Motorcycle or car for college student?

Question

Hi everyone, I'm a 22 year old sophmore in college and my parents think I should get a car.

I live in Atlanta, where driving is very necessary.

I've been thinking that a motorcycle would be cooler, more efficient, and has a certain "badass factor" to it.

On the other hand, a car would be much better if it rained, and I could drive friends around and stuff.

Which should I get?

Answer 1

how far/what kind of terrain are you driving on?

Would it be your first car/bike, if so driving on a highway, at night, possibly raining, is difficult in a car, let alone at night.

if it was a short distance but frequently (such as going 10 miles on back roads a couple times a day) i would go for the bike, but if it was farther highway driving, the car would seem to be the better choice. also it would be a pain to carry books and stuff on a bike.

Answer 2

depends.  What are you thinking of getting?  If it's a bike I recommend either a Suzuki gsxr 600 or a buell lightning.  Either have that badass feel.  They are great on gas.  It takes about 10 dollars to fill my tank, and then I'm good for another 160 miles or so.  But I'm no leadfoot.  Be careful though, before you get a bike you want to get insurance quotes on the motorcycle models you're interested in.  I was looking at a cbr1000 and insurance was over 2k!  

I am a college student, and I live in Utah so I have a jeep for the winter(it's almost a law in Utah to have a Jeep for off-roading on weekends and for snowy days).  You can have more than one passenger and you can carry more groceries in your car trunk than in your tank bag and backpack on your motorcycle.  

However, there's nothing like riding on a motorcycle with your joe rocket phoenix jacket on a hot day, with a girl hugging you tight on the back.  It's more practical for you to get the car, for protection from other drivers and the weather, to carry things etc.  I'd get the car first then maybe in 2 years or sooner get a used suzuki gsxr or buell cityx.  

Answer 3

Car

Think: Winter, Road trips, more than one girl, keg...

A bike would be nice only if u had a car as a backup.

Answer 4

A factor on lots of college campuses is available parking.  There is usually reserved parking for motorcycles.  Take the bus in bad weather.

Answer 5

cons motorocycle

-cannot use drive Through

-always exposed

-Hard

Answer 6

A car is the safer option.  If you are riding a motorbike you have very little protection in an accident even if it wasn't your fault.  Forget about image - be practical.

Answer 7

just get a bicycle. cheap. no need for insurance. no need for petrol. what more could you want

Answer 8

I just bought myself a ZZR250 a few weeks back, cost me $1300 and I ended up getting it on the road for a total of $2,300. - I also have a car as a backup.

Short trips, bike is good. Keep in mind the risks.

Car for long distance, rason being, safer - bike for the freeway is a pain, people just don't see you, even with loud pipes...

If you want a bike for looks, I's be going a Sportsbike, or Super Sportsbike, tonnes of fairing - ZZR/ZX2R/6R.

Car for winter days.

Bike for summer days.

BTW man, girls and bikes, yup, girls and bikes, and what their parents think, trust me, they won't be taking a seat on that bike with you, if their parents have anything to do with it.

Answer 9

Have you even thought about the risks of driving a motorcycle? Of course it looks cooler, but bottom line, get a car.

1. Safer

2. There are hot cars out there too that can make you look badass.

3. More room for your college c**p.

4. No need for a massive insurance.

5. Easier to live with.

Answer 10

Car,

the best states for are bike are in the SouthWest where they can take advantage of the loooong riding season because of the lack of rain. A bike does have a certain "badass factor" to it but also riding a bike in a city is tricky business. Never driven or ridden a bike in Atlanta but if it's anything like here in Los Angeles... I suggest buying some good protective gear because I've had a few close calls. People just don't give much attention to bikes on the road. It's scary business. Also bikes are only cost effective as a secondary vehicle to a car. Because maintenance on a bike is twice as often as a car. And if you don't want to learn preventive and basic maintenance of a motorcycle, those trips to the bike mechanic start hurting your wallet as a college student.

Answer 11

i lost my best friend in a motorbike accident, i would most obviously recommend the car option.