Are Bigger Motorcycles Difficult to Ride?

The louder rumbling sound of bigger bikes can make your backbone tingle. Learning how to ride a motorcycle is one thing but riding a bigger motorcycle is something out of the scope of a novice rider. It is a perfect example of freedom on two wheels only if you can handle a large-sized bike. High-powered bigger motorcycles are quite a challenge for beginners or those learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Bigger motorcycles with impeccable specs and performance are convenient for trained and experienced riders. There are some bigger bikes that can suit an intermediate rider. Bigger motorcycles are still a big deal and they demand respect.

Continue reading this article to learn in detail whether bigger motorcycles are difficult to ride or not. This article also explores the pros and cons of bigger motorcycles and what makes bigger bikes intimidating to beginners.

What is more difficult to steer between a large boat and a kayak? The answer is the large boat due to being heavier than a kayak. The reason why maneuvering a large motorcycle is more difficult than a smaller bike is the same. The weight difference becomes especially apparent at low speeds, demanding more strength and focus while performing certain riding tasks like:

• Parking : Sometimes you have to push harder than just twisting the throttle to make way for your bigger bike through some sections or between narrow alleys.
• Turning Corners : It is hard to lean and maneuver through tight corners because bigger motorcycles demand more muscle and energy than lighter ones.
• Navigating Tight Spaces : This includes situations such as trying to weave through traffic or maneuver through tight spaces with more focus on controlling the bike’s weight.

Bigger motorcycles feature large-displacement engines, translating to:

Due to being fitted with powerful and torquey engines, bigger motorcycles can accelerate much quicker and can push you ahead with greater force. Such massive horsepower and torque-producing capabilities are challenging, especially for beginner riders who are still struggling with how to control the throttle.

A bigger motorbike is indeed powerful and this is something that can make any bike lover excited. However, at the same time, a bigger bike has to be treated with a certain amount of respect and experience. Learning to control the throttle and feeling comfortable with the bike’s weight can take you longer. Taking a safety course and gradually moving on to the next step while learning how to ride a bigger motorcycle can make your riding experience safe and prevent accidents from happening.

In contrast to the general impression that big bikes give you a tough time when it comes to keeping them stable and erect, riders can enjoy great stability on the road.

• Battling Strong Winds: Due to being heavier, they stay planted and forces acting on them from different directions do not destabilize the ride much. This provides a significant advantage in battling strong winds while cruising on open roads and highways.

• Lack of Vibrations : Motorcycles with large-displacement engines usually vibrate less because of their bulkiness, which makes the ride comfortable and smooth.
• Unexpected Bumps : Bigger motorcycles can neutralize shocks and other impacts from the road more efficiently than lighter bikes, resulting in improved comfort and smooth ride quality. This can greatly improve comfort when riding long distances.

While it takes some extra effort to maneuver them, especially at slow speeds, the bikes have the advantage of being stable and smooth. If you’re considering purchasing a bike for highway cruising and long-distance touring, then you need to consider getting a bigger motorbike. You will be surprised to experience how stable and comfortable they are.

Choosing the right and most suitable bike for yourself is like picking the right ride partner. A motorcycle should meet your experience level and the riding goals you have set for yourself. Provided below are some major factors that can be of immense importance when selecting between a bigger and a smaller motorcycle:

Imagine you are looking for your first motorcycle and have never ridden one before. Will you pick a more powerful and bigger motorcycle that doesn’t match your experience and skills? You must not. Beginners must take advantage of lighter motorcycles that are normally smaller in size. Here's why:

The smaller bike is more maneuverable and responsive, particularly at slow speeds. This translates to:

• Easier Handling : While riding a smaller bike, tasks such as balancing, cornering, and maneuvering through tight spaces become less hectic as they do not require as much physical exertion as a large motorcycle does. It allows riders to invest more time and energy in practicing other useful riding techniques.
• Building Confidence : Your riding confidence builds up as you get a sense of control on your bike and practice and learn more about it. You will also be less intimidated and hence the likelihood of getting a good learning experience will be high.

