What Bikes Are Out There?
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Like cars, there are heaps of bikes out there. All with different handling, power, looks and other features. Many are 'open-class' bikes, meaning they are not necessarily learner-rider compliant. Many new riders look for a learner bike that will last them through their learner years and their provisional years – a stepping stone.
These can be classed into the following broad categories:
- Cruiser
- Dirt Bike
- Sports Bike
- Scooter
- Learner
Cruiser:
The cruiser is built for rider comfort as the number one priority, next to great looks. This appeals to the 'freedom' side of riding. Cruisers look great, are longer, have larger capacity engines, have more luggage accessories, and are better for passengers in terms of comfort. Cruisers are also popular for those people looking to tour and travel out of town. KickStart's ZS250-5 and the Cruisa are examples of a Learner-legal cruiser.
Off Road:
The dirt bike is popular for off-road riding and trail riding. They are not always used for road riding compared to other types due to their high centre of gravity, higher seat height and poorer top speed capability. Although, some new models are intended to be used in the city as well as off-road, like the 'Supermoto', but it depends on the lifestyle of the rider and whether they want the bike for a lot of off-road riding. Riding a trail bike can be beneficial as damage is less significant when/if the bike is dropped.
Sport:
The sports bike is popular for the rider who wants looks and performance for an adrenalin rush. Sports bikes typically have better handling than cruisers and off-road bikes, and have better overall performance on the track. However, they carry more potential for danger. They are not as comfortable for passengers (or riders) but can be more fun for the rider. The higher-powered, race bikes (like the 600cc and 1000cc sports bikes) are not ideal for commuting but are very popular for weekend riding for open-class riders. These bikes require more comprehensive riding experience and skill. If you're looking to get into sports bikes there are many for Learners. KickStart's ZS250GS is a great option.
Scooter:
Scooters have typically smaller engine capacities and are fine for city riding and short trips. They are popular for riders who are after a very specific look and riding style. However, most have limited versatility, especially on roads with higher speed limits.
Learner:
Put into a completely different class of their own, learner bikes are predominantly around 250cc but can be higher. These are bikes that are fit for learner and provisional riders to ride. These bikes can be from all of the above classes, like the cruiser class (KickStart's ZS250-5 and Cruisa 250) and the sports class (KickStart's ZS250GS).