Sports Motorcycle - Research

Research your options and needs before buying a Sports Motorcycle

A sport motorcycle gets its name from its design which is closely related to the motorcycle racers. The seating positions vary from forward leaning with rear-set footpegs and foot controls to a slightly more upright posture that provides better visibility in traffic.

These motorcycles are 'hot'; they represent the image that most people have of speed motorcycling.

When you are actually buying a sports motorcycle the number of different options may be confusing and it can be difficult to decide which is your best buy. The Buyz123 three step guide - Research, Evaluation, Purchase - is designed to assist you in this buying process.

The Research step firstly involves investigating essential features of sports motorcycles available on the market, and secondly identifying your actual needs in a sports motorcycle.

In the Evaluation step you focus on how well the different features of individual sports motorcycles meet your needs, and then how well the most suitable sports motorcycles compare in detail, one to another.

Finally, in the Purchase step, the issues considered are: what to look for when actually buying the sports motorcycle, what questions to ask and what information you should seek on warranty, customer service, and after-sales support.

As you work though the Buyz123 purchase strategy you will clarify your thoughts about your intended purchase, confidently compare sports motorcycles one to another, and then purchase a sports motorcycle that really does meet your needs.

Step 1: Research

In order to end up with the sports motorcycle best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of sports motorcycles are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a sports motorcycle.

Research the market: Sports Motorcycle essentials

Although they conform to a rough standard, sports motorcycles can be quite different. They range in size from small, light motorcycles with high revving engines to monster bikes with heavy, powerful engines and an intimidating appearance.

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the sports motorcycle market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Types: Sports motorcycles come in different shades. The supersports is the nearest you will get to a street legal race motorcycle. Sport tourers have a slightly more upright riding position for visibility and long-distance comfort. 'Sports Naked' are sports motorcycles with minimum weather protection but with the sports look.

Engine and gearbox: Engines as small as 125cc have been built into sports frames and you will find 250, 500, 600, 750, 1000 and 1400cc powered sports motorcycles tuned for speed rather than economy. Gearboxes are designed to provide rapid acceleration and will require more work than a standard gearbox.

Features: Most sports motorcycles are fully faired for streamlining and weather protection although it is becoming common to see sports motorcycles only with a handlebar fairing. Braking systems are usually substantial as sports motorcycles must not only accelerate rapidly but they must also be brought under immediate control for cornering.

Cost: The engine size generally drives the price of a sports motorcycle. The cheapest 125cc sports motorcycle is around one third the cost of a top-of-the-range 1300cc supersports motorcycle.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a sports motorcycle. For example, will you use your sports motorcycle for only the weekly adrenalin rush or will it need to serve as your main means of transport?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used a sports motorcycle before?
	If you have used a sports motorcycle, work out what you did or didn't like about the sports motorcycle. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

How will I use my sports motorcycle?
	This is not a stupid question! Many people buy sports motorcycles purely on looks. They turn heads and have the 'street cred' that some people demand. Others are true enthusiasts and love powering their machine through tortuous country roads purely to test their skill.

Do I have the time or the money for maintenance?
	Sports motorcycles are generally more complex to maintain than standard motorcycles. Their engines are finely tuned and will need to be reset and adjusted on a regular basis. Parts may also be more expensive because they must withstand greater stress and may be made from more expensive materials than standard parts.

How much do I want to pay?
	Sports motorcycle costs vary enormously, so it makes sense to set a budget.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of sports motorcycles and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.


Video Links

Ducati 1098 vs its V twin rivals - Promo This is a promotion vidoe of comparison between Ducati 1098 and its V twin rivals. (1m 41s)

Ducati 1098 S Super Sport Motorcycle Test - Reviewed Ducati 1098 S super sport motorcycle test run is included in this video. (3m 11s)

Duals Sport Bike Test - Reviewed This video includes the sport bike test from Duals. (8m 51s)

Buyz123.com Research Links:

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All you need to know when buying a motorcycle

General

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