Riding Motorcycle to work?

[eRoc]

I'm gonna go against the grain here, I hope no one minds too much. I've been riding about 6 years. If you're buying a bike to save money on gas, I don't think you'd be saving as much as you think. Decent used bike-$3-4k, new bike $6-12k. Then a decent helmet is $200-300 bucks, jacket is another $2-300, good riding boots are at least $100. Tires are about $250, chains over $100...insurance, etc etc.

By the time you've spent all that money buying the bike and the gear to ride the bike, you've completely defeated the purpose of saving money. And please don't give me crap about buying gear. THIS IS A NECESSITY, NOT A CHOICE. It makes me so angry seeing cruiser guys (or sportbike guys) not being responsible and wearing proper riding gear. Then sportbikes get a bad rap for motorcycle deaths, when in all actuality most deaths are cruisers not wearing gear (helmets, jackets, gloves. I don't care how hot it is, wear your gear).

With all that being said, Texas really only has about 3 months of good riding weather, where its not too hot or cold. If you're going to be sitting in traffic for 40+ miles, do it comfortably. I had a 35+ mile ride to work, and would still only ride the bike on Fridays. Not to mention all the close calls and people almost side swiping me and running me over.

Just something to think about. In no way am I trying to dissuade you, but just getting a bike to "save money" usually doesn't end that way.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by eRoc

Just something to think about. In no way am I trying to dissuade you, but just getting a bike to "save money" usually doesn't end that way.

I agree. Make sure to do the math before hand. If you want a bike for the sake of having a bike, then good economy is a good excuse.

[toverman]

Best solution is to buy a motorcycle (for fun) and then either find a job closer to home or a home closer to work. You'll feel better all around.

In fact, move so close that you can ride a bicycle to work. Talk about an adrenaline rush! It's definitely taking your life into your own hands in most parts of Texas.

[SCone]

My first bike I rode for 3 years without owning a car for two of the three. Rain, snow, even ice, and the heat of summer. Made no difference (since I had no car).

Most amazing part of riding year round? 72 degree days in December.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by SCone

My first bike I rode for 3 years without owning a car for two of the three. Rain, snow, even ice, and the heat of summer. Made no difference (since I had no car).

Most amazing part of riding year round? 72 degree days in December.

I took my MSF class in Decmber! I sure couldn't have pulled that off in IL.

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by movingex

Why do you say I wouldn't save on gas?

Some new and older bikes require Premium.
One of those bikes would have to get really great milage to realize amy monetary savings over a small car.

[eRoc]

Originally Posted by Hogleg 44

Some new and older bikes require Premium.
One of those bikes would have to get really great milage to realize amy monetary savings over a small car.

This is good point. My civic averages 34mpg and will run on 87 octane. My old bike got about 38-40, but required premium.

Not to mention my comfortable cruising speed on the bike was 90mph.

Then after you get a bike you will undoubtedly get "riding buddies", and will spend more time cruising then you did before, and inevitably waste more gas.

Then comes the tattoo's and bar fights, bail money, ticket money, court fees, etc etc.

Such is the life of a biker.... anyway, welcome to the club.

[movingex]

WOW.

Glad I asked because there are so many things that I have not considered.

Thanks!!!

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by toverman

In fact, move so close that you can ride a bicycle to work. Talk about an adrenaline rush! It's definitely taking your life into your own hands in most parts of Texas.

This is true! But I've been hit by cars on both motorcycles and bicycles. Neither is fun and both are just as likely to happen. Two wheels is two wheels.
But out of everything, my favorite is riding the bicycle. It's a little stressful sometimes, but a heck of a lot less stressful than driving a car. I get to pass people stuck in traffic sometimes. I enjoy the quiet time and not much else seems to matter for that 45 minutes. People at work don't understand why the heck I do it, they think I'm nuts. And it gets me a good workout without having to go to the gym... more time and money saved.

[SCone]

Biggest trick to riding (motored or not) is staying "in the game"

Lack of attention in a car bends a fender, on a bike, it bends you!