No matter what your tastes, you shouldn’t have any trouble locating the bike of your dreams, whether you hunt it down yourself or enlist the help of a local motorcycle dealer. From beginner bikers to seasoned pros, your perfect motorbike is out there waiting for you – it’s simply a matter of knowing what you’re looking for and striving to find it!
There are a great range of motorbikes available on the UK market – just about every make and model can be found through searching a combination of used and new sales yards and placing classifieds with motorcycling clubs. From the classic (Triumph, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, and Royal Enfield) to the high-octane thrills (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda) to the small and trendy (Sunbeam, Vespa, Singer); there is certainly no shortage of motoring options. Some of the more popular makes such as Suzuki and BMW have a large selection of models which factor in engine size and comfort for the rider (and passenger). Suzuki, for example, stock large bikes (GSX-R1000, Haayabusa-1300, GSX1400, Bandit 1200SA, Intruder M1800R) and small mini-bikes and scooters (Burgman 400, Burgman 125, Marauder 125, Intruder 125, Van Van 125). Kawasaki has a range from the ZZR1400 down to the Eliminator 125; Yamaha has the YZF-R1 down to the T-MAX250; and Honda the Gold Wing GL1800 down to the ANF125. Many other brands also stock a diverse range.
It’s important to test-drive the models you’re interested in before you agree to buy the motorbike itself. What looks good on paper and seems attractive in the show room may have poor handling, poor acceleration, or uncooperative brakes. You may have one of the fastest and best-driving motorbikes out there, but if it isn’t comfortable you won’t want to go out for long periods on the road.
There are a great range of motorbikes available on the UK market – just about every make and model can be found through searching a combination of used and new sales yards and placing classifieds with motorcycling clubs. From the classic (Triumph, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, and Royal Enfield) to the high-octane thrills (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda) to the small and trendy (Sunbeam, Vespa, Singer); there is certainly no shortage of motoring options. Some of the more popular makes such as Suzuki and BMW have a large selection of models which factor in engine size and comfort for the rider (and passenger). Suzuki, for example, stock large bikes (GSX-R1000, Haayabusa-1300, GSX1400, Bandit 1200SA, Intruder M1800R) and small mini-bikes and scooters (Burgman 400, Burgman 125, Marauder 125, Intruder 125, Van Van 125). Kawasaki has a range from the ZZR1400 down to the Eliminator 125; Yamaha has the YZF-R1 down to the T-MAX250; and Honda the Gold Wing GL1800 down to the ANF125. Many other brands also stock a diverse range.
It’s important to test-drive the models you’re interested in before you agree to buy the motorbike itself. What looks good on paper and seems attractive in the show room may have poor handling, poor acceleration, or uncooperative brakes. You may have one of the fastest and best-driving motorbikes out there, but if it isn’t comfortable you won’t want to go out for long periods on the road.