The Kawasaki 650cc (left) and Harley are lovely looking machines. – The Malaysian Insider pic, July 19, 2014.For someone who’s closest inkling of a two-wheeled motored vehicle is pumping hard at bicycle pedals, choosing a first-time motorcycle can be hard.
Choices run the gamut, from the Honda CBR 500r or even its 250r offshoot, to a 650cc Kawasaki, a Harley Davidson cruiser, a Ducati, a scooter and even the ever popular 100cc motorcycles known widely in Malaysia as the kapchai.
From a new rider’s point of view, riding a bike for the first few times is daunting because of a few factors.
Mainly, not having full control of the bike, in terms of braking, turning corners, balancing and getting into gear fast enough is one reason.
Another factor, though not as pressing, is the size of one’s physique in comparison with the motorcycle – being able to put both feet comfortably on the ground while riding a bike could make a significant difference for a new rider.
Although, I think that the core factors in choosing a first-time bike should be its handling and stability.
If one were to roughly juxtapose a Yamaha, Honda and Ducati, the Yamaha is generally appealing for its edgier look and fuel efficiency, the Honda for its classic look and smooth handling and the Ducati for looking simply drop-dead gorgeous.
Of course, these are solely based on first impressions. But, all this aside, the Honda 250r and 500r both have been widely commended as entry-level bikes.
The Honda CBR250R ABS has been described as a versatile bike, easily manoeuvrable when used for daily commuting, long highway runs and hard-core tracks.
In the Malaysian context, the combination of frantic streets, open highways and unpredictable rural dirt roads and back roads could be well served by the CBR 250r.
Chaotic roads can be found the world over but Malaysian road users are of a different kind.
Generally, Malaysian motorcyclists – especially in the city of Kuala Lumpur – have a rabid manner of riding and could very well materialise out of the Fast and the Furious series, but only on bikes instead of cars.
The drivers have improved but encountering a road bully here and there is not uncommon. And here, especially on behalf of my fellow riders, who have taught me nothing but responsibility, wisdom and caution while riding, I have to reiterate that something must be done about these fearless riders.
A fearless person with a good head on the shoulders could engender beneficial results but one who is fearless without a cause is just downright dangerous and only contributes to producing more angry roadsters.
The array of guidelines made available to one looking for a first-time bike is numerous and overwhelming.
A motorcycle’s aesthetics more often than not overshadows the more important factors in choosing a bike.
Price is also a determining factor for many in their purchasing decisions. Though trust me when I say, spend that little bit more for a safe ride.
In the end, investing in a trusted brand and reliable machine is best for a new rider and one can never discount the technology put into a bike, especially customised for new riders. – July 19, 2014.
* The previous column is here.
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