A Beginner’s Guide to Standard Motorcycles
The standard motorcycle is your classic, all-purpose bike. If you’re just wading into the wide world of motorcycles, the standard motorcycle is probably going to be your first choice. Read on for a guide to starting your new lifestyle as the proud owner of a standard motorcycle!
Are you looking for standard motorcycles for sale near Andover, NJ? The Cycle Exchange serves Andover and our neighbors in Ledgewood, as well as our friends over in New York and Philadelphia. We offer a great selection of new and used motorcycles for beginners and veterans alike.
Start Simple
The standard motorcycle’s comfortable, ergonomic design is popular with riders of all sorts, and its ease of handling makes it especially great for beginners. These models are free of all the complicated bells and whistles you’ll find on more specialized bikes—they don’t call them “naked bikes” for nothing! Having only the bare necessities, standard motorcycles are simpler to learn and more affordable than other bikes, making it a win-win for both you and your budget.
Learn the Ropes
Your first step to ruling the road with your standard motorcycle is to learn the proper techniques from a professional trainer. As well as being a great education, a beginner’s motorcycle course is also a great opportunity to connect with other riders and make new friends!
Once you’ve learned all the basics, it’s time to practice. After obtaining your motorcycle permit, you can start riding around empty parking lots and neighborhood streets to develop your skills. Just like any vehicle, riding your standard motorcycle will take some getting used to at first, but practice makes perfect!
Get Licensed
When you’re all trained up and ready for the big time, it’s time to apply for your motorcycle license. Look up the laws in your area so you know what to expect. Most states will require some combination of a written exam, a vision test, and a riding test.
Fly Solo
Now that you’re licensed to cruise around town in your standard motorcycle, you might be tempted to bring a friend with you, but it’s best not to take on passengers until you’re more experienced. The added weight of a second passenger will affect how your motorcycle handles, and it’s recommended that beginners fly solo for a while before riding two-up.
Defend Yourself
Defensive driving is the name of the game when it comes to safely riding your standard motorcycle on busy streets. Keep in mind that other motorists may not be looking out for motorcycles, and it’s up to you to stay vigilant. Give other vehicles plenty of space so that you’ll have time to react to any sudden moves.
Take caution when changing lanes, especially in the presence of large trucks. Signal well in advance and check multiple times before changing lanes to make sure others motorists have noticed you.
Maintain Your Machine
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your standard motorcycle in good condition. Your owner’s manual should include a guide to maintaining your model, listing specific tasks and indicating how often each task should be performed. Make frequent maintenance tasks part of your routine, and be sure to inspect your bike before each trip.
Does a standard motorcycle sound like the perfect ride for you? The qualified staff at The Cycle Exchange can answer your questions and help you track down a bike with all the features you need. We’re your trusted motorcycle dealer in Andover, NJ, and we’re passionate about welcoming newcomers to the motorcycle community!