A motorbike is more of a companion than a means of transport on the road. You’d want it to fit all your preferences.
Now you’d argue, “A bike is a bike, it takes me to the place I want, what is a perfect bike?”
Let’s suppose you need to cross a river, what would you choose? A crocodile or a cheetah? It’s obvious that you’d choose a crocodile (we are just supposing here, okay? ;)) Things would have been different if you were in the forest. Also more different if you were in the desert.
So my point is, there are different types of bikes for different purposes. It depends on what you do on a daily basis and what potential activities you’d do in your weekend. We’ve come up with the types of bike you’d want to check out and buy it according to what purpose you would need your bike.
Commuter
Commuters are also known as standard motorcycles. It falls in the range of 100cc to above. Ergonomics are pretty neutral as it isn’t very forward-leaning or rearward reclining. Seat height usually is in the shorter to middle range and can usually fit almost everyone comfortably. It can be easily used for daily ups and downs. It is neither too big for the beginners not too small for experienced riders.
These are the most general types of bikes found in the streets of Nepal. Affordable, and reliable. Popular bikes in this segment are Yamaha FZ, TVS Apache, Suzuki Gixxer, and Bajaj Pulsar.
Cruiser
When we use the word “Cruisers”, readers generally have the image of Harley Davidson choppers in their head. Well, they are not wrong. Cruiser bikes typically has a little lower seat height, making it a good “cruising” around-town motorcycle, but with a little added luggage. If you want to comfortably sit and move around in the highway and city roads, or the road from Dhulikhel to Kathmandu, a cruiser is definitely your type. It is comfortable to sit and you would feel that you are IN the bike rather than being ON the bike.
Cruisers won’t give you the back pain the bikers usually complain to have. ;) Popular cruisers in Nepal are Bajaj Avenger, Suzuki Intruder, and UM Renegade.
Dual Sport
Dual sport motorcycles are basically the dirt bike with headlights. It is used to ride in almost all kind of road conditions, mostly off-road. The seat height is generally a little taller to navigate the backroads and off beaten paths you can find on the backroads. If you have a thing for off-road riding, these types of bikes are definitely a green light for you.
You can also try long cruising in a dual-sport bike, but it will not be as comfortable as the cruisers. Nepal has less options on dual sport but you can definitely try test riding Honda XR, Runner Hawk, or Hartford VR.
Touring
Touring bikes are the big bulky, muscular bikes used for cross country rides or long distant rides. They offer a large amount of storage with easy ergonomics that allow you to ride for hours at a time. These heavy bikes will have the largest fairings to block the wind and weather while riding.
Fancy an east to west bike tour? Well, Touring Bikes would be the perfect-est! Try test riding CF Moto 650 GT for a perfect touring experience.
Scooter
When we mentioned scooter in the list of types of bikes, you might find it odd. “It isn’t a bike!” But hear me out, it is relatively the same in terms of safety, style, and commuting. Scooters make a very good urban commuting. It performs well in the city road with a lot of traffic. They are lightweight and low to the ground which makes them easy to navigate through city streets without having to muscle them around all day.
Try keeping up with a scooter in the traffic jam, you’ll see! ;) Try test riding TVS NTorq, Honda Aviator, and Suzuki Burgman.
