If you have made an informed decision to buy the first sports motorcycle in your life, then you have a lot of brightest positive emotions ahead of you. Modern sportbikes are good because they can easily reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, and they accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of seconds. The feeling of control over such a powerful and high-speed unit is truly unforgettable, and the novice racer wants to experience it again and again.
Types of motorcycles
Motorcycles for Beginners
The CFMOTO range of motorcycles includes the small-capacity CFMOTO 150 NK, which is perfect for a girl, a novice biker or a teenager.
A motorcycle for a beginner should be controllable, dynamic, light and not particularly powerful - for safety.
The CFMOTO 150 NK has all these characteristics, and in addition, it will not only allow you to enjoy the movement, but also attract attention thanks to its eye-catching sporty design.
Let's take a closer look at the characteristics. The motorcycle has everything for a comfortable ride:
The rear shock absorber and inverted front fork help dampen road imperfections and provide excellent handling in urban conditions and for beginners. Also, brake mechanisms with floating brake discs are responsible for safety and control efficiency.
A radiator equipped with a powerful fan prevents engine overheating in all operating modes, and fuel consumption is controlled by the Bosch electronic engine management system.
Your CFMOTO 150 NK will definitely attract attention - the streamlined headlights with LEDs are the latest in motorcycle fashion, and the compact muffler ensures a pleasant sound to the engine. And also enlarged valves and a progressive combustion chamber shape give it additional power and drive for you!
All this makes the CFMOTO 150 NK one of the best in its segment. It will be a great motorcycle for a beginning rider!
Road motorcycle
A road (city) motorcycle is a vehicle on which you can freely move along the roads and get from one place to another. A motorcycle like this should be able to cope with daily commuting. It should behave well on the road, be powerful enough and comfortable.
The CFMOTO 650 NK meets all these requests.
A powerful, responsive engine, a six-speed gearbox, a 650cc DOHC engine and a robust frame, coupled with a stylish design, will not allow you to get lost in city traffic.
The dynamics and precise traction control of this fighter are provided by a compact two-cylinder in-line eight-valve liquid-cooled engine with a power of 61.2 hp. With. with two camshafts and a Ducati fuel supply system with Marelli injectors.
Your CFMOTO 650 NK will definitely be noticed - it is virtually silent, and the headlight is equipped with a lens with a darkening effect.
Motorcycles for travel
A motorcycle for travel or a touring motorcycle should be comfortable, since you will cover hundreds, or even a thousand kilometers on it in one trip. It must also be designed for driving on different surfaces - asphalt roads, rural roads, roads under the influence of different climatic conditions. In addition, a motorcycle for travel should have a spacious compartment for things.
CFMOTO 650 TK and CFMOTO 650 TK ABS are those models that are ideal for long trips.
Both of these touring motorcycles have identical features, but the CFMOTO 650 TK ABS, as the name suggests, has ABS - Anti-Lock Braking System.
The CFMOTO 650 TK is good on the outside - it has spacious luggage compartments for transporting everything you need on a trip, an improved high windshield, and a plastic body kit that protects you from bad weather. The motorcycle information display, combining analogue and digital instruments, displays all the necessary information. Newly designed tail light and turn signals improve visibility. And, of course, the CFMOTO 650 TK is good on the inside - its powerful 650cc 8-valve engine is equipped with a balancer shaft that minimizes its vibrations. However, the engine is compact due to the installation of ignition coils on spark plugs and the use of a “semi-dry” sump. This tourer has a J. Juan hydraulic braking system with 300mm front and 240mm rear brake discs, providing effective braking in all conditions.
CFMOTO 650 TK has a comfortable two-level seat, and there is also room for a passenger if you are traveling together.
We ourselves checked how suitable the CFMOTO 650 TK and CFMOTO 650 TK ABS are for long trips - in 2015, under the auspices of CFMOTO, a motorcyclist traveled 17,000 km across Russia - from Ufa to Vladivostok. He proved that the CFMOTO 650 TK is a great long-distance bike!
Scooters
A scooter is a special type of motorcycle equipment for the city. It is comfortable and safe, and easy to operate. The CFMOTO 250 JETMAX scooter is a confident ride in urban conditions. It has a powerful engine that gets you up to speed quickly, an innovative design that improves aerodynamics, and it's easy to handle.
What else is good about the CFMOTO 250 JETMAX?
This scooter has a “on liners” engine, as well as a proven lubrication system, which allows it to be both reliable and load-bearing.
Excellent hydraulic braking system: the front wheel consists of 2 front discs and 2 two-piston calipers; At the rear there is a single-disc brake with a two-piston caliper.
The multifunctional liquid crystal panel displays all important indicators: speedometer, odometer, fuel level, oil level, etc.
You will not freeze while driving, as the model is equipped with adjustable air deflectors that allow you to supply warm air to the driver's area.
In addition, the CFMOTO 250 JETMAX is a maxi-scooter , which means it is larger and more comfortable than a regular scooter, and you can ride it together!
