When you’re looking to buy a motor bike in Bermuda, there is a large variety of models to choose from.As a long-time sales associate, I find that many people are looking for specific features, such as storage area, comfort, safety and anti-theft features, and most people have in mind a certain look for the bike they want to buy.In this article, I’m going to highlight some of the most common features people look for in bikes and give you my two cents on the best bikes with those features.Give me some room!Since motor bikes are a main mode of transport on the Island, I often get couples looking for what I term a “family bike.” They are looking for bike that provides enough seat room and comfort for them to ride together and the Yamaha Cygnus X fits the bill.The large, contoured dual seat has been specially designed to give riders plenty of room and comfort no matter how long the journey. Also, the Cygnus X truly cares about the passenger as it features a grab bar and perfectly positioned foot pegs.If the seat is large, it’s only logical that the storage beneath the seat would be large, and it is. In fact, it easily accommodates a full-size helmet and since the gas tank is not located under the seat, riders can even transport food in the seat storage compartment without the worry of contamination.For many people in Bermuda, a bike is their only mode of transportation so they have to think about how they are going to carry things around. The Cygnus X has a giant, open floor board to accommodate anything from groceries and other shopping purchases to golf clubs, and there’s also a handy glovebox in the knee-panel.It’s all about looksMany riders want to stand out on their bikes and look cool. Luckily, there’s no shortage of colourful, eye-catching bikes in our shop. Take, for instance, the Yamaha Mio MX. With its bright blue and yellow colouring, the Mio MX’s contemporary design is a perfect combination of sharp and sporty. If you really want to stand out, check out the styling of the Nouvo Elegance 135 in bright orange, black and white.If you’re into graphics, then the sky is the limit. The Yamaha Soul, for example, has an ornate graphic of its name across the front side panel, but if you don’t want the manufacturer’s design, it’s no problem. We have a variety of cover parts and decals, which are available with lively graphics and even sports team themes. Also, some riders like to go beyond just graphic and soup up their bikes with aftermarket exhaust pipes that provide more performance and a bolder revving sound.In Bermuda, the maximum power allowed on a motor bike is 150cc. While this is much less than a typical motorcycle overseas, some riders still want that real motorcycle look. That’s when I show them the Yamaha YBR with its broad well-contoured fuel tank that gives a trendy modern look to classic motorcycle styling or the Yamaha Vixion, which is the ultimate sport motor bike.Playing it safeAnother thing people are looking for is safety as a rider and against bike theft. In addition to being practical, the Cygnus X provides a side stand for quick and easy parking. While a side stand is convenient, there’s also the risk that the rider will forget to put it up before taking off again, which can easily cause a crash. The kickstand on Cygnus X has a safety sensor that cuts the motor or prevents it from starting should the rider forget to put the stand up.People also want reliability with their transportation so that’s why I always show customers the alternate kick start, which is on most all Yamaha models. In the event your battery dies causing the bike not to start, you won’t be stranded because the kick start will get the bike going.One other feature I point out that’s on many of our models is the anti-theft ignition shutter that prevents anyone from being able to tamper with the keyhole and it keeps water out. You spend a lot of money on a bike so it’s worth it to keep it safe.My last bit of advice to the motor bike shopper is to purchase from a reputable, authorised dealer to ensure quality product and avoid warranty issues. As the Island’s only authorised Yamaha dealer, World Distributors carries bikes direct from the manufacturer and receives full factory support and training from Yamaha. In my eyes, that’s probably the best peace of mind you can get.Joe Ponte is a member of the sales team at World Distributors Ltd, Joe has over 20 years experience in the motorcycle trade. World Distributors is the only authorized Yamaha Dealer on the island. For more information call 295-2329.