Smaller bikes have low power output which makes them suitable for learners because they are relatively easy to ride:

• Throttle Control : The moderate acceleration of smaller bikes enables you to throttle up without worrying about jerky movements.
• Braking Techniques : Smaller motorcycles can be preferably used in practicing the braking techniques in a controlled environment. Lightweight motorcycles do not require excessive braking force and pressure to come to a stop.
• Maneuvering Skills : Improving your skills of handling, turning tight corners, swerving, and maneuvering skillfully are easier and can take you less time. You can develop and polish these skills to use them in the future when you move to your next bike.

As you progress through your motorcycle riding training and feel that you can maneuver the motorcycle properly, then big bikes are for you. These powerful machines cater to experienced riders seeking a different kind of riding experience:

Large bikes, like the hefty cruisers, tourers, and adventure touring bikes, are generally designed to allow for comfortable riding and better shielding from the wind over long distances. These bikes feel more comfortable to continue for a continuous long-mile ride thanks to the well-cushioned seat. Bigger motorcycles off an upright posture instead of crouching on the bike with a restricted rider triangle.

You can further improve the comfort level and enhance your riding experience with a few aftermarket part options, including fairings , sissy bars , backrests , and crash bars available at Viking Bags .

Large motorcycles are more powerful, ensuring quick acceleration and rapid throttle response. These bikes are highly useful for those who prefer cruising and touring experiences, go on cross-country rides, and avail opportunities to ride on various types of terrains.

Are you considering going on a motorcycle camping trip? Big bikes also offer capabilities in terms of load-bearing capacities in terms of luggage and gears as compared to small bikes and thus can accommodate all the items you need for the wilderness trip.

Looking to make your bike suitable for long-mile tours and cross-country rides, Viking Bags offers a range of motorcycle luggage bags perfectly suited for your model. These include saddlebags , tank bags , tour packs , backpacks , and trunk bags .

As expected, the big bike and small bike decisions can be made based on your experience and the purpose of your riding. Inexperienced riders will appreciate the restricted power of smaller bikes to get acquainted with them and gain confidence. Meanwhile, trained riders can rely on powerful and comfortable big bikes to travel longer distances and reach new places.

Choosing the right motorcycle is like choosing the perfect ride partner. It must be comfortable to use; suit your riding style, and should make your heart feel happy every time you see it. Below are some key strategies to ensure your search for a motorcycle ends in a perfect match. Make sure that you have answers to the below questions before you reach a conclusion:

Just like when you are on a date with someone and you are trying to make sure that he/she is a perfect match, a test ride is more like the date with your potential motorcycle match. Well, don’t just stand there and look at it, take it for a test ride. Here's what to focus on during your test ride:

Before you consider buying a bigger motorcycle for yourself, make sure to test the following things before you make the decision:

• Are you able to safely place your feet on the ground when the engine is off?
• Can it maneuver well in the curves?
• Are you able to comfortably move it through narrow areas such as parking lots or busy roads?

• What is your experience regarding the handling of the bike especially at highway speeds?
• Is the wind protection enough to take more extended routes?
• Is the power delivered smoothly or tend to jerk or stumble in between?

These questions will help you get to know the motorcycle more effectively, as well as its controllability and comfort when you are riding it at various speeds and in different scenarios.

Young bikers need to seek advice from expert riders. The experienced riders can help you provide useful insights about motorcycling. You can seek their advice by finding them in the bikers’ community, or motorcycle clubs, or try searching on the internet forums. Ask them about their experiences with big bikes:

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of riding bigger motorcycles?
• Riding a big bike comes with certain risks due to the enhanced power. How you can safely manage and handle the increased power delivery of bigger motorcycles?
• Riding Style Harmony: Does a big bike fit your needs in terms of the specific type of riding style you prefer (cruising, touring, and off-roading)?

