What type of motorcycle suits your lifestyle in Quebec?

How to choose a motorcycle based on your everyday use in Quebec

To operate a motorcycle safely, there are certain things riders should know before hitting the road. As the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) points out, each type of motorcycle comes with its own features, advantages and drawbacks that should be considered when choosing the best one for your needs. So, should you choose a city bike or a road bike?

Urban motorcycles: ideal for city riding and daily use

A motorcycle for city riding, or urban bike, is designed for short, frequent daily trips. It stands out for its maneuverability, lighter weight and comfort suited to shorter distances. Scooters, or mopeds, falls into this category and are especially popular with younger riders.

Motorcycle for longer rides: comfort on open roads

A road motorcycle is designed for long distances: it offers more power and greater comfort. That said, it is often heavier and less practical in heavy traffic.

Urban motorcycles: ideal for city riding and daily use

Do you make your way through traffic every day?  Then an urban motorcycle would be the right fit! It offers good agility in traffic and makes low-speed maneuvering easier. Its upright seat position also improves visibility, which is a key advantage in the city. A compact motorcycle often uses less fuel and generally costs less to maintain and insure. All that’s left is to get your motorcycle ready for spring!

Who should choose an urban motorcycle in Quebec

Are you relatively new to riding, or do you prefer practicality? Urban motorcycles are well suited to making city riding easier.

Pros and cons of an urban motorcycle for daily use

• Greater maneuverability
• Easier to park
• Lower fuel consumption
• Less comfortable over long distances
• Limited protection at higher speeds

Road motorcycles: a comfortable option for longer rides

Road motorcycles, standard road models rather than heavy touring bikes, are ideal for covering distance on longer rides.  They offer a balance between urban and touring models. Touring motorcycles, due to their size, weight and the skill needed to handle them at low speeds, are better suited to experienced riders.

Who should choose a road motorcycle for leisure riding

Fans of long rides, intermediate and more experienced riders who travel on secondary roads for leisure will find them particularly appealing. 

Road motorcycles: strengths and things to consider

• Greater comfort on longer rides
• Better stability
• Better wind protection
• Larger size
• Less maneuverable in heavy traffic

Urban motorcycle or road motorcycle: how to choose?

Several factors—your build, your preferred riding position, your experience and your skills, for example—should be considered. Thinking through a few key points will help you choose between an urban motorcycle and a road motorcycle. 

How you plan to use it, however, is the main deciding factor. “Will you use your motorcycle in urban areas, for short trips with frequent stops, or for long outings on country roads and highways on weekends?” the SAAQ asks in this buyer’s guide.

Of course, cost is another factor to consider. Your budget should cover not just the purchase, maintenance and registration costs but also your motorcycle insurance premium to cover liability and damage to the vehicle in the event of an accident.

How the type of motorcycle influences insurance in Quebec

As with all recreational vehicles, the cost of motorcycle insurance depends on a number of variables, including frequency of use. The type of motorcycle has an impact on the premium, just as the vehicle’s value does. For instance, liability insurance is not required for a scooter, unlike for a motorcycle.

As with snowmobile insurance, several factors influence the premium you pay of course, such as your driving experience, your vehicle’s features and the coverage you choose. That said, bundling all your insurance policies with the same provider can allow you to save substantially!

FAQ — Choosing the right motorcycle

1. What type of motorcycle is best for city riding?

Urban motorcycles, which are more maneuverable, are the best fit.  Smaller engine bikes or scooters provide good maneuverability in traffic and make low speed handling easier. Their upright riding position also enhances visibility, which is a key benefit in urban areas.

2. What is the difference between an urban motorcycle and a road motorcycle?

An urban motorcycle is suited to frequent trips, offering high maneuverability, lighter weight and comfort suited to short trips. In contrast, a road motorcycle is designed for long distances: it provides more power, better wind protection and increased comfort. However, it is often heavier and less practical in heavy traffic.

3. Is a road motorcycle suitable for beginners?

It depends! Road motorcycles are heavier and more powerful than urban bikes. They may be intimidating for less experienced riders as a first purchase. New riders often benefit from starting with a lighter motorcycle to build their reflexes and confidence before moving on to a larger model.

4. Does the type of motorcycle affect insurance costs?

Yes. When choosing your motorcycle, keep in mind that the type of bike has a direct impact on insurance costs. A number of factors are taken into account, including engine power, the value of the vehicle, risk of theft and how it is used. For instance, sport motorcycles, being more powerful and often linked to a higher accident risk, are usually more expensive to insure.