Getting started
With today's elevated gasoline prices, motorcycles and scooters can be an appealing and more economical alternative to a car for solo commuting, running errands, and more. For some, especially urban dwellers, a two-wheeler may be the only transportation they need.
But motorcycles and scooters aren't for everybody. Passenger and cargo space is limited, and riders are a lot more exposed to the dangers of harsh weather, extreme temperatures, poorly maintained roads, and other motorists' errors. Statistically, two wheelers are much more dangerous than cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a passenger car.
Still, motorcycles can be a lot of fun and provide a more engaging travel experience than a car, making you less isolated from your surroundings and more aware of the sights and scents of the world around you. And some two-wheelers can get as much as 60 mpg or even 100 mpg. Before running down to the local dealership with the checkbook, it's important to know if a cycle is for you. Riding and maneuvering a bike is more physically demanding than driving a car, and even getting a bike onto its center stand for parking a can pose a challenge for some.
This guide is intended as a primer for new riders thinking about getting their first cycle and as a refresher for those who haven't ridden for a while but are thinking about getting back on a bike. We'll take you through the basics of cycle types, safety, clothing and gear, where to get instruction, ownership costs, and everything else you need to know.
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