After more than a century since their introduction, motorcycles remain an extremely popular mode of transport. There are a number of reasons why this happens to be true: not only are motorcycles more compact than cars, vans, and trucks in terms of maneuverability and parking space utilization, but they also offer a more dynamic and thrilling experience to riders.
People become passionate for motorcycles at a very tender age but have to wait years for them to become legally eligible to apply for their license and start living with the machine they always wanted to be with. However pleasant this exercise looks, selecting their first bike could prove to be highly challenging for most enthusiasts. Several factors need to be carefully looked at before one takes the final decision to purchase a bike.
As customers long for updates on new developments in the motorcycle industry, similarly, companies have a keen interest in the feedback they receive from brand loyalists and enthusiasts alike. This is a directly proportional exercise as both parties have interdependent interests.
We, at Lone Ranger India, have collected primary data from a wide and distinct pool of riders and backed it up with secondary research to assess the consumer behavior of an amateur motorcycle owner.
In the span of our research, we found that first-time bike owners typically look for certain key features and some specific riding dynamics while navigating the ideal body style fit for their individual personalities. This consideration narrows down their search to specific body-types of motorcycles which we have explained ahead.
Here are some popular motorcycle body types to consider:
Cruisers:
These are the best beginner motorcycles by far. They are famous for the iconic low-slung saddle design and a variety of engine sizes (from 500 to 1,800cc), cruisers feature a relaxed riding position, making them ideal for touring and long jaunts between cities. They aren’t equipped for racing or high-performance situations, which is just not a great idea if you don't know your way around a motorcycle.
Sports bikes:
Sports bikes are designed to withstand high speeds (125+ mph), their engine displacement rarely ever exceeds 750cc. The reason that most people choose a sports bike is that they are a good combination of performance and aesthetics. Sports bike riders like it for the precise control, the agility, and of course, the speed. Sports bikes stand out in a crowd and demand attention.
Touring bikes:
The more powerful cousin to Cruisers, Touring motorcycles were designed to go the extra mile. A more upright body positioning, luggage compartments, smooth handling, and motorcycle features like heated grips, seats, cruise control (and even cup holders!) take comfort to a new level in these models.
Commuters and minis:
Covering a broad category, commuters and/or “mini” bikes are usually low-cc smaller motorcycles capable of nimbly navigating traffic and thus providing great mileage. Many of these bikes have 125-250cc’s, making them perfect for new and city riders.
Other important considerations:
- Weight - A bike between 130 - 180 kgs is a good weight and is not too hard to find.
- Engine displacement - Anywhere from 150 - 600 cc will give you enough power, but not overwhelming
- Budget - A good bike can be purchased for as low as INR 80k but we go up depending on the size, type, and brand.
- Speed - Beginners don’t need more speed than they can handle with their first bike. Look for something between 130 - 210 km/h.
- Technology - Anti-Lock Braking System is a must. Newer motorcycles have some upgraded tech such as GPS, digital systems, audio systems, and other mechanics.
- Brand - Most major manufacturers make motorcycles that are a good fit for new riders.
- Community - You will find that different motorcycles come with a different community of riders to engage in.
- Terrain - Motorcycles can handle different types of terrain. You’ll need to know where you want to ride “street, dirt, both” before committing to buying.
Conclusion:
While there are numerous options to choose from, your first motorcycle need not be the best one, it just has to be the best one for you and your riding style. The costs of keeping a motorcycle should be thoroughly studied beforehand as maintenance charges could end up being very high for specific motorcycles. A first-time buyer should be able to enjoy the ride much more than having to worry about the damn costs of operating his/her beloved first-riding jet.
First-time buyers must also assess the pros and cons of selecting a particular body type for their motorcycle. This consideration should depend on pre-determined factors such as fuel economy, performance, riding dynamics, weight, and riding comfort.
There would certainly be difference in the consumer behavior of a first-time bike owner as opposed to an experienced bike owner, which is completely normal as every rider learns with the might of experience they gain. Even if you make a wrong selection with your first bike, it isn’t something to stress over as this would provide you with valuable insights so that you do not face such problems with your future purchases.
Happy Riding!