Buying a Motorcycle | Shopping for a Motorcycle

In 2015, Dave Hatch conducted a series of interviews with Jenn Martin, Chief Riding Instructor at Georgian College in Barrie Ontario, about her recommendations for beginner riders. They covered everything from safety to facing the elements. The first interview, conducted in the Harley-Davidson booth at the Toronto Motorcycle show, outlines important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a motorcycle for the first time.

Before getting into the minutia of finding the perfect motorcycle, first time buyers should look at the big picture; they should ask themselves, “What am I going to use this motorcycle for?” Establishing how you’ll use the bike will narrow down your options and ensure that it meets your required needs. As Jenn, points out, a long distance rider and a commuter have different needs and there are motorcycles specially purposed for track and off-road as well. If you’re planning on riding with a passenger, it might be a good idea to get their input to make sure they’re comfortable for the short and long haul.

After you’ve established the type of motorcycle you need, the next thing you should look for is fitment. Jenn demonstrated the “Rider’s Triangle”, which is a short-hand for remembering the important contact points: the wrists, the hips, and the ankles. If you’re leaning too far forward or back in the saddle you will feel discomfort in your back; the handlebars should be easily within reach and your elbows should be rounded and slack so that there is room to steer. Knees should be bent at ninety degrees so your legs are relaxed and comfortable. When your reach is easy and balanced at these contact points, it reduces fatigue and makes for a safer ride.

If you’re really attached to a certain motorcycle and it doesn’t quite fit into your riders triangle, many dealers offer customizations, like narrower seats to help your feet reach the ground, or handlebars with a different curvature to aid in steering.