Top 10 Features To Look Out For In Your Brand New Motorcycle

Top 10 Must-have Bike Features 

1. Dual-Channel ABS

   ABS stands for the anti-brake locking system. To understand this term, let's start with why dual ABS is needed. When you suddenly apply the brakes while riding a bike, the wheels lock up. The force you exert on your tyres is far higher than what it can withstand, causing your bike to skid and increase the risk of injury. This is where the importance of dual-channel ABS kicks in.  
    
   New-age motorcycles come with a Dual ABS that consists of a hydraulic pump, ECU, solenoid valve, and sensors at both front and rear wheels. Unlike single-channel ABS, dual-channel ABS modulates each wheel independently. The dual anti-locking mechanism works on both the back and front wheels, protecting your bike from accidents caused by emergency braking.  
    
   So, the very first thing in our two-wheeler buying guide is the dual-channel ABS feature in the bike.



2. Adjustable Suspension

   When you go to the showroom to buy a bike, request the sales representative to help you understand the adjustable suspension bike features. Adjustable suspension allows you to customise your settings from a variety of possibilities. For example, if you are riding on a bumpy and patchy road, you can adjust the suspension so that you can ride over the uneven surface without feeling too many jerks. Similarly, on good roads, you can lower the suspension to improve the handling of the bike. 
    
   Sometimes you may need to adjust the suspension's stiffness or softness depending on the pillion rider or the amount of luggage you will be carrying on your bike.



3. Tyre Puncture Kit

   Whether you are commuting to work on your bike or going on an intercity trip, an uneventful situation can arise at any time. What would you do if your bike tyre gets punctured and you do not have access to a garage? You will sense the need for a tyre puncture kit at this point. The puncture kit includes nose pliers, cutter, puncture repair strips, chalk, tyre valves, reamer, gloves, rubber glue, and a probe. 
    
   When selecting the bike in the showroom, look for this kit's availability and make sure that you get an instruction manual along with the tyre puncture kit.

4. Rear Lift Prevention

While stoppie and wheelie bike tricks may look cool in films, they are not meant to be replicated in reality. Attempting a stoppie and wheelie is risky not only for the rider but for the bike too. The rear lift wheel off occurs when you are riding a bike around its top speed and abruptly jab on the front brake lever. 
 
Rear-Lift-Prevention (RLP) works similarly to Anti-Brake Locking System (ABS). RLP, however, includes a gyro sensor and a free-spin sensor. When a wheel lifts off, the free spin sensor starts spinning, and the gyro sensor ensures that the bike is at the ground level and not unstable. 
 
RLP is one of the key things to check before buying a new bike in India, especially in sports bikes.
 
Also Read: 10 Bike Safety Tips to Ensure You Have a Safe Ride
 

1. Performance Tyres

   Performance tyres are built out of multi-compounds. These tyres feature fewer tread lines and are great in wet conditions. The primary goal of these tyres is to provide stability at the time of cornering and braking. Furthermore, their design is such that it provides smooth transitions and excellent grip.
    
   So, if you are purchasing a high-end motorcycle on loan for a two-wheeler, make sure your bike is equipped with such a type of tyre. 
    

2. Adjustable Brake Levers and Clutch

   Adjustable clutch levers can help enhance your biking experience. Earlier, most bikes came with a stock lever that did not fit the various human palm sizes, making it hard for short-handed or long-handed bikers to ride. Adjustable brake and clutch levers are ideal for all types of bikers regardless of their height. 
    

3. Liquid Cooling

   Our two-wheeler buying guide suggests that you should buy a bike that features a liquid cooling mechanism. It reduces the effect of outside temperature on the engine while maintaining consistent performance. The liquid cooling system also aids in the reduction of mechanical noise by cutting down the engine vibration.

4. Extensive Tool Kit

   In most of the low budget bikes and even in some high-end bikes, the tool kit provided by the manufacturer is of little or no use. However, when you go for an extensive tool kit, your kit will include items such as sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, cable ties, duct tape, bulbs, battery cables, and spare fuses, among others. So, if the manufacturer's tool kit is missing these components, spend some money at a bike dealership to get a more comprehensive kit.

5. Hazard Lights

   Hazard lights are another key thing to check before buying a new bike in India. Hazard flasher lights are equipped in the bike's lighting system. These lights are designed to draw the attention of other motorists and pedestrians on the road. When riding in foggy weather or at night, the significance of this feature in your bike becomes evident. In addition to that, a hazard light also saves you from any mishap when you pull over your bike to the side of the road or highway.

6. Crash Protection Accessories

   Crash protection accessories are a must-have for any bike to ensure safety while riding. The crash and engine guards are made of high-strength quality metal and protect your bike in the event of a skid, crash, and collision. So, before you decide on a bike and apply for a bike loan to finish your purchase, shop around for a bike that has extensive crash protection accessories. By term extensive, we mean frame sliders, crash guards, tank protection, engine guards etc.

 
Also Read: How to Increase Your Two-wheeler Mileage?
 

Bottom Line

Remember, performance and safety come first while choosing a two-wheeler. There is no point in buying a fancy, branded, high-cost motorcycle if it does not ensure efficient performance and utmost safety. Therefore, look out for the above-mentioned features when shortlisting bikes for purchase and make an informed decision.