Commuter motorcycle... Good idea?

Question

I'm considering buying a motorcycle for my daily commute (about 30 minutes one way). Is this a good idea? Anyone with experience would be helpful. I've never ridden before, so would you recommend a cruiser or a sport? I'm sure each has their pros and cons.

I currently drive a Scion xB (which I love, and really don't want to get rid of), but am considering selling it to get the bike and a cheap older car/truck (for bad weather, etc).

Please only answer if you have had experience riding, or have been faced with a similar situation. Thanks!

Answer 1

I bought a motorcycle last year, and had it about six months. I had never ridden a motorcycle, only a motorbike when I was a kid, and a sport ATV as an adult.

When I learned how to ride, I rode two bikes. My best friend's R6 (I had a Ninja 636RR) sport bike, and a big (to me) 700 cc cruiser. I rode the cruiser first, and had a very difficult, nerve-racking time. It was difficult to maneuver. I kept turning the wrong way a little bit and having to correct.

When I rode the R6, it was only about an hour later. I rode the cruiser for about 15 minutes, and then got on the R6, and my first-ever turn on the R6 was much easier and fun rather than intimidating. The control of a sport bike is much more intuitive than I imagined, or had experienced on the cruiser. The sport bike felt like I was flying, and really in control of what I was doing.

Now, that can be negative, for people who get overconfident too soon. Some also argue that sport bikes are smaller and harder to see; I think their brighter colors make them more noticeable, and when you add that with the maneuverability, I feel a little better.

Definitely great for the fuel economy and cool factor, plus it's fun. Just be careful! Oh and please don't try any tricks or speeding until you've been riding for twice as long as you think you should! :)

Answer 2

sport bike is a better choice for fuel mileage, but stay under 600cc

any sports bike from 250 to 600 cc have as much and better speed and power as any size cruiser bike.

cruiser bikes over 600 cc's get poor gas mileage.

I own 2 bikes a Suzuki M50 Cruiser bike that's 800cc and my best gas mileage is 35 mpg

My other bike is a Yamaha FZ6, 600 cc sport bike and my best gas mileage is 55 mpg, plus the Yamaha will out-preform the Suzuki in any way.

Note: If you consider the cost of the bike you're not saving money on gas, the number one reason to buy a bike is for the fun factor, and saving money on gas is a plus.

Answer 3

NO, one rides because one loves it. If you are not totally committed to being a cyclist you do not have what it takes and will get hurt, probably very bad.

Answer 4

Personally I'd suggest the Buell Blast.

500cc, it's a smaller bike, but it can carry you just fine down the highway, and it gets great mileage!  It's pretty lightweight, as far as bikes go, and it's easy to ride.

http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/blast/

I love mine!  Price was pretty good, too!

Answer 5

i recomment that you go to riders school... it is dangerous to ride any place.. cars cannot see you.. but you have a better chance if you go to school.. the course is worth it. and you must wear reflective clothing and have extra reflectors on the bike.. safety first..

Answer 6

Good call by Jason for a first time rider.    

You are looking to lower costs,  be sure to figure in the cost of insurance  also.

Answer 7

Concider buying a moped wiyh a 125 or higher cc engine if you are worried about gas this would be the way go go for bikes you can eeasly get 80 or 60 mpg and some liik more like motor cycles but for a price around 1800 brand new this is amlost hard to beat some state have diffrent laws for motor scooters where they can go but if you are only using it for work and back some iter states wont let you operate a motor scooter on it but if it is over a certian cc it will fall in a motor cycle catigorie.

hope this helps

Answer 8

Cruisers are not good commuting bikes; they also don't get good gas mileage.  About the same as a Chevy Nova. What you're looking for is a  liquid-cooled "Touring" bike, maybe 600cc to 800cc., with shaft drive, and ONE carburetor (or fuel injection) for simple maintenance.  The liquid-cooled engines are long lasting and reliable. You should get about 50mpg.  Sport bikes are an adventure, but some are really high-strung road rockets.  If it rains in your area, get rain tires and try for a fairing to keep your legs dry.

Answer 9

YES

good gas mileage

Answer 10

I looked at the fuel economy of your Scion.

First URL below.  

Your xB gets pretty good mpg.

Yes, a motorcycle will allow you to reduce your consumption of gasoline.  

I recommend something in between a cruiser and a sport bike.  I like the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, or the DL1000 V-Strom.  650 is equipped with carburetor, the 1000 is fuel injected.  Each bike will turn in gas mileage from mid 40s to mid 50s.  Both of these bikes are equipped with a decent sized fairing, good headlights, hard and soft saddle bags, and a host of accessories.  Plus several forums dedicated to the V-Strom.  Seating position is more upright, which is more comfortable on long rides.  Both machines have good long travel suspension.

Here is the drawback to buying a motorcycle.  Cost.  You have a vehicle you can drive year round.  Just get in and go.  Along with motorcycle purchase costs, you face more insurance costs, registration and plates costs, the cost of getting the motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license, the cost of helmet and the rest of your safety gear, and another vehicle to store and maintain.  And you must factor in the cost of attending a riding school.  See second URL below.

You will not recoup your money solely from the saving in gas costs.  But it is such a fun and interesting way to travel.  I enjoy the fact I make the decisions on how to ride my cycle.  I enjoy the challenge of riding.  I decide when to shift, brake, and how fast to go.  All this while being balanced on two wheels.  The mere act of coming to a complete stop is actually quite complicated.  I feel the weather, I smell the air, I feel the road.  Visibility is the best part of riding.  There is nothing to impede your view of the world around you.  You have to THINK to be a good safe rider.  Sadly most drivers have forgotten that one must THINK when driving their car.  But it is so effortless to drive a modern car.  Two fingers on the steering wheel and a gentle nudge of the gas pedal and off you go.  You are sealed off from the world, and it is boring.  Drivers look for things to do to relieve the boredom.  In the process of relieving the boredom, they get distracted.  Then POW, they are involved in an accident.  

It should be mandatory for every driver to learn to drive a manual transmission, and to ride a motorcycle.  Maybe then we can reduce the number of accidents and fatalities we see each day.

What ever you decide, best of luck.