I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle instead of a car...?

Question

...but I want to know the pros and cons of both them first. Unfortunately, I don't know how to ride a motorcycle, but I'm willing to learn if it'll save me money on gas down the road. (Pardon the pun.)

I don't know an awful lot about motorcycles, either, but I have been considering a touring bike because I'm going to be a senior this year and plan on going to college the next and will need to carry books and such.

Any advice/info/help is much appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Motorcycles are only fun to ride in good weather And there is a certain amount of risk by riding one.  Even if you are very careful if a dumb driver cuts you off you are going to be seriously hurt of worse in a crash.  There is a reason why they call then donor cycles at hospital ERs.  A car is safer that steel cage helps allot.

Answer 2

I just recently sold my car and bought a motorcycle, but before you do that, there are some things you need to consider.  

What will you do when the weather's bad?  In my case, we're moving to an area where my wife and I won't need two cars.  We're going to be about half a block from her job, so if I need a car, I'll just use hers.  It might be a good idea to make sure you have access to a car for when you need one.

Another thing to think about is maintenance.  Motorcycles can be a bit more finicky in that department.  Whereas you can ignore some issues like oil and tires for extended periods in a car, you really can't do that on a motorcycle.  

Since you're a new rider, I would advise you to pick a smaller motorcycle and take a safety course before deciding if you want to ditch your car completely.  Most touring bikes are big and heavy and don't handle that well in town.  I wouldn't advise that for a first bike.  However, you can get a cruiser that will have saddlebags and that sort of thing available.  This site has a lot of good info: http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/

Answer 3

I use my bike as my primary form of transportation.  I have a car but I only use it when it rains (which is not that often here in California) or when I need to carry something big.

You can save some money, but there are some things on a bike that cost more.  Tires cost as much as on a car but only last about 10,000 mi.  If it's a chain-drive bike you have to replace the chain and sprockets every 10k-20k miles.

You should take the MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation).  You don't even need a bike to take the course, they provide it.  And in some states you are spared the riding test for your license, which is tough.

Bear in mind that half of all motorcycle accidents, and half of all fatalities, happen to bikers in their first year.  So safety should be your prime concern.  If you ride sanely, you should be okay.   And you need at least a helmet, a good jacket and gloves, so figure those into the cost equation.

If you can ride a bicycle, and if you can drive a car with a stick shift you should have no trouble with a bike.  If you've never driven a stick-shift you will have to learn to clutch and shift, which can be a little tricky at first.

You can carry books and stuff on ANY kind of bike.  Even the smallest bike will carry a passenger, so you can carry the equivalent amount of weight.  Touring bikes are big and heavy, probably not the best for a beginner.  If you plan on long distances at high speed, I'd say 500cc or more.  If not, then 250cc is plenty.  Smaller is more economical.

Don't run out and buy a shiny new bike.  You're going to be hard on your first bike!  You're going to abuse the clutch.  You might drop it once or twice before you get the hang of it.  Get one 5-10 years old, maybe even with a few scuffs on it already.  After a year you can sell it for about what you paid for it, and by then you'll know better what you really need.

In the US, motorcycles are generally seen as toys.   So most of them are 100hp and they often have extreme riding positions.  Look for something more 'general purpose'.  50 hp is PLENTY--you will still be able to out-accelerate any car!

Answer 4

Gas is only One consideration. Bikes go through tires much faster than cars, especially large touring bikes like You mention. They also require more  routine maintenance. You need to love to ride to make do with a bike as your only ride. There is a good chance that overall cost of ownership would be cheaper on a Corolla or Civic than a Gold Wing or Venture. Just something to consider.

Answer 5

dude get yourself a car gas prices are not that bad , especially if you havent ever road plus when it rains it sucks to ride. plus its just a hassle to get your freak on . lol your in college dude , only if you already have i car i suggest you get one it is tiring after awhile .