Are you about to buy a motorcycle? Read this first.

Reading time: approximately 8 minutes

There's a specific moment when the decision becomes real. It's not when you walk into the dealership. It's not when you make the bank transfer. It's before — much earlier. It's that morning when you wake up and think: I want a motorcycle. And immediately after comes the second part of the thought, the one no one tells you how to handle: but which one?

If you're here, you're probably already there. And you're probably finding that answering this question is much more complicated than it initially seemed.

This article is for you — whether it's the first time you've seriously considered it, whether you've already spent three weekends researching on YouTube, or whether you're simply looking for someone to tell you how things really are, without technical jargon and without making assumptions.

Why choosing a motorcycle is harder than it seems

The problem isn't a lack of information. The problem is that there's too much of it, and almost none of it is designed for beginners.

Go to a motorcycle forum and ask "which motorcycle should I buy?" — you'll get forty different answers, each convinced they're right, many contradicting each other. Search on YouTube and you'll find spectacular videos of motorcycles going 200 km/h on mountain roads, which tell you nothing about what happens when you have to park it on a city street in Milan on a Wednesday morning.

Dealerships — some, not all — tend to sell you what they have in stock, not necessarily what's right for you. And your biker friends, with the best intentions in the world, recommend the motorcycle they like.

The result is that every year thousands of people buy a motorcycle enthusiastically and sell it disappointed within twelve months. Not because the motorcycle was a bad vehicle. But because it was the wrong one for them.

The question no one asks you first — and it changes everything

When you walk into a dealership, the first question they ask is almost always: "What displacement are you looking for?" or "Do you have a budget?" Fair questions, to be sure. But they come too soon.

The question that should come first is another: who are you as a rider?

Not who you want to become. Not who you wish you were. Who you are now — with the experience you have now, with the use you'll actually make of it, with the time you can dedicate to it, with the physical strength you have.

This distinction seems obvious but it's one that almost no one makes. It's much easier to fall in love with a motorcycle we see in a video, a model a friend rides, a category that seems to match our idea of ourselves. It's much harder to step back and ask: is it really the right one for me, now?

Here are some of the questions you should be able to answer before even looking at a price list:

• Will you primarily use the motorcycle in the city, out of the city, or both?
• How many kilometers do you expect to ride on average per week?
• Do you have someone to ride with, or will you start alone?
• Do you have a garage to keep it in, or will it stay on the street?
• How much can you spend in the first year — not just on the motorcycle, but on everything?
• How do you feel physically about the weight of an object weighing 180-220 kg?

The latter, in particular, is one of those questions that is often glossed over — especially in conversations with women approaching motorcycling. Weight can be managed, of course. But it's managed with practice and technique, not with willpower. A motorcycle you struggle to hold up in the parking lot is not a motorcycle that will bring you joy — it's a motorcycle that will bring you anxiety.

Seat height, weight, displacement: the numbers that really matter

Let's talk about numbers. Not the impressive ones — horsepower, top speed, 0 to 100 time. Let's talk about the ones you feel every time you put the motorcycle on its stand, every time you pull out of a parking space, every time you stop at a traffic light.

Seat height is probably the most important parameter for beginners — and for women in particular, given that the average female height in Italy is about 163 cm compared to 176 cm for men. A seat at 840 mm can be perfectly manageable for someone 178 cm tall and impossible to manage safely for someone 158 cm tall.

The general rule: for heights under 165 cm, look for motorcycles with a seat under 800 mm. Between 165 and 175 cm, seats up to 820-830 mm are fine. Above 175 cm, you have much more freedom of choice.

But beware: the seat height on the spec sheet is only part of the story. Width also matters. A narrow seat allows the legs to reach further down — compensating for a higher nominal height. This is why a physical test is always necessary. Numbers provide an indication. Contact with the motorcycle provides the answer.

Weight is the second variable. A 220 kg motorcycle that an 85 kg rider can manage with moderate effort may require a very different effort for a 57 kg rider. It's not a judgment — it's physics. The good news is that under 190-200 kg, with the right technique (which is learned in a riding course, not on YouTube), the vast majority of people can manage any motorcycle well.

Finally, displacement is the parameter on which much attention is focused — often too much. A modern 400cc is a capable, fun, and far from boring motorcycle. A 650cc is already a motorcycle that can stay with you for years. The problem is never the displacement itself: it's the power curve, the delivery, the way that power arrives. A motorcycle that delivers power linearly and progressively is much easier to manage than one that has all its power concentrated at high RPMs — even with the same horsepower.

Motorcycle categories: what's really behind the names

Naked. Adventure. Custom. Touring. Scrambler. Supersport. Scooter. If you're a beginner, these names can seem like a secret code. In reality, they describe lifestyles as well as riding styles — and understanding the differences helps you understand which one truly matches what you're looking for.

Naked motorcycles are those without fairings, with the engine exposed and wide handlebars. They are the best-sellers in Italy because they work well in almost all contexts: city, regional roads, weekend trips. The riding position is natural and not tiring. For beginners who aren't yet sure what they'll do with the motorcycle, it's often the most sensible choice.

Adventure (or maxi enduro) motorcycles were created for those who want the freedom to ride both on asphalt and off-road. High riding position, long suspension, large fuel tank. They are the fastest growing category in Italy — and for good reason, because they embody an idea of freedom and exploration that resonates with many people. The limitation? They tend to have high seats and significant weight. But there are entry-level models — Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda CB500X — designed precisely for those who want to start with this type of motorcycle without tackling the 240 kg of a GS.

Custom and cruiser motorcycles have an unmistakable style — forward controls, an open position, design that harks back to American tradition. They are beautiful, have a distinctive sound, and tend to have lower seats than equivalent naked bikes. The limitation is that they are not the most agile in the city and do not excel on mountain roads.

Scooters — and maxi-scooters — are the most practical choice for those who primarily use a motorcycle for city commuting. No manual gear change, easy to ride, storage space under the seat. It's not "less of a motorcycle" — it's a different choice, perfectly legitimate, often the smartest for certain uses.

Electric motorcycles deserve a separate discussion. In 2025, they are a concrete choice for those who primarily ride in the city with daily commutes under 70-80 km and have the ability to recharge at home. The energy cost savings are real — about 75-80% compared to gasoline. Maintenance is reduced. The riding experience is different — immediate torque, silence, no gear change. It's not better or worse: it's different.

The cost no one calculates (until it's too late)

Let's say you found the motorcycle. It costs 6,000 euros. Budget okay. You buy the motorcycle.

And then the surprises come.

Third-party liability insurance for an 18-year-old new rider on a mid-displacement motorcycle, starting in class 14, can be 1,000-1,500 euros per year — depending on the area. Milan and Naples have significantly higher premiums than the provinces of the northeast or central Italy.

The helmet — a real one, with ECE 22.06 approval, not just "to comply" — starts at 150 euros and easily goes up to 400-600 for a good one. The jacket with CE level 2 protectors on the shoulders, elbows, and back: another 200-500 euros. Gloves, pants, boots: easily add another 300-600 euros for a good quality full gear set.

The first service, almost always necessary within 1,000 km on new motorcycles: 80-200 euros.

Road tax: 80-120 euros annually for a motorcycle in the A2 category.

In total, the first year of owning a 6,000 euro motorcycle can easily cost 8,500-10,000 euros if all expenses are not considered. It's not a scam — it's simply the reality that no one puts on a single sheet before the purchase.

The rule we recommend: the total budget for the first year should be at least 40% higher than the purchase price. If you have 6,000 euros for the motorcycle, keep 2,500 for everything else.

Used or new: the right question to ask yourself

For beginners, used almost always makes sense — with one condition: knowing what to look for before buying.

A two or three-year-old motorcycle with 10,000-15,000 km in good condition generally costs 30-40% less than the new list price. Beginner-friendly motorcycles, in particular, are often found in excellent condition because those who started with a 400cc tend to trade it in after one or two years for something larger — and they used it respectfully precisely because they were still learning.

The risks of used? They exist, but can be managed methodically. Verify the frame number on the registration document. Check the service history. Go to motorizzazione.it to verify that there are no administrative liens or mortgages on the license plate. Inspect the forks for oil stains on the stanchions. Check the chain, tires, brakes. Always take a test ride — a seller who refuses to let you test ride the motorcycle is hiding something.

And then there's the issue of falls — which is always present with used vehicles. Falls are visible: on the frame, on the footpegs, on the fairings, on the handlebars. A motorcycle that shows no signs of use after three years and 15,000 km is a motorcycle that probably has something to hide, or has been stored in a garage for years (which has other problems). A motorcycle with some superficial scratches clearly declared by the seller is often more honest.

One thing no article can give you

You can read all you want. You can watch all the videos. You can follow all the forums. But there's one thing only you can do, and that no content can replace: get in the saddle and try it out.

Sit on that motorcycle at the dealership. Both feet on the ground. Feel if you feel stable, if the controls are reachable, if the position is natural. This feeling — that of the first five seconds — tells you more than any spec sheet.

And if you can, take a safe riding course before or immediately after buying. Not because you're a bad rider — but because learning the basics in a controlled environment, with instructors who watch and correct you, speeds up the process of gaining confidence in the saddle by months. The FMI (Italian Motorcycle Federation) organizes courses throughout Italy: look for them, they are accessible and worth every euro spent.

If you want to go in-depth on all of this

This article has given you a map. But a map is not the same as a detailed guide that accompanies you step by step.

If you are taking this decision seriously — and the fact that you have reached the end of this article suggests you are — there is something we have built especially for you.

The guide "How to choose the right motorcycle" is a 325-page PDF that covers every aspect of what you've read here — and much more. Each motorcycle category explained in depth. A comparative table of 20 models with seat height, weight, displacement, and price. A complete checklist for inspecting a used motorcycle. An insurance guide. A chapter on equipment from A to Z. An entire chapter dedicated to female riders — not the usual paragraph added for completeness, but a serious work on real ergonomic challenges, the most suitable motorcycles, and tailor-made equipment. And much more.

It's not a book to read in one sitting. It's a guide to keep open while you search for your motorcycle — to consult when you have a doubt, to take with you the day you go to look at a used bike, to reread the night before signing.

It costs less than a full tank of gas. It downloads in a second. And if you're not convinced, we'll refund it no questions asked within 30 days.

→ Discover the complete guide

Happy riding — whatever motorcycle you choose.

The right motorcycle for you is not the most powerful. It's not the most beautiful. It's not the one your friend rides. It's the one that makes you want to go out even when you don't have a specific destination, even when it's a bit cold, even when you have a thousand other things to do.

When you find it, you'll know.

— The Endurrad.com team