What Type of Harley is Best for You?
Are you planning to buy a motorcycle? With so many options to choose from, you must feel like a kid in the candy store!
On the contrary, having so many options can be a bit overwhelming. Before you choose a specific make and model, consider what type of motorcycle you want first. This will help you narrow down your options.
The motorcycle that is the best fit for you depends on your personal style, needs, lifestyle and level of experience. To see what type of bike fits you best, continue reading below!
The New Rider
If you’re a first-time rider, the best type of bike for you is a standard motorcycle!
Standard motorcycles have small, light frames. They also typically have beautiful “bare” designs. This means that the bike’s hardware is exposed for a bold, raw and rugged look.
Keep in mind that it’s important to pick a motorcycle based on your experience level and body type and not on looks alone. Part of learning how to ride a motorcycle is learning how to handle the weight of the bike and keep balance.
Large motorcycles, such as cruisers and tourers, may require you to balance on the balls of your feet, especially if you are short in stature. This is understandably uncomfortable for most new riders.
Motorcycles with smaller frames will allow both of your feet to touch the ground simultaneously. Having a smaller motorcycle that allows you to plant both feet firmly on the ground will make you feel more comfortable and confident when first learning how to ride.
However, there is an exception to the rule. If you are relatively new to riding, but have experience operating a clutch and shifting gears on a heavier bike, you can opt for a mid-size motorcycle, such as a Softail.
This is also a good option if you are a beginner but are tall or large in stature. This way, there will be room for your knees to fit comfortably. Your feet should also touch the ground completely.
The engine of a standard motorcycle has moderate power. If you’re a new motorcycle rider, a fast bike with quick acceleration will be difficult to handle.
Having too much power that you can’t yet control is dangerous for you, other motorists and pedestrians. But, as they say, practice makes perfect! Once you master a standard motorcycle, you can progress to a more powerful one.
Furthermore, standard motorcycles typically have small capacity fuel tanks that can hold approximately three gallons of gas. This makes them ideal for daily commuting.
Standard motorcycles are also affordable. Motorcycles can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $50,000. A standard model costs about $6,000 to $12,000.
Many seasoned riders advise getting a cheaper bike for your first bike. Your first motorcycle will likely get the most scrapes and take the most falls. After all, it’s better to beat up a standard motorcycle than a brand-new luxury tourer.
Check out these models:
XG500 Street 500, XG750 Street 750, XG750A Street Rod, FLSL Softail Slim, FLDE Softail Deluxe
The Speedster
Have a need for speed? Then a sportbike is perfect for you!
Similar to standard models, sportbikes are known for having stripped, bare designs. They also tend to have a sleek modern look.
The small frame of a sportbike allows you to move nimbly through the streets. They also have quick acceleration and high-speed capacity. For a small machine, it packs a whole lot of power! This makes the sportbike ideal for an experienced rider.
Due to their small frames, they also have small fuel tanks, which can hold approximately three gallons of gas. Sportbikes also tend to require a more crouched riding position. For these two reasons, sportbikes are not ideal for long-distance travel.
However, if you want the speed of a sportbike and the comfort of a tourer, you can have the best of both worlds. Try out a sport-tourer!
Also, due to their size, sportbikes are best for solo riding. Their small frames make it easier to lane filter and lane split.
Sportbikes fall into the affordable to mid-range price category. They cost about $10,000 to $15,000.
Check out these models:
XL883N Sportster Iron 883, XL1200NS Sportster Iron 1200, XL1200X Sportster Forty-Eight
The Tech-Enthusiast and The Environmentally Conscious
The perfect bike for tech lovers and environmentalists alike is the electric motorcycle!
Electric motorcycles are relatively new to the motorcycle industry. Instead of a typical fuel-powered engine, electric motorcycles are powered by a chargeable electric motor.
Electric motorcycles run silently. But, don’t let the absence of a roaring engine fool you. Despite its absence, electric motorcycles have instant torque and power. This is because they do not require you to switch gears.
However, since electric motorcycles have a battery life, they are only ideal for short trips and are not practical for long-distance travel. But, if you’ll be using your motorcycle to cruise about town, this could be the perfect option for you.
Electric bikes also feature some pretty cool technology. If you love gadgets, consider purchasing a model with a high-tech entertainment system.
When it comes to looks, electric motorcycles definitely stand out from the crowd. They typically have sleek, futuristic designs.
Also, they generally have small frames which makes them ideal for solo riding, but may also have a small passenger pad.
Electric motorcycles fall in the mid-range price category. They cost approximately $12,000 to $35,000. If you’re interested in an electric motorcycle but find that it’s out of your price range, consider the financial advantages you’ll gain throughout the motorcycle’s useful life.
For starters, you’ll save money because you’ll never have to purchase fuel. Plus, this motorcycle type has fewer mechanical parts, which means you won’t have to spend much money on repairs and maintenance.
