Passion? Practical? When in doubt, get both!

Let me state up front, I am not a connoisseur of new bikes or an industry expert. But I read, and I like to think I can think, and am blessed with common sense.

That said, I am excited about the number of small(er) so-called "entry-level" motorcycles which have been introduced in order to win over the next generation of riders and welcome them to the motorcycle fold. Manufacturers are producing lots of mechanically sophisticated, yet less-intimidating, upright "all-rounders". Bikes that can do just about anything competently - commute, carve corners or "caravan" (travel, for those of you outside the realm of Britishness).

I find them mostly to hearken back to Universal Japanese Motorcycles (UJM - Google "mid 70's Honda CB750"). Amongst today's very channeled, purpose-built machines, it's nice to see a return to practicality.

I like to think I am practical. I know I am of limited means...which, like many "entry-level" riders, means we have to find a ride that covers a lot of bases. You can hear the comments revving up now...

The problem is motorcycles, let's be honest, are not practical (especially in Canada - and if you have been living through the last couple of months here, you will know why). Motorcycles are in essence something that appeals to emotion, dare I say something primeval, within ourselves. Thus choosing a ride is an emotional experience.

It's almost like religion and politics - topics that shouldn't be discussed because there is so much, too much emotion involved. Choosing your ride is a very personal decision. Announce that you've selected the make/model you wish to purchase and you can feel the room divide with an almost audible "whoosh". You can feel arguments mustered to the fore, on guard and ready to repel boarders.

(Seriously, do people even put this much thought and effort deciding on the person they are going to marry?)

And, let's face it, as nice as your local motorcycle salesperson is, the fact is they are there to sell you a bike. It is somewhat in the salesperson's/dealer's best interest to guide you to a bike that is going to give you a pleasant experience, so you will be back again to buy another one. But really, bottom line, they have a living to make.

Similarly, friends and even online or magazine articles, as balanced as they attempt to be, have biases. Media outlets have a readership to inform/entertain. They have to put bread on the table and pay orthodontist bills.

Despite anyone's opinion or bias, the essential starting points boil down to the following:

• do you feel comfortable on it?
• do you feel confident on it?
• what do want to do with it?

It is my opinion that these three questions must be considered when choosing a motorcycle, especially for a "first ride". These questions are often overlooked, if considered at all, which results in a lot of unhappy riders. The answers to these questions can sometimes be a compromise and may (will?) change over time and different motorcycles as your experience and needs/wants change.

The third point is the most obvious: cruisers aren't really designed for cornering performance; sportbikes are not heralded for long-range travel comfort. There are lots of examples, but you get the idea. This is really the "Practical" question. There's no point buying a sports car if you need to haul gravel. A sports car can haul gravel, it just not the best thing to use. Similarly you can take that litre sportbike across the continent, full bore, but it (just suggesting...) may not be the best thing. At least get a well- padded aftermarket seat if you are determined to do so!

This is why I really like these new "entry level" bikes. It is understood that a new(er) rider may not have decided exactly what they want to do with it and by designing competent all-rounders, have given riders options. They will have a fun time exploring those options, too.

The first and second points are more to do with "Passions" a.k.a."feelings".

Confidence is an overlooked aspect. You may feel "cool" on a particular bike, but if reaching the ground due to a short inseam causes you to feel as if you are constantly fighting to keep the bike from toppling, your confidence is going to erode from the stress. A very good friend pretty much gave up on motorcycling (for the foreseeable future anyway) due to a lack of confidence. It's sad, because she is a perfectly competent rider - just needs practice and experience.

Again the manufacturers responded with physically smaller, light weight, yet amply powerful bikes which inspire confidence. Narrower bikes make it easier to reach the ground. So even a bike that looks large may not feel that way.

Comfort is very difficult to asses from a few minutes aperch a machine in a showroom under the "hurry up and get off it before you scratch it" glare of the salesperson. (Motorcycle shows, if you are so blessed to have some in your neighbourhood, are good places to get a few extra minutes and have a good sniff around before melting into the crowds.) Some dealers/manufacturers offer "ride days" so you can actually experience the bike in real-life. Again, the new "entry-level" bikes tend to be a bit more plush so they can give a pleasant experience in a multitude of situations.

I'm lumping in one other aspect under "comfort" and that is: do you LIKE the bike? You are about to fork over some serious coin for this piece of finely honed machinery, something that is to become to you more than the sum of its parts, more than just pistons, brakes, wheels and handlebars. It is something that is going to ignite feelings you either didn't know existed, or release passions long leashed within you. You should feel some attraction.

You will realize it when you pull away and be surprised to find yourself grinning,

I like to be practical. But the essence of riding is passion. Fortunately, we can have both!