MotorcycleHound.com : Sales : Choosing A Motorcycle : Rookie, Novice, or Expert
We've developed an experience rating system to better help you decide which bike is right for you. Whether you're a rookie or an expert, you can use our database to help match you up with the right motorcycle for your needs.
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Rookie: Never ridden before, or have ridden occasionally. Usually have never owned, or owned bike less than a year. |
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Novice: Some riding experience, usually alone, and without a passenger. Usually have only owned or ridden a bike for 1-3 years. |
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Expert: Vast and varied riding experiences. Comfortable riding in groups and or carrying passengers. Usually ride 5 or more times a month, and have owned or ridden a bike for 3 + years. |
Below is a chart that breaks down how each particular aspect of a bike (drive, size, etc.) fits with your skill level.
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Rookie |
Novice |
Expert |
| Height/Width |
Lower and slimmer than normal. More than just feet flat on the ground. You want the most control over the bike as possible. |
Feet Flat on the ground. The width needs to be comfortable. |
Whatever you feel comfortable and confident with. |
| Weight |
Lighter is better. You want to be able to pick the bike up off the stand or off the ground without any trouble. |
Not too big or heavy. Pick a weight that is comfortable for you. |
How much do you feel comfortable with? You still don't need something that is too much to handle. |
| Carbureator |
Probably not the best choice, but most beginner bikes will be carbureted. So, get a routine for starting and warming up your bike. |
Personal Preference. See Chart. |
Personal Preference. See Chart. |
| Fuel Injection |
The better choice for the beginner because you don't have to worry about choking the bike or waiting for it to warm up. |
Personal Preference. See Chart. |
Personal Preference. See Chart. |
| Belt Drive |
The Belt would be a fine choice because of the low maintenance and longevity. |
The Belt would be a fine choice because of the low maintenance and longevity. |
The Belt would be a fine choice because of the low maintenance, its light weight, and longevity. |
| Shaft Drive |
Shaft Drive is a good choice also because of the low maintenance and safety, but most beginner bikes will not offer shaft. |
Shaft Drive is a good choice also because of the low maintenance and safety, but it is heavier than belt or chain drive. |
Shaft Drive is a good choice also because of the low maintenance and safety, but it is heavier than belt or chain drive. |
| Chain Drive |
Chain drive will be the highest maintenance, and last the shortest amount of time. But, for the beginner this could be good because it will teach the beginner to check out their bike. |
Chain drive will be the highest maintenance, and last the shortest amount of time. But, it holds up to horsepower better, so this is a good choice for sport riders. |
Chain drive will be the highest maintenance, and last the shortest amount of time. But, it holds up to horsepower better, so this is a good choice for sport riders. |