Motorcycle Brands

The first question to ask prior to purchasing a seat rocket is what type of riding you plan on doing. If you’re thinking of using said rocket to get to and from work every day, that’s a different bike than say one utilized for weekend outings, back-country riding, etc. If you’re only thinking of taking this bad boy out on the weekends, you’re narrowly defined as a cruiser. This is someone who would need a traditionally long, low-slung bike. Think Harley-Davidson for example. The low seat height will get your feet up and off the ground, and the engines are specifically tuned for low-speed torque. A word of caution, these types of bikes are not for newcomers as the ergonomics on the bike make for cumbersome handling. A good first cruiser bike is a mid-displacement import cruiser.

If you’re thinking of getting a bit sportier with your rocket, sport bikes (aptly named) are ideal. These bikes are a blast to ride, super light, and the high power (600 cc and 1,000 cc) models will blow your top off. The seats are naturally tall, with ergonomics that are understandably race oriented. Beware of the high insurance costs however, and smaller 300 cc rides are the best entry point here to then move up to the 600 and 1,000 level.

Naked bikes (standard) are just that – naked of all the thrills and bells and whistles some of the others on this list bring to the table. These were how motorcycles were built before specialization came into play. The positives with a standard bike are lower insurance costs, less damage to the bike in the event of a tip-over and a comfortable riding position. The frequent critique is larger models can have as much if not more power than a sport bike. This is obviously not ideal for first-time riders.

Lastly, adventure-tourers and dual-sport bikes are yet another option. These bad boys are capable of very long trips, have natural ergonomics and are lighter than standard bikes. They do however have taller seats and can be expensive. A small dual-sport is a good starter bike, cheap to operate and rather difficult to wreck, break or damage. If you’re accident prone, this might be the best bike for you.

Now that we’ve given you the rundown on bike segments, let’s talk actual bikes. The Indian FTR 1200 comes in at a base price of $12,999. The brand relaunched in 2013 and Indian is much sportier looking today than years prior. The 1200 uses a 1203-cc twin that delivers roughly 120 hp. A worthy adversary of any standard bike on the road, for the price this is a hard one to beat.

On the sporty end check out the Yamaha YZF-R3. A small displacement bike, at $4,999, for a sport bike, this is a competitive price. The R3 is sleek and a redesigned fuel tank allows this model to be much more aerodynamic. Lastly, the 2019 Triumph Bonneville Speed Twin. This bike was introduced back in 1938. Yes, 1938! Things have changed, but not the heart and soul. Triumph is a well-respected manufacturer and at 400 pounds, the Speed Twin is nimble as ever. A 100hp, 1,200cc is all the power you need, guaranteed!