Choosing a Motorcycle appropriate to YOU is Vital for your needs

Choosing a motorcycle that suits your body size and can carry the amount of equipment needed for the time and distance you intend travelling is your main priority. (This site is mainly dealing with choosing a motorcycle for your holiday and touring needs. It is still appropriate though no matter what you are buying your motorbike for to know what you are going to be using it for).

It is a mistake to buy a machine that is too big for the job. A large motorcycle is advisable only when two people need to travel a very long distance carrying a lot of gear. Select a popular make of machine if you will be travelling in the country, as spare parts may be hard to obtain and experienced mechanics unavailable.

A Lightweight Motorcycle (between 250 and 500 cc engine capacity) is ideal for one person or for two travelling slowly over a short distance. Dual purpose machines with a single cylinder engine and universal tyres are recommended for travelling in remote areas. They are economical, relatively easy to repair and have the correct suspension and chassis for rough country. However, they have limited capacity for storing camping gear.

A Midweight Motorcycle (between 500 and 750 cc) is an ideal touring machine. It can carry two people and has enough power for carrying camping gear, spares and food as well. Both twin and four cylinder motorbikes are available. The four cylinder varieties are smoother to ride. However, a twin cylinder machine is generally more economical. Whichever model you choose, make sure you know how to service the machine.

A Heavyweight Motorcycle (between 750 and 1200 cc) is mainly for the dedicated tourer, long distance traveller or heavyweight connoisseur. Fuel consumption can almost equal that of the average car and indeed surpasses some small four cylinder cars. A heavyweight motorcycle will carry two people with ease. It will also carry much more equipment than a lighter bike. Lower engine stresses usually make large bikes more reliable.

Remember, you should know what you are going to do with it before choosing a motorcycle.