There are many websites for researching motorcycles. You can find motorcycle reviews on NADAguides.com, Motorcycle-usa.com, Cycleworld.com and Motorcyclistonline.com. In addition, many motorcycle manufacturers, such as Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki, have forums where bike owners can share information.
Forrest Sherman, publications manager at Kelley Blue Book, recommends asking dealerships for a test ride, though most probably won't let you.
You might be allowed to test ride a bike at a motorcycle show or when manufacturers do demo days, says Wasef. Demo days are sometimes held at dealerships, race tracks and automotive museums.
If you can't do a test ride, you can at least sit on some bikes at the dealership. When you're sitting on a bike, you should have good footing, says Balduzzi. You want to be flat-footed or close to it, says Balduzzi. It's especially important to keep the bike steady, or hold it up, when you're at a standstill.
Also, Wasef says you should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably.
"I see a lot of people who are way too small for the bikes they're riding," says Balduzzi.