t think that if you are considering a scooter you are less exposed to danger than you’d be on a motorcycle.

What We Found

But motorcycles and scooters aren’t for everybody. Passenger and cargo space is limited, and riders are a lot more exposed to the dangers of harsh weather, extreme temperatures, poorly maintained roads, and other motorists’ errors. The cold reality is that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than people in a car, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). And 43 percent of all motorcycle deaths are the result of single-vehicle crashes. Speeding and alcohol continues to be major contributors to motorcycle crashes. Eliminate those factors and you’ve dramatically reduced your risk.

Motorcycles can be a lot of fun and provide a more engaging travel experience than a car, making you less isolated from your surroundings and more aware of the sights and scents of the world around you. Many two-wheelers claim about 50 mpg, with some thrifty, small-displacement models boasting upwards of 100 mpg. Before running down to the local dealership with the checkbook, it’s important to know if a cycle is for you. Riding and maneuvering a bike is more physically demanding than driving a car, and even getting a bike onto its center stand for parking a can pose a challenge for some. (Read our 10 motorcycle safety tips for new and returning riders.)

This guide is intended as a primer for new riders thinking about getting their first cycle and as a refresher for those who haven’t ridden for a while but are thinking about getting back on a bike. We’ll take you through the basics of cycle types, safety, clothing and gear, where to get instruction, ownership costs, and everything else you need to know.

Visit our motorcycle special section, and see the owner satisfaction and reliability findings in the tabs above.

2. Key Things to Consider

We can’t stress enough that riding isn’t for everyone. This is a high-risk mode of transportation best suited to coordinated adults with the ability to focus attention, willingness to master the sport, good vision, and a healthy dose of common sense. And don’t think that if you are considering a scooter you are less exposed to danger than you’d be on a motorcycle.

Scooter or Motorcycle?
If you want a natural seating position, rather than straddling an engine, and to not be bothered with shifting gears, the flat foot-rest floor and convenience of an automatic transmission define you as a scooter candidate.

It’s easier to master a motorcycle if you already know how to drive a stick shift.

Scooters and motorcycles can provide limited storage, but they are not prime choices for transporting passengers or much cargo. While long-distance travel can be a joy for expert riders, new riders are better served sticking closer to home. Short commutes and local riding are well suited to a neophyte, though consider the dangers that these rides may provide. Tackling rush hour in a major metropolitan area demands more concentration and experience than cruising through a small town or exploring scenic, rural roads.

Choosing a bike is often inspired by style and image, but these really should be secondary considerations. Don’t pick a bike that’s larger than you can handle. A standard rule is to choose a model that allows both your feet to be planted firmly on the ground when stopped, and beginners should be careful not to choose a bike that’s too powerful for their ability. It is advised to start with a small-displacement model in the 250-500 cc range, although larger riders might be more comfortable toward the higher end of that scale, or even starting with a 700 cc, depending on confidence level and where they plan to ride. Following this strategy will lead you to a bike that will be satisfying in the long term. How can you possibly pick a bike you’d want to ride for years when you haven’t even ridden for a week?

You’ll also need a safe place to park your new ride. A garage is best, but bikes can be parked outside and covered. When parking outdoors, you’ll want a secure location and/or a means to lock the bike to prevent theft.

Weather is much more of a consideration for riders than car drivers. You’re literally out there in it, so be prepared to arrive wherever you’re going wet, rumpled, or both, even with protective gear. And consider a short haircut, or “helmet head” will become your nickname.

Licensing is another consideration. No license is required for scooters with engines less than 50 cc in most states. You’ll need to get a motorcycle license for anything larger than 50 cc, which involves a written and a road test. A list of licensing requirements can be found on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website.

Professional instruction and practice are a must before taking the test, and no new rider should take to the roads without lessons from a pro. Many classes provide entry-level bikes, giving a chance to not only learn, but to sample bikes before buying one.

Even if you’re an experienced rider but haven’t ridden in a while, a refresher course is a good idea. Classes are available for all skill levels.

Last, remember safety gear. You’ll need to invest in a helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, and other protective clothing. In addition to protecting you in a crash, the right gear will help shield you from the elements.

2. Types

Scooters and motorcycles run the gamut from lightweight, fuel-sipping putt-putts to 200-hp pavement-ripping monsters, with a wide variety of styles and performance levels in between. Some are built for specific types of riding, like models designed for modest off-road use or those meant specifically for long-distance highway cruising. Others are meant for a combination of purposes.

Beginners may find scooters more novice-friendly than motorcycles, thanks to their lighter weight and automatic transmissions. Scooters can also make errand running easier, because most have some on-board storage–something that can’t be said for all motorcycles.

If you’ve decided to seriously consider a two-wheeler of your own, the next step is to figure out which type is best for you. Start by thinking about where and when you will ride, and if you’re looking for daily transportation, weekend cruising, or somewhere in between. Then consider:

• Will you be riding on highways, secondary roads, around town, or some combination of the above?
  • Does the bike need to have sufficient power and seating for a passenger?
  • Do you need storage room for gear or groceries?
  • Is fuel mileage a priority?
  • How much do you want to spend?

Next, give some thought to some features that might make for a more enjoyable, and safer, ride:

• Saddlebags or racks Thanks to their enclosed designs, most scooters have at least a small storage compartment, and many have a lidded and lockable space large enough to swallow up a helmet or small bag of groceries. To carry anything on a motorcycle, you might want to consider saddlebags, rear “trunk,” or a rack, usually mounted over the rear wheel behind the seat. Your dealership can discuss options with you.
• Antilock brakes Although this important safety feature is now found on all new cars, it has been slow in coming to cycles. ABS is commonly offered on large, expensive models, but it has been spreading to several entry-level sport bikes and midsized bikes, adding at least $500 to the cost. ABS is can be money well spent. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has reported that motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than models without ABS.
• Windscreen or fairing These can help protect you from the wind and rain, and they can make highway riding less fatiguing.
  Automatic transmission Learning to ride a motorcycle is complicated by the myriad controls that have each foot and hand playing an active role. Honda has been introducing midsized models available with an automatic transmission that could make riding more approachable for beginners.
• Crash bars Hoop-shaped bars mounted on the frame can help protect riders in a spill by keeping the weight of the bike off the rider’s body.

Here’s a quick rundown of model types available to help narrow your selection.