How to find the best motorbike for your needs

The new year is a time when showrooms across the country put on motorbike sales in order to make space for the latest models. However, if you're new to biking, how can you choose which vehicle is best for your needs? Read our guide for help deciding.

First thing's first - you need to consider what your requirements are and base your purchase around that.

Luckily, despite there being a wealth of different bikes available, they can be divided up into a few basic types, and familiarising yourself with these is something you should do when picking the best one for you.

Sportsbikes

These are some of the most powerful motorcycles available to non-competitive riders and, although you may have no plans to put it through its paces on a racetrack, it certainly packs a punch. With this in mind, it is worth investing in high-quality biking clothing, such as those by Dainese.

You can identify sportsbikes from the position the rider sits in - leaning forwards with the weight of the upper body supported by the arms on the handlebars.

This is the perfect motorcycle to buy as a treat, if you want to get your adrenalin pumping on a thrilling weekend rideout. Most of the big-name brands produce their own version, including Yamaha and Honda.

Tourer

If you want to dedicate your weekends to spending whole days on the road, or you plan to take plenty of holidays on two wheels, the touring motorcycle is the one for you.

These bikes often have larger-than-average fuel capacities, meaning that you can cover more miles before you have to pull over at the pumps to fill up. In addition, large wind shields and fairings help to protect you and your ride in a variety of elements.

Their main selling point is the comfort they promise, so that you may be able to ride longer without stopping to stretch your legs.

Cruiser

When you imagine a motorcycle in the way you used to view them as a child, it is likely to be a cruiser your mind conjures up. This type of model has been featured in several films, with the Harley Davidson the most iconic model.

These bikes see you seated in a far more upright position than a sportsbike as they are built primarily for endurance and comfort rather than speed.

If you want to invest in the classic Americana style, brands like Victory Motorcycles are a popular alternative to Harley Davidson, and all that's left is to pull on your Dainese leathers and hit the road.

Standard

A standard bike is a great all-rounder, whether you are a novice or an experienced rider.

These are typically among the smallest model of motorcycle, making them perfect if you want a bike to commute to work each day.

Your seating position will be slightly more forward-leaning than on a cruiser, which ensures a good mix of both speed and visibility. As a result, these models are ideal if you live in the city.

Yet there are so many more types of bike out there, from off-roading models - which, as their name suggests, are built to be used on unpaved surfaces - to scooters that could be a good alternative to a standard bike for city dwellers.

So, simply decide what it is you want from your bike and start searching for your dream machine.