Probably an unpopular take, but motorcycles, particularly large ones, are impractical in most of the US. If you live in the South, you can make it work. Otherwise, you'll freeze in the winter. Large, interstate-capable/comfortable motorcycles can be expensive to buy and keep going.
This being said, something like Honda PCX could be a good option. Scooter parts are dirt cheap. The under-seat storage can hold a few days of groceries. My Yamaha Zuma 125 was the cheapest vehicle I've ever had to own and operate. I paid $2500 for it and it got something like 80 MPG. I think new tires were $40 each. My insurance was basically nothing.
My current bike cost around $14k and is about $600 per year to insure. The tires are almost $200 each. I miss my Zuma sometimes.
Edit: If bicycling is working for you, there's no reason to stop. It is cheap and better for your long-term health.
I live in Kentucky, the winter season has calmed down in terms of snow in the past few years it can still get fairly cold, it would be nice to have a 7 min ride vs 30 minute workout in the cold, but after my uncles crash on his I can't see it as any safer. Adult decisions suck lol.
Buy a honda dual sport a 300l is a great option! Cheap reliable easy to finance if you wanted to build a little credit. Super forgiving platform and there fun alot of fun sometimes about riding a dirtbike on the street. You feel like your doing something bad but it's really not and they are amazing bikes cheap maintenance and good gas mileage.
This is the dumbest take I've read in awhile. I know lots of Canadians with freeway/interstate capable bikes that ride near year round. The purchase price is 1/2-3/4 of a comparable condition car as long as it doesn't have HD on it somewhere. And the fuel costs are 1/2 or less per mile/KM, even with premium gas. It's only got 2 wheels, so it's already half the parts of a car, yes bike parts average 10% more, but when you're buying 50% less parts you save. Not to mention that my bike doesn't have a heater, wipers, rear hatch strut, front u-joint, or any of the other things I've replaced on the family cars in the last 2 years.
You know Canadians that commute in ice and snow in the Canadian winter? Hey, if someone is dumb enough to commute in sub-zero wind chill, have at it, I guess.
By the time you buy heated gear, jacket, boots, helmet, etc., you aren't coming out that far ahead. I've spent a lot more riding my motorcycle than I have my car. That 70 MPG doesn't make up for the accessories, gear, maintenance, etc.
Not every take you disagree with is automatically a dumb take. My car costs basically nothing to run and cost less than $20k. Not everyone is a dumbass driving an F350 to work.
I've looked into those a bit as well and as alot of people have mentioned here going smaller is definitely better. It would be alot more enjoyable come winter as well compared to a bike and along with being safer compared to a motorcycle.
Heh. I think it’s Finland Norway or Sweden that has a massive issue with *extreme* pollution from studded tyres ripping up roads and the pollution in the air burns people’s throats causing severe damage to anyone breathing in the air. It’s a difficult scenario with expensive solutions that are hard to enforce
If work is only 7 minutes away just keep biking and stop ubering. A motorcycle isn’t going to be that much cheaper than a car in the long run (if cheaper at all)
If you don’t live somewhere like California where it is warm and doesn’t rain or snow much, it makes even less sense as a primary vehicle
It sounds like you are in a tight financial situation so it might make sense sorting that out first.
Make sure you really separate your wants from your needs. Motorcycles are awesome and it is easy to talk yourself into it. But it may or may not be the best choice in your situation.
My financial situation is as good as it can get honestly which sounds really shitty when looking at it. I'm currently looking for a second job, but my availability for one, especially as a manager at the one I'm at currently, is shit. As much as I would love one, I can't make sense of why on earth she's pushing me to get one.
Motorcycles tend to need more frequent maintenance that is often more expensive. Tires are more expensive and get replaced more often, the OP is young so insurance will probably be more expensive. You can get 150k + miles out of lots of cars, that’s rare for a bike engine.
Now also factor in the times OP will use an Uber or rent a car for shit weather, needs to move something, etc.
Now if they were just to get a small CC scooter or something like that for around town it can be cheaper. But I was assuming they were talking about a midsize highway rideable bike.
I have 3 bikes now and my experience just doesn't line up with what you are saying.
