After going through the process of what type of motorcycle to choose, there are several ways to give the next step: how to choose the bike, which brand and model.
After going through a period without a motorcycle, we decided (my wife and I) to give ourselves a second chance. The time had finally come when we met the conditions to have a motorbike once more. We didn’t even think twice and started the selection process. Our main objective was to reconcile the choice of the heart and that of reason. The option at the time was the BMW R1200 GSA, as besides we were planning to get to know some more rural and interior areas of the country and we intended to go to Morocco.
To make sure it was the right choice, we then rented a motorcycle of the desired model (from Motoexplorers, Lisbon) for a weekend and went on a test trip, which was decisive in the final choice.
A long time ago, a very good friend of mine who was “in love with the Triumph Tiger 900”, when he had the chance, he bought it. Red, beautiful. The happiness lasted until he tried to ride “the beauty”. As he wasn’t very tall and didn’t take that into account, the first time he sat on it, he tipped over to the right. Then he tried again and fell to the left. Then came despair when he thought about the nonsense he had done in buying a motorcycle that he couldn’t drive.
Despite the difficulties, He ridded it for a few times, always with the intention of stopping next to a sidewalk to better place his foot. Until he got tired because the worry was so much that enjoyment became secondary, and he ended up selling it.
However, there is no possibility of renting a motorbike in many areas of the country, much less the specific model we have in mind. One way to get around the issue, also because it is almost free of charge, are the “Drive Tests” provided by different brands, which are a great choice tool.
There is also a lot of the “friend influence” trend. Well, it’s time to remember that no two people are alike. Of course, the experience and opinion of a particular model that a friend/acquaintance has, and in whom we trust, should be taken into account. Consumption, reliability, maintenance costs, aerodynamic protection, for example, are items whose lived experience can help us. Personally, besides listening, I give priority to what I know, read, and learnt from my personal experience. Especially regarding consumption and reliability: the first is always linked to the handle in our right hand and the second to whether an adequate maintenance.
Therefore, what I suggest is that you read, ask someone who knows, and you trust, and test the motorbike before buying.
Changing your bike is not like changing your shirt.
Choose well and enjoy your ride.