Let's make a list and narrow down the choice
Now manufacturers produce a huge number of models suitable for any type of riding. All amenities have been created for beginner motorcyclists. Manufacturers have realized that they need to offer more affordable and user-friendly motorcycles to attract new customers. The wide variety of motorcycles to choose from and the ever-changing terminology can be confusing at first. If you're looking for your first motorcycle, I think the first step is to highlight those qualities that generally make a motorcycle more suitable for a beginner: light weight, moderate power, ease of handling and the ability of the rider to keep both feet on the ground. At first, these characteristics are of great importance. Let's assume that I don't know your motorcycle riding skills yet, so we move on.
Cruisers
Cruisers are designed for comfort. These are not motorcycles for speed. They have a low seat height. The controls are made as comfortable as possible. The seat is soft and comfortable. In short, cruisers are a traditional form of classic motorcycle. The ancestor of this class was Harley-Davidson. And then the Japanese copied it. This type of motorcycle is designed for quiet trips. What are its advantages for beginners: the seat height allows your feet to touch the ground, the engines are tuned for torque at low speeds. This makes it easier to manage. In most cases, it does not have expensive fairing and side plastic. This minimizes the cost of falls.
Sports motorcycle (Sportbike)
These motorcycles have the most aggressive landing position. Sportbikes are designed to go fast. Therefore, everything, including the driving position, is designed for this. This fit is great for the race track, for the track. For everyday life, for ordinary trips, such a landing will not be very comfortable. Sports motorcycles are created to resemble real racing motorcycles, taking many technologies from there. Engineers adapt these models for sale for driving on regular roads. These motorcycles have reduced power compared to racing motorcycles and a cheaper design. But nevertheless, the roots of these motorcycles go back to racing, where everything is geared towards results in competitions. Everything about them is designed for speed and handling. Pros: Most are lightweight. Cons: High power for 1000 cc models. Explosive power, high seats, racing ergonomics, expensive fairings that are easily damaged if dropped. If you still want such a motorcycle and this is the first motorcycle you have ever owned, you can buy a sporty-looking motorcycle with a small volume - 300 cc, they are easier for a beginner to handle.
Regular road bike for the city
This is a versatile option in the motorcycle world. The main advantage of such motorcycles is that they are practical and combine comfort and handling well. Naked bikes are motorcycles with a natural riding position, like in a motorcycle school. Vertical fit, minimum plastic parts. Pros: comfortable fit, quick engine, but not as sharp as on a sportbike, minimum plastic, practicality Cons: models with a large engine capacity (about 1000 cc) are as powerful as on sportbikes or close to it. There is no protection from wind and bad weather; you need to install high glass for driving on the highway.
Touring motorcycle
These motorcycles offer great touring capabilities combined with comfort over long distances on the highway. Large displacement engines, reliable technology and greater weight are all hallmarks of the Tourer. Pros: comfortable, natural ergonomics, comfort over long distances, stability on the highway due to weight. Cons: heavy weight, large volume, expensive.
Motard
The Motard is a nimble city motorcycle. Its main advantage is its light weight, ease of control in the city, and the ability to jump up steps and curbs. Of course, with the proper skill. Such motorcycles have a rather hard seat, spartan conditions for the rider. This motorcycle will be inconvenient to use on highways. But it has large suspension travel. The roots of these motorcycles come from Enduro motorcycles. Once upon a time, someone decided to replace enduro tires with road tires and install different brake discs and calipers. And the motard appeared. It can be recommended as a motorcycle for a metropolis.
Maxiscooter
The king is in town. There is no need to change gears and your left hand will not “wither” in traffic jams when operating the clutch. The landing is vertical. Small wheel size and fast acceleration. The two defining characteristics of scooters are the continuously variable transmission and the absence of a clutch. This means that there is no need to change gears. Pros: Scooters are easy to ride; no clutch, no need to change gears, low operating costs. Often have convenient features such as storage space and are convenient for commuting and running errands. Cons: Small wheels on some scooters provide less stability. If you want one, buy it. Even if you decide to upgrade to a larger motorcycle later, it makes sense to keep the scooter as a backup option for cheap and comfortable city riding.
Choosing a motorcycle
Tip #1: Pass for a category A license.
This advice may seem completely unrelated to choosing a motorcycle, but it is the most important. Because before you buy and choose, you must be sure that you can drive, that you can drive safely. Driving a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving a car, so you must first get a category A license and then buy a motorcycle.
Video about preparing to take a motorcycle license -
Tip #2: Choose not the most powerful motorcycle
If you are new to riding, then you should not immediately choose a powerful and fast motorcycle. Controlling a powerful and agile iron horse requires experience, and for a beginner it is better to take a small-capacity and not the fastest motorcycle.
Tip #3: Pay attention to the weight of the motorcycle
The first bike is, of course, a training bike, so you shouldn’t immediately choose heavy, large models or sports motorcycles. It will be difficult for you to hold these during maneuvers. It's better to start with lighter models. So, for beginners, especially those with light weight, or for girls, the CFMOTO 150 NK motorcycle is suitable. It weighs about 130 kg, as opposed to large, powerful models that can weigh 100 kg or more more.
