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Is That Motorcycle Right for You? Learn Which Type to Buy

By: Jerome Curt Click author's name for more of his/her articles

A motorcycle is not only a cool, sporty ride, it can also be a very convenient and fast way of commuting. If you're in the market for a motorcyle, chances are you will find yourself faced with at least a dozen choices. Most major manufacturers of motorbikes come out with at least one new model of their popular series each year and as consumer choices widen, so does confusion on your part. How to choose what type of motorcycle is right for you? Here are four types of motorcyles to choose from:

Know your motorcyle
There are several types of motorcycles you can choose from. These are:

The Scooter
The scooter is an excellent choice for the inexperienced or younger rider. They are built smaller and have lighter engines. They are the most convenient type of motorcyle you can buy, quite portable and practical. Maintenance-wise, they are also the least complicated -- very ideal for the novice driver or someone who doesn't want a high-maintenance unit.

The scooter is an excellent choice for urban and suburban areas. They can weave through traffic, are easy to park, light enough to push and can run at decent speeds, provided you're not trying to participate in a race. They are not ideal for off-road driving, when streets or paths are unpaved. Most units in this category are quite affordable.

Dirt bikes
Dirt bikes are sometimes called off-road motorcycles. Although their engines are light and their bodies simple, they are made of tougher stuff compared to the scooter. They are so-named because they are built to withstand conditions off the road. Their tires are considerably larger and have better traction than those that are used with scooters. Dirt bikes are also faster than scooters.

Dirt bikes are ideal if you'll be traveling streets that are unpaved or if you intend to use them on rugged trails. They are the best type of motorcycle for you if you're an outdoorsy type. If this is the category you want, check with your locality if using the motorcycle on city streets is allowed. There may be restrictions in place.

Sport motorcycle
Sport motorcycles are built with high-performance engines and light frames. They are the right type of motorcycle for you if you are an experienced driver and want a fast means of transportation. It's also built for comfort, even if you will have to lean your body forward just to grip the controls.

Cruisers
Cruisers are the type of motorcycle that's right for you if you intend to use your bike for long rides. They are built with a low center of gravity and quite comfortable seats, so you can drive for several hours in comfort and safety. They are not built for speed like sport motorcycles, though but they can be used on city streets, long, open highways and even dirt roads.