The expert riders’ insights will be beneficial for those who are interested in big bikes as they can help you make a decision.

Registering in a motorcycle safety course that offers training to those who use bigger bikes is a wise idea. These courses typically cover:

• Advanced Braking Techniques : You get to learn about the necessary precautions to take when riding a big bike and the right measures that can be taken to prevent accidents.
• Cornering with Confidence : Fine-tune the ability to handle and safely execute turning movements with more powerful bikes.
• Understanding Big Bike Physics : You will also improve your knowledge about the distribution of weight and power delivery on stability.

Mastering these skills increases your confidence to deal with the features of a big bike and ensures your rides are safer and more fun. With these tips, you will end up getting your dream motorcycle instead of being stuck on a blind date.

Most big bikes are equipped with a variety of safety features such as the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). ABS can be beneficial for new riders in a way that it can stop the wheel from locking during sudden stops, particularly on slippery surfaces.

Do not forget that the ideal motorcycle is the one that prepares you for turning tight corners and highway rides. Do not be scared of big bikes. They are not all that difficult to handle and they can be as loyal companions as any other bikes if you practice long and hard.

The use of bigger motorcycles has been on the rise in the recent past with many people using them as their main mode of transport. Larger bikes, specifically those with above 600 cc engine ensure a distinct riding experience than their smaller counterparts. Below are the detailed pros and cons of bigger motorcycles to help you decide if they are the right fit for you:

• Power and Performance: Larger displacing engines mean more horsepower and torque. This makes the bike accelerate faster, be able to overtake other vehicles easily, tackle inclined terrains comfortably, and also can comfortably carry a passenger.
• Stability and Comfort: The weight of a larger bike helps in better stabilizing the bike while riding on highways or when faced with wind gusts. A touring bike ensures an upright posture and is designed for more comfortable journeys.
• Touring-Oriented: Larger motorcycles usually have features such as windshields, cruise control, luggage facilities, and enhanced entertainment systems making them suitable for touring.
•  Safety Features: Most of the bigger motorcycles also come pre-installed with features such as ABS and traction control systems that come in handy, especially for less-trained riders.
• Resale Value: The value of bigger motorcycle models manufactured by reputable brands depreciates slowly. These bikes are a better investment if you are planning to sell the motorcycle later.
• Towing Capacity: Most large bikes, especially touring models, can be fitted with hitches so that trailers can be towed for longer journeys or to transport stuff and equipment.

• Cost: Larger bikes are expensive, not only in terms of their initial base price, but also insurance, fuel, and servicing. The parts of such bikes are also expensive and the large-displacement engines are known to consume more fuel.
•  Maneuverability: This is due to the added weight and size of bigger motorbikes which may make them difficult to ride and handle. This can be a disadvantage for beginners or those who intend to use the bike for daily use in the city traffic.
• Intimidation Factor: Big bikes are also big and powerful which can be overwhelming, especially for the novices on the road.
• Parking: Sometimes it is difficult to find a parking space for a bigger bike due to increased congestion in urban areas. They are not very convenient to use when one has to park in small tight spaces.
• Maintenance Complexity: Engines with a larger displacement capacity may entail more complicated tools and expertise in the repair process, which brings higher expenses in case you don’t perform the repair yourself.
• Learning Curve: Riding a bigger bike is not very easy for those who are inexperienced and it requires practice and time to learn how to handle the giant bike. This is due to their mass and muscle which demands attention and precision.

Bigger motorcycles demand a certain level of respect due to their sheer power and size but they are not monsters that cannot be controlled. If you want to go for a bigger motorcycle, you should get training, practice harder, select an appropriate bike type that matches your skills, and then you will be ready to overcome the challenges when riding a larger motorcycle. In the end, it depends on your riding goals and your comfort requirements. Based on the pros and cons of bigger motorcycles discussed in this article, you will be in a better position to make a wiser decision about getting a perfect motorcycle for yourself.