These tips can help you make a better informed decision when it comes time to buy your first motorcycle.

Tips to Help You Pick the Perfect Motorcycle

Picking your first motorcycle is no easy task. You may think it's as easy as coming across one that catches your eye, but there is much more to consider. We hate to break it to you, but what you want may not be what you need. Before investing in a machine that just isn't for you, check out this useful information.

Understand the Different Types of Motorcycles

There are four main types of motorcycles you can choose from. These can be broken down into additional categories depending on what they're made for. In order to decide which type of motorcycle will be best, think about what you wan the motorcycle for. Will you be taking short daily rides or are you planning on taking a longer road trip on your bike? Are you looking for speed or something more relaxed? As you think about these questions, consider this information.

Street Motorcycles

As their names suggests, these motorcycles are made for street riding. To be more specific, street bikes are designed to be ridden on paved roads. For this reason, they include smooth tires with light tread patterns. Within this category you will find:

• Standard or naked motorcycles: These are the most basic of motorcycles. They don't include many bells and whistles and tend to be a good place to start.
• Touring bikes: Touring bikes are made for longer rides. They tend to be larger and heavier because of their intended use. These types of bikes include more storage space and weather protection.
• Sports touring motorcycles: These types of motorcycles are a hybrid between sports bikes and touring bikes. They're sportier and smaller than touring bikes but heavier than a sports bike.
• Sport bikes: A sports bike is often the type of motorcycle that will zoom past you in traffic. They are more sleek and compact because their main draw is their speed. Although they have a more aerodynamic design, they tend to be less fuel efficient.
• Cruisers: Cruisers are also known as choppers. They are often custom made and hard to miss, but may not be the best option for beginners. They can be quite heavy and your riding position can feel a bit awkward.

No matter what type of motorcycle you ride, keep its engine protected with a full synthetic oil change. Learn more about synthetic oil and its benefits by contacting AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706. Their pros can recommend AMSOIL Oil products like their 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil.

Off-Road Bikes

These types of motorcycles are also known as dirt bikes. They are made to be ridden on tougher terrain and are better suited to handle  surfaces like sand, dirt, and grass. To put it simply, these machines were not made for street riding. Their bodies tend to be lighter, making jumps and slips easier. They are more rugged than street motorcycles and have a more simplified construction. Their tires have a thicker tread because of the surfaces they're intended to be used on. They also include a better suspension because they are used more roughly. Newbies should proceed with caution when getting on a dirt bike and wear the proper riding gear.

Dual Purpose Bikes

Dual purpose bikes are a hybrid of the two previously mentioned categories. They can be used for recreational trail riding but they include features that also make them street legal. They include a horn, headlights, turn signals, and side mirrors, features that allow you to use them safely on the road. In this category you'll also find adventure motorcycles. These are made for long distance riding on and off the road. They're basically the touring version of dual purpose bikes. This does mean they can be quite heavy and large, which isn't ideal for beginners.

Scooters

Scooters are great machines that offer comfort, great fuel efficiency, and are perfect for beginners. They don't have as much power as other motorcycles and they won't be able to reach high speeds, so they're better suited for city streets and not highways.

Consider a Used Motorcycle

If you've decided to invest in a motorcycle because you saw one that looked really cool, hold off on purchasing that cool new ride for now. Even if you think you know what you need, only after riding for a bit will you be able to make the best choice. Because of this, we suggest starting off with a lightly used motorcycle. Your investment won't be as large and you'll be able to figure out your wants and needs as you ride around. You can also use it to build up your riding skills and experience so that you can later on make the safest and best investment. No matter which motorcycle you decide to start off on, make the necessary adjustments so that it's comfortable and easy to ride.

Synthetic Oil Change for Your Motorcycle in Ann Arbor

Once you've finally decided on the perfect motorcycle, don't forget that it will need regular oil changes to keep it at its best. To keep its engine well protected, stick to synthetic oil changes in Ann Arbor. To learn about the benefits of using synthetic oil, contact AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith. Give them a call at (702) 561-3706 to find the best oil for your needs.