And, as an added bonus, no fuel means no emissions. Your hard-earned money would go towards a cleaner, healthier earth. And, it may inspire others to do what they can to decrease their carbon footprint as well.
Check out this model:
2020 Livewire
The New-Age Nostalgic
Do you love old school things with a new age twist? If so, the perfect bike for you is a cruiser!
Cruisers typically have a retro design inspired by motorcycles of the early to mid-1900s. Many would describe them as having the perfect balance between old-school style and new-school flare.
Cruisers have mid-size frames that can weigh up to 800 pounds and, therefore, can accommodate a passenger. Due to their size and weight, they are best suited for experienced riders.
Also, a larger frame comes with more storage capacity. Therefore, there’s plenty enough room for a pair of classic leather saddlebags.
Cruisers are known for having great suspension, which makes them comfortable to ride for long distances. And, because they are designed for long rides, they have large capacity fuel tanks that can hold approximately four to five gallons of gas.
Lastly, cruisers fall into the mid-range price category and cost approximately $15,000 to $20,000.
Check out these models:
FLSL Softail Slim, FLSTN Softail Deluxe, FLSTF Fat Boy, FXDF Fat Bob
The Traveler
Do you love to explore, see new places and try new things?! If so, the perfect bike for you is a touring motorcycle.
Tourers are large framed motorcycles. They are designed for comfort and long-distance travel. And, therefore, there’s plenty of room for a passenger to come along for the ride. Smaller motorcycles may have a passenger pad, whereas many tourers have a full passenger seat with a backrest.
This type of motorcycle is particularly comfortable due to great suspension. Tourers are also equipped with fairings that help protect you from windblast, insects and other airborne hazards.
Tourers have large saddlebags that provide plenty of storage. Some even come with a detachable trunk, making this motorcycle type perfect for road trips.
Speaking of travel, tourers have high capacity fuel tanks. They can typically hold six gallons of gas. That’s double that of the average standard model.
Many tourers have high-tech entertainment systems. They are often equipped with quality speakers, Bluetooth technology and hands-free controls.
A large motorcycle requires a larger, more powerful engine. Due to the weight of the large engine, large frame and many amenities, touring bikes are quite heavy. Tourers can weigh close to 1,000 pounds. For this reason, touring motorcycles are best for seasoned riders.
And, although touring trikes provide more stability, they can weigh up to 1,200 pounds, making it difficult for someone with limited experience to control, even with the third wheel.
Tourers fall into the upper price range. They can cost about $20,000 to $50,000.
Check out these models:
FLTRXS Road Glide Special, FLHTK Ultra Limited, FLHXSE CVO Street Glide, FLHT Electra Glide, FLHR Road King
The Showstopper
Do you like to stand out from the crowd? Or, march to the beat of your own drum? You should consider building your own custom motorcycle!
Custom motorcycles gained popularity in the 1940s. Building your own custom bike is a pastime that is still popular today.
Creating your own motorcycle gives you the opportunity to express your creativity and design/build the perfect bike for you. If you enjoy adding upgrades to your current motorcycle and doing your own maintenance and repairs, you’ll surely love building your own custom masterpiece.
Building a custom motorcycle also means that your bike will be one of a kind. The options are endless! When you pass cagers and fellow riders on the highway, you’ll surely turn heads.
You can even enter your motorcycle into a bike show. Why not give your artistry and ingenuity the recognition it deserves?!
And, if you love the custom look, but aren’t interested in building one from scratch, you can always purchase a factory custom motorcycle. These bikes are made by the motorcycle manufacturer but have designs that are inspired by custom builds. Who knew you could have your cake and eat it too!
Check out these models:
XL883C Sportster 883 Custom, XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, FXSBSE CVO Breakout, FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom
The Collector
Do you consider yourself an old soul? Do you enjoy purchasing rare and classic items reminiscent of a rich past? If so, the perfect bike for you is a vintage motorcycle.
Vintage motorcycles are expensive due to their rarity. But, it’s worth it if you have a strong interest in motorcycle history, a love of old-school design and a passion for preserving the past.
Typically, when a motorcycle exceeds 35 years old, it is considered antique. An antique motorcycle is an item that can be passed down for generations in your family. How cool would it be to pass down a motorcycle that is or becomes a historical artifact?
Also, antiques increase in value over time, so if you have a future interest in selling your motorcycle, you could make a killing.
And, best of all, cruising down the street in a vintage Harley-Davidson would fill your heart with warm fuzzy feelings of nostalgia. It may also spark the interest of others to learn a bit of Harley history themselves.
Check out these models:
1984 FXST, 1986 FLST Heritage Softail, 1952 Model K 1988 FSTS Springer, 1957 Model XL, 1949 FL Hydra-Glide, 1958 FLH Duo Glide
In Conclusion
Hopefully, you’re one step closer to selecting the motorcycle of your dreams. Ultimately, the best motorcycle for you is one that reflects your personality and fits your pockets.
What type of motorcycle are you interested in? Let us know in the comments below!
