When I was a little kid, I consider motorcycles to be kewl. I had an Evel Knievel action figure (boys don’t play with dolls) with the requisite motorcycle. I moved up to G.I. Joe and all the military gear, including the bikes. My parents rightly figured I would not grow to be a violent psychopath.
Now I wonder where’s my mind that I’m seriously consider purchasing a motorcycle as my next vehicle.
The logic seems obvious to me. First, fuel economy. An average cycle can get between 40-60 miles per gallon. My current commute is 10-15 minutes one way to work, all on streets. My mid-sized sedan gets barely 20 mpg and uses premium fuel which, at the time of this writing, costs over $3.50 a gallon.
A cycle’s easy to park. This is especially true out here in SoCal where SUV hog parking spaces. And I could use our garage which currently is filled with furniture due to our remodeling efforts.
I don’t see traffic to be much of a problem. The only major rush hour I encounter daily is coming home and that’s easily handled by my current car. I don’t foresee any problems with a bicycle.
Weather is not much of an issue as well in Southern California. I don’t plan to get rid of my old car so that’ll help deal with the scant few weeks of wet weather (which most folks consider sprinkles.)
And then there’s the bikes themselves…
Have you seen the Kawasaki Ninja (pictured)? Or the Harley Davidson VRSC? And don’t get me started about Suzuki’s. They’re all beautiful machines and I can see myself spending long hours on the weekends cleaning and waxing them.
So why do I hesitate?
Well, the big factor’s my spouse, who, when asked, said “No” in certain terms. And while a bike’s considerably less expensive than a new (or even used) car, it’s still a joint purchase.
And is the saving on fuel from the switch worth it? I don’t mean the numbers, but giving up other factors such as safety. I would definitely be more exposed on the road riding a bike than a car. I know that alone gives my spouse conniptions and I reluctantly admit with good reason.
We’d be paying for three vehicles instead of two since I’m not giving up my sedan. Costs include insurance which will probably rise due to the greater risks.
I know I’ll be in the dog house for the first few months as my spouse adjusts to the idea.
I’d need a new wardrobe. You don’t expose a $300 suit to wind.
Did I mention my spouse doesn’t like the idea?
Decisions, decisions….
5 comments so far
Assuming you don’t know currently how to ride a motorcycle, or even if you do, let me first recommend taking an accredited training and safety course. In many states (well, NY at least) you can get a motorcycle endorsement to your license by completing a weekend course and passing written and road/course testing. Also, you qualify for reduced insurance premiums on both bike and car. I had already known how to ride motor scooters and mopeds from my youth, but I definitely learned a lot and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.
Once you’ve got your motorcycle license, I would start with something no larger than 800cc (you’ll practice on 250cc). Personally, I prefer BMW boxers because of the safety features (ABS, the motorheads protecting your feet and ankles) but there aren’t any for less than $11k and smaller than 1100cc, and they tend to be heavy and large (shorter than 5′10″ need not apply). IIRC the new CHiPS bike is a BMW boxer built especially for police duty, they’ve also cornered the market on police bikes in basically all of Europe.
Insurance on bikes is actually very cheap, and I’ve not noticed any discrimination on my policy because I own one (though I do combine my auto and moto insurance for a discount). Dunno about life insurance discrimination.
Also, factor in some bucks for good protective gear, probably $6-700 for good synthetic padded/armored jacket and pants, boots and helmet. Vanson leathers can cost a LOT more, but are much cooler looking.
April 29th, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Wait a minute: your commute is 10-15 minutes on city streets, and you’re not considering a bicycle? You could probably walk to work in 45 minutes, and depending on traffic, the bicycle would be faster than the car (and, notably, much closer to the safety of cars than motorcycles, according to the stats).
That said, the spouse-approvable solution is probably to get a 50cc scooter. Trust me: they’re a lot of fun. A different kind of fun from a big sportbike or a Harley, but still fun.
My last motorcycle was an FZR400, but if I got one today, I’d probably be inclined to look for a dual-purpose or Supermotard-style bike: good city motorcycles that allow you to playfully ride down staircases, in case that should become a concern.
April 30th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
I am with you, Joel. I am buying a motorcycle too, and will use it once in a while for commuting. I am buying a chopper, and told my wife that a chopper cannot go as fast as a sportsbike. That seems to have convinced her. I am going in for a entry level 650CC Yamaha. My insurance quote comes out to $300 per year (in New Jersey). I have to find out whether I can forego insurance for the six months when it is too cold here, and I won’t be riding.
April 30th, 2006 at 7:08 pm
Buy a bike and ditch a car or even two seeing as you have three? I saw the price of gas going up last year. I bought a Yamaha FZ6 for about 6700.00 out the door, here in TEXAS, and insurance was 350.00 for full coverage for the year. I have avg. 44 mpg. mostly commuting 80/20 hwy/city. My wife too was against the ideal, now she rides with me when she can. Took a trip last week with her and avg. 51 mpg at 70-65 mph. I have to agree with Ryan though, if you live within a 10 mile radius of work, bike it (as in bicycle), futher out look for a motorcycle.
July 16th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
I did it and don’t regret it for one second. I am saving a ton on gas money. I ended up with this Honda motorcycle. The only downside is when it rains.
February 10th, 2007 at 1:51 am
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