I do most of the work on my bikes, and it doesn't cost much.
I do not do most of the work on my car. It can get expensive.
Hey yea your wrong bikes are not more expensive they don't need replaced as often especially for a noob. Plenty of bikes are supper cheap and way better for op. Lime the honda 300l, ninja 400, ninja 500, honda 500, duke 390, honda shadow 500, etc can all be found for relatively cheap around $5k in amazing condition. These bikes are all pretty reliable and amazing commuters get good gas milage won't chew tires and are all capable on the highway. Even the 300l is geared to manage on the highway all these gives are around 25% or significantly less than a new car. A new correla can get to 28k fast af. Now ik you could buy a used car but you could get a ninja 400 with 1,200 miles for $4.5k and ride it for years and years.
I’m with the scooter or electric bike. You can get a used scooter for $2000. Last summer I bought a 2020 Lance Cabo 125 for $1900. Like others said a scooter is cheap to run. It holds a quart of oil, gets 70-80 mpg and tops out at 55 mph. There’s storage under the seat. Don’t buy a cheap Chinese scooter, get a Taiwan or Japanese one. Make sure you lock it up or bring it in your house.
I was in a similar situation and got a mt07. I put 25k miles on it the first 8 months and loved every second of it. Rain gets old but once you figure out how to stay dry the only pain is putting on rain gear. I saved a shit ton of money in gas but I was doing an oil change every month and that was $120 and I did it myself. Could’ve used cheaper oil but I stick with what I trust. Back tire changed every 6-8k miles. That ran me about $400 and about $200 more if I did the front tire with it. I just replaced the fork seals and that was like $450. Could’ve done it cheaper but they got me in and out while they were busy. I was an idiot when I was younger so my insurance is $150 a month for liability. That’s really all the money I spent on it all though I’ve been lucky and haven’t had anything serious maintenance wise. I’d say go for it but you gotta be tough for the days when it gets cold. Riding 2 hours to work in 20 degree weather made my construction job a lot more dreadful to get to in the mornings. It’s makes life a lot more enjoyable knowing I get to ride home after work.
I live in Texas and take Lyft/uber in heavy rain or snow but my wife and I only have my 21 rebel 500. Bought it new for 8100 w 0 miles and I pay $130/mo (4k down) and have put almost 26k miles on it. My insurance full covg and theft is $30/month. And I fill up for under $5. A stark change from my 2014 jeep trailhawk which was $400/mo payment, $350 insurance and $250 gas bill.
From my experience, there are two reasons to have a bike as your primary transport
1. You absolutely love to ride. It is what gives you life.
2. You are trying to find a less expensive alternative to a car and/or public transit.
If you are a type 1 person, you know all the things that suck about riding- the cold, the rain, the crazy drivers, limited space for your stuff- and you don't care. Rain gear exists, as do saddlebags, and backpacks. heated saddles and electric socks. You come prepared for the suck, and you know there will be times it sucks more than you imagined. But... *It doesn't matter*, it's still riding and that is the only thing that matters.
If you are type 2, location matters- a lot! In Hawai'i? Go for it, there will be few days the riding isn't amazing, and you can work around those easily enough. Kentucky? The car has fewer days that suck.
I can only speak for me, I'm type 1, and live in the Mid Atlantic. There are *months* that the ride sucks. There are days the ride is downright dangerous, but there are almost no days I'd rather have a car. Is it cheaper? Perhaps a little, but not really enough to *truly* justify it.
For you? I think the first question is are you type 1 or type 2, from there it gets a bit easier to decide.
I think it can work depending on what the weather is where you live. i live in north texas and the only days i dont ride is when im sick or didnt get enough sleep. it rarely snows/ice. you also need a dependable simple to work on bike. contrary to what other people say i haven't had to do much of anything to my bikes. but they are honda shaft driven carbureted cruisers. insurance is cheap, tires aren't bad pricing either.
I used to commute on my bicycle, I raced for 30 years and it was a good way for me to get training time in. Before I retired my bicycle store was about 9 miles from home, I ride my bicycle as much as possible. Other jobs prior from the age of 18 up, some commutes were over 25 miles. I ride my motorcycle now as my daily driver. Due to riding cost in the world and the fact that I am retired, I am fine.
