Is a motorcycle a good choice for general transit?

Question

To start with, I'm twenty years old and from a financially-troubled lower-middle class family. I'm accepted at the Ohio State University, but I can't afford the living expenses- the money I do earn generally goes to help the rest of my family. I'm going crazy, though, being trapped like this. I have to get out. Right now, the biggest hurdle for me is actually getting around; my family operates primarily on a single Volkswagen Beetle. I want a ride that forgoes crash durability for motor reliability, and passenger/storage capacity for better miles to the gallon. It seems to me that what I want is a motorcycle, not a car, but I'd like to have some outside opinions on that... are motorcycles significantly more cost-effective than cars? Insurance-wise, monthly gas spending, etc? I know Ohio weather can be unpredictable, but I don't mind the idea of driving in freezing rain. If a motorbike is in fact right for me, could someone recommend a good starter?

Answer 1

Also I high choice to have an accident my friend broke his legs and been hospitalized for 2 months how horrible

Answer 2

I have used a Motorcycle as primary transport ion for years but I still have a car. But let get a few things fictions out of the way Riding in the rain is not a big deal if you have the right stuff full face helmet rain gear. just slow down and give your self more time. However snow is still not ez to ride in if the roads have been cleared for cars you can still ride. It is not much fun. If you where going to school down in the south I would say go for it. but up there you get a lot more snow. i would not want to ride in snow. yes motorcycle are cheaper to own and operate that a car ( Up to 50% Ccheaper in some states) But It is smaller and makes just going to the store or even out on a date much harder than with just a car. If I where in your spot I would get a small car then later get a bike. the person would said that 50% of all crash are motorcycle need to do a little more resherch be for he makes a statement like that. If you do go with a bike take a Safty Class

Answer 3

Life makes us take tough decisions and you seem to have your share cut out for you.

Frequent stops and crowded lanes and bylanes mean only one thing.  That the motorcycle rider is by far the more practical and sensible option (despite the risks involved).  Don't take anything for granted though.  You require concentration 100% on the road when you ride.  Do that and you will be OK.

Get yourself a Honda 125 or 250 single cylinder configuration.  They cost less to start with, are also very easy to maintain.  Reliability is their middle name.  You can't go wrong.  Aquaint yourself well with your machine, in the wee hours of the morning.  Cultivate proper road manners and you shall be safe.  Wear bright clothing if you ride at night.  Avoid night riding initially if possible.  Life is a challange; face it !

Answer 4

A Gortax jacket and gloves are a good bet to keep the wet out, kevlar padding can be optional but is the best.

Answer 5

No. It's simply not worth all of the trouble to have it as your main stay. The weather in Ohio would have you cursing the decision to ride around on 2 wheels all year around. See about getting a $2000 4 banger car in it's stead?

Answer 6

In your situation you are better off with a mountain bike.

Answer 7

Motorcycles are fun to ride.  But it is really not a good primary vehicle (like being YOUR primary).  You can't ride it in the winter.  And you won't want to ride it in the rain.  And when you go food shopping, it is difficult to bring home the stuff.

On top of all that, it is not safe:

http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm

I ride knowing so I do not do stupid stuff.   I've been riding since 1982 and I had 3 bikes so far.  So I know.

Good Luck...

Answer 8

i was considering a motorcycle for primary transportation in march. I called a friend of mines father. Hes been riding for over 50 years, some professional. I told him what i was thinking about, he wasnt having any of it. He told me of course that the decision was mine, but its not a smart idea. The reasons he gave is that i was young (26), inexperienced, and should take a motorcycle class. I know hes right, I told him Id only be getting a 250 to learn on and to commute around town, and i wouldnt be on the highway.

First thing he said was that the class pays for itself with insurance and not having to take the driving test at the DMV, so dont let money be the deciding factor in taking the class

Finally, the best reason he gave was because when you use a motorcycle as a commuter, you start to get in a hurry. When youre running late or have to be somewhere in a hurry. Thats when most accidents happen. Thats why a motorcycle should be used for leisure and when you have nowhere to be. Made sense to me, even though im not dumb, i know i could see myself going faster than the speed limit if i had to get to work. So yeah, i guess i would be dumb lol. But I hope you see his point.

Oh yeah, I was riding my f150 down the highway and about 6 motorcycles were riding my a** going 70+ mph. Then they passed me and shook their heads like i was slowing them down.....you know, from dying and all. Sure enough, the leader of the pack passes me even faster than the rest already were and he got about 100 ft in front of me and popped a wheelie and rode it for about half a mile. I was thinking " i hope you know what youre doing, cos this isnt going to end well". I know you wouldnt do this lol, just and interesting story, and long lol. So his rear wheel begins to wobble and he totals his d**n sport bike off to the shoulder and i was right behind him dodging the wreck. I called the cops to let them know asap! I would never do something so stupid, but made me reconsider my motorcyle lol.

Oh yeah, if you get one, also stay out of vehicles blind spots! Cars just look right past motorcycles, they just dont see them. Be on the lookout for debris and oil spots on the road. stuff you take for granted being in a 4 wheel vehicle.

a good starter, i was looking at 250s or older 350s by honda

depending on your height, a nighthawk if yr over 6'0 and a rebel if yr under 6'.

a yamaha virago 250. those has a vtwin that has a little bit better torque and more power than most 250s.

those are the only two i really considered, i want something thats reliable and will get me most of my money back on the resale. those two do. also the older honda cb350s, i cant remember the exact years. but around 1973-75s can be had for about 1500 in good condition. I like the style a lot too!

250s also see about 75 mpg conservitive estimate.

yeah, wear denim at least! leather acts like a second skin and would help against road rash. I was going to get a full helmet with flip down face mask because i dont want to eat bugs or have them hitting my face and eyes. gloves, make sure you get warm leather gloves. Imagine the weather at 45-60 degrees outside or colder with a windchill at whatever speed yr going! some of the nicer motorcycles have handlegrip warmers!

as far as insurance, mine was going to be $90 yr on top of my car insurance. so its very cheap. I dont know what it would be if you dont have something else insured. also, i think i checked leisure and not primary transportation. Id say their cheaper than a car to maintain, but i dont know. Youd save on gas regardless, i dont know how much, but it would be significant

Answer 9

Ignore the idiot who says that 50% of all accidents are from motorcycles.  Second, I love motorcycles but, I wouldn't consider it as a main source of transportation in Columbus, OH.  I lived there for a year back when Robert Smith graduated and went to the NFL.  Anyway, if you want economy, take a look at small cars like a neon or a cavalier.  You should be able to find a reasonable used one, probably from a person, not a dealer.  But, you're just looking for reliability.  Good Luck.  Freezing rain is no joke to drive in and you cannot do it on a bike.  Believe me, you don't want to try.  Some people can't even drive a car in it.  A bike would be impossible.

Answer 10

Get a car, your body will thank you for it