We must remember that everyone falls, but if you are a beginner, and also not the most powerful physique, it will be difficult for you to get out from under 250 kg of iron.
Tip #4: For the price
The first motorcycle is usually purchased in order to learn to drive confidently, to “feel” the technology and movement of a motorcycle. You will drop it, scratch it, etc., so you shouldn’t buy an expensive motorcycle. It is better to choose a reliable, maybe not such a fashionable brand, but an inexpensive motorcycle. With it you will learn the basics of biker driving without thinking about the fact that you can ruin an expensive toy.
Two types of potential motorcyclists
In my practice, I meet two types of potential motorcyclists: those who know exactly what kind of motorcycle they want to buy, and those who are very confused by the advice on various forums and numerous video bloggers on YouTube. The second type of customer has no idea how to choose a motorcycle. Over the years of working with people to select motorcycles, I have gained a lot of experience in communicating with such customers. Very often I see that a person chose a motorcycle because of some sudden impulse. For example, I saw a motorcycle in a popular movie, met a friend with a beautiful motorcycle and wanted the same one. And so on. Very often a group of friends decided to get carried away by the motorcycle theme. Friends have motorcycles of a certain type and brand, etc. When choosing, you can even get confused at first in the terms: naked, cruiser, tourist, and so on. I propose dividing the selection of a motorcycle into three parts: decide on the initial list, then narrow down the choice, and finally decide - new or used.
More details about the classification of motorcycles according to their purpose
It should be noted that motorcycles from well-known brands, such as Yamaha or Suzuki, will cost a lot of money. The high cost of the device is due to many years of experience in the production of such equipment by a specific manufacturer, guaranteed quality and high indicators of the modernity of the machine.
In other words, the high cost of original motorcycles from well-known manufacturers is a guarantee of product quality. This is not to say that bikes that are sold at more reasonable prices will be of poor quality or outdated. Such characteristics strongly depend first on the manufacturer, and after some time of operation - on the owner of the vehicle.
New or old, the bulk of motorcycles on the roads are made up of road bikes - simple motorcycles for daily driving in the city, highway and countryside. Essentially, this is a universal two-wheeled vehicle. Such motorcycles include modern Chinese: Alpha, Deltha or Soviet “Izhaks”, “Voskhods”, “Heavy” and so on. By the way, about Soviet and used two-wheeled cars - they are perfect for future bikers with a very limited supply of money. The big disadvantage of old technology is the two-stroke engine, which is less economical, not as efficient and quite loud compared to modern four-stroke engines.
About special purpose motorcycles
Sports
As a rule, this is a technique that is characterized by high speed, power, maneuverability, maneuverability, and more. These bikes include super-sport models, nikes (street fighters), cross bikes, enduro bikes and others. The last two types are often used off-road.
It will be very interesting for beginners to know which motocross motorcycle to choose. The choice of such a sportbike depends on the place of its use. In places where high cross-country ability is important, you should choose a motocross motorcycle. Where speed is a little more important than the ability to “knead mud,” enduro is chosen. A dirt bike is an excellent choice for off-road riding.
Racing and record bikes
They are used by experienced riders on special tracks, in the necessary equipment, having previously conducted training sessions in such conditions in order to show the best result during the demonstration performance.
The bottom line is that racing and record-breaking bikes are not suitable for those who do not have experience riding in high speeds and tight maneuvers. It is very dangerous for a beginner to buy such bikes.
What to do when buying used equipment?
To choose a second-hand road motorcycle, you must pay attention to the condition of the engine (listen to it for extraneous noise, crackling, knocking, etc.), check the front fork for serviceability, and familiarize yourself with the behavior of the bike low speed, try to accelerate and brake sharply.
If during driving the equipment did not stall, did not knock, quickly picked up speed and also dropped it sharply, it means that the compression is in order, the carburetor and ignition are adjusted, the generator is working (especially if the driving was with the high beams on for 20-30 minutes).
It is very useful to talk with the previous owner of the “iron horse” before purchasing. No one else, only he, can tell in detail about the positive and negative aspects of this device. It’s great if the owner has already carried out a number of restoration work on his motorcycle. This includes a major overhaul of the engine, replacement of old seals with new ones, inspection of the wiring and general condition of the unit.
When buying a two-wheeled car secondhand, you must pick up the technical passport and take a receipt. Even if it is not notarized, this is already a big plus.
Conclusion:
As a biker friend of mine used to say: it’s better to go slowly than to heal quickly. The first motorcycle is a proportion, where on the one hand there is power, ease of control and ergonomics, and on the other hand the price is an issue. There is no need to chase too expensive and wild motorcycles for the sake of the effect produced on others; without skills and experience you cannot become a good motorcyclist. It is the skillful handling of the equipment that makes the impression, because even with an old model you can show the true level of control over yourself and the motorcycle.