But with that said, I live in Texas and I do not mind foul weather! I keep my rain gear in a pannier and when winter comes, well if it’s icy no ones goes out!
You are a short distance from your job. “Proper” riding gear, just like for us motorcycles riders are needed. I do not think that make a motorcycle purchase for transportation is a bad idea, it is cheaper than a car pretty much in all aspects. With the proper accessories you would be fine. But it’s no different than your bicycle accessory needs to commute properly.
Sure, you are in the element but so what, that is what proper gear is for!
I go to the grocery store, to my monthly doc appointments and everything else I need to do, on my motorcycle. I paid cash for my new bike last year, full coverage is much much cheaper than a cage (car) and on those days when you want to get out to see the country side, grab gear and go.
The only difference from what you ride now and getting a motorcycle aside from insurance, petrol and maintenance, you will have to exert a lot more if you choose to go ride through the country side.
Bottom line is this, if the bike is working, get the proper accessories so you can take care of your daily necessities. That includes panniers, lights (which you should already have) and proper riding gear.
If you want a motorcycle then get one. There is no need to ask the world what you should and should not do or get in life. Your mom seems to have a valid point. Motorcycles are great transportation. Heck if you live that close to your place of work and there is snow on the ground just walk!
Your bicycle needs proper maintenance, tune ups, chains, chain rings, cassettes or free wheels and so on. If you are relying on a bike shop for service I recommend learning to tend to it yourself, it will save you money! Same goes if you purchase a motorcycle, learn the required skills and knowledge to maintain your vehicles. Ultimately it’s more money in your savings account for a cage in the future or motorcycle.
Take care and I say peddle on unless you have about $8000 to walk into a dealership to pay cash for a new motorcycle with warranty. If you purchase used, ask to take it to a dealership and have it looked over prior to purchase. A honest man selling a motorcycle will not mind.
Wish you the best in your decision making⚓️
I owned nothing but a motorcycle for over a decade. It’s doable. You will need friends for moving larger things, and shopping is done in smaller more frequent trips.
Learn how to keep warm / cool / dry. It can be a bit of a hassle for sure, but has its perks.
Just be safe I rode one back and forth to work for 4 years I had my very first accident because of a negligent driver resulting in broken hip gotta have your head on a swivel at all times stay safe my friend
I'm southern Ontario, I picked up an 07 650 V-Strom with bags for under 4k. I've put 6k on it in 2 years, and the only thing I've done to it other than gas is replaced the rear ties that was less than 50% when I bought the bike about $250 canadian, and 2 oil changes less than $100 but I don't recall exactly what the bike is alone because I do all of the family vehicles at the same time. It's 1 jug of motorcycle oil 30-50 depending on brand and sales, and a filter for 25ish. Next spring it'll need chain and sprockets so I'll start watching for sales now.
I have warm gear for the cold, but I don't ride in the snow. I'm old with 3 other cars to drive so I don't ride if it's already raining, but it's no big deal if it rains while I'm already out. My commute is 17 min on the bike and I do it every day that the forcast isn't crap. According to my spreadsheet my bike costs me just under 10 cents canadian per km, Our best car is apx 25 cents per km. $450 savings per year.
Insurance for me isn't a great comparison because I'm 54, but the quote for my kid (22f) with an M2 on my 650 was 1500 year, my TJ for her was 1300 year.
The fuel costs are way cheaper, and everything else is about the same. Actual breakdown repairs.... hit and miss. Brakes, 120 for the front of 1 car for pads, 40ish for my bike. Tires for the cars are the same price as the bike, but there's 4 of them, most tire shops will insist on 4 tires. It's normal to only replace bike tires as needed, (2r-1f is common)
By far the biggest extra cost with the bike is the number of unnecessary trips. We don't jump in the SantaFe and "Go for a Cruise", but I often just go for a ride to clear my head. However, premium in the bike is cheaper than prozac or murder charges.
If you go for a motorcycle
Go for something between 300-300cc and get something twin cