The question I am asked most often? Whether Valentino will win his tenth title. And immediately after: “Which motorcycle should I buy? I'm torn between this one and that one.” And maybe they mention two models that are light years apart. It's impossible to answer; first I need to know how the motorcycle will be used, the rider's experience, riding skill level, budget...
However, I understand that there can be many doubts, and I also know that asking a friend for advice rarely helps: because each of us is convinced that we have the most beautiful motorcycle in the world and sees nothing else. You will discover this too, and it will be a pleasant surprise: you will certainly make the right choice because, whatever happens, you will fall in love with your motorcycle.
There are lovers of naked bikes and lovers of sports bikes, there are those who only buy Guzzis and those who insist on BMWs or Ducatis, Hondas or Yamahas. But in the end, each of us is convinced that our motorcycle is perfect. And the great thing is that we are all right, assuming we can talk about being right.
How can I, for example, argue with someone who claims that their super sports bike offers the best riding experience? Those who love this type of bike are willing to suffer, they are trained, they often wear leather suits, they are not afraid of pain in their shoulders and wrists, so I agree: great riding, the most precise, beautiful bends (only on the track, though) and considerable satisfaction. The same goes for the motorcyclist who, at some point in their life, perhaps after tens of thousands of bends, has come to ride Harley-Davidsons and is hooked; I understand that perfectly well, it's a special ride, you feel privileged, the brand has a century-old history, and the sound and torque curve are special. And so it goes with Guzzi and BMW enthusiasts, with those obsessed with supermotards and Hypermotards, with those who love naked bikes and customs, with everyone.
Because choosing a motorcycle is not a rational decision, but rather a matter of the heart and gut. If we chose rationally, those who travel long distances would have a grand tourer with a cardan shaft, those who use their motorcycle every day would ride a light, agile, and economical mid-range bike, and for adventurous trips, even on dirt roads, a large enduro would make sense. And our world would be boring.
Provided that—and this is the variable that could make all the difference—the riding position is right for us, in line with what we want to do with the bike and our safety requirements. If we are looking for total control, an upright riding position is best; if we want to feel the bike, then a sporty position where you ride with your whole body is ideal; if we feel unsafe in the city or are on the small side, we need a low, forward-leaning seat. We need to identify exactly the type of motorcycle we like or need, so that we are not surprised, after the purchase, by a riding position and ergonomics that we are unhappy with.
What matters, in short, is feeling comfortable and quickly becoming masters of the vehicle. Then there are motorcyclists who choose to ride on the highway with a bike that has a slightly crazy setup, like a Harley with Apehanger handlebars, which are very high and a meter wide, or, at the opposite extreme, those who ride to North Cape on a Ducati Panigale and are perfectly happy with it. And that's fine, I'm certainly not criticizing anyone: you just need to know what sacrifices you're going to have to make.
