What Is The Safest Type Of Motorcycle?
When you’re out on the road, you have no command over people who are driving under the influence, people who are distracted by cell phones or kids screaming in the back seat, or anyone else that looks away to unwrap a burger or look for something in their bag.
However, by operating a motorcycle that fits your skill level, one that you are comfortable and confident riding with back-up safety features, you can minimize risks while driving. You can also do your part and stay alert of the scenarios that unfold in front of you as a rider, which can definitely increase your odds of enjoying great rides without incident.
So, what’s the safest type of motorcycle? Cycle Trader took a look at the variables and put together the following guide to help you find your ride. What we discovered is that there is no one manufacturer or model that fits the bill, but you can find the best bike built for you to help you stay safe.
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Where To Start
First, measure your skill as a rider and your experience on the road, your level of strength, your body frame, and what kind of riding you intend to do. Why are these important? If you are comfortable and have control over the bike, you’ll be more relaxed and better equipped to take evasive actions when a hazardous situation arises.
For example, if you are a newer rider, you may want to concentrate more on driving than worrying about shifting gears. In this case, an automatic might be a better choice compared with a model that requires manual shifting. You might also want to start with a motorcycle that has a smaller-sized engine versus something that’s going to provide a lot of power that might be overwhelming in the hands of an inexperienced driver. The extra power and speed might be alluring, but if you lose control of the motorcycle because you haven’t built up the handling skills, you become one of the liabilities that other cyclists are trying to avoid.
Similarly, if you have limited or moderate strength, a smaller bike may be better suited to you than a big road cruiser. You also want to make sure the seating height of the motorcycle you choose allows you to comfortably put both feet on the ground when coming to a stop. If you have to reach for the road on tiptoes, you have a greater chance of losing your balance and dumping the bike.
If the bike seat is too low, it’s not only uncomfortable when doing frequent starts and stops, you’ll also need more than the strength of your legs to leverage the bike and make it work. For the record, many motorcycles can be raised or lowered to fit your stature if you need slight adjustments. So, don’t worry if you love everything about one model or another, and it doesn’t immediately feel like a perfect fit. You might have some options to work with depending on the model.
Another factor to consider is what kind of riding you intend to do. Are you looking for a dirt bike, a road cruiser, or something multifunctional that’s good for commuting, but also fun to ride if you want to take a weekend trip through the mountains? Take all of the above into consideration when starting your search. Also, consider if you are going to be challenging a series of s-curves or if you just want a smooth open-road ride. As an example, Harleys tend to have a low kick plate which is better suited for long comfortable rides, versus BMWs, which can be better at cornering.
Embrace Technology
Manufacturers are constantly trying to increase the safety of their rides by offering upgraded features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and onboard diagnostics. Anti-lock brakes are exceptional at controlling skids, especially in panic-braking situations. Stability control helps to analyze surface traction and your lean-angle when going into turns or curves, again, to keep you from losing traction when braking. Onboard diagnostics can measure a number of features on your bike, including things like tire pressure, which can help you avoid riding on wheels that are under-inflated.
Don’t forget the right gear. Sometimes your safety is more dependent on what you have on versus what you are riding. Therefore, the safest type of motorcycle might be the one with the best prepared driver.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, picking the safest type of motorcycle is more than just a matter of stating, “this one” versus “that one.” Newer riders should potentially consider smaller engine sizes, which often relates to lighter bikes, to work on skills and confidence. Electric motorcycles are also a good choice for newer riders, although there are some speedster models out there that might be better for more experienced riders.
If you’ve been riding for a while, it might be time to move up to something a little more powerful or a little more comfortable on longer rides. Check with other veteran riders to get their feedback when you’re ready to make that transition.
In either case, when you’re looking for one of the largest online sites for buying and selling motorcycles, turn to Cycle Trader. We can help you get on your first bike or sell your current bike and buy your next bike if you’re ready to upgrade. Let’s us help you find the one that’s right for you and visit CycleTrader.com.
Barrett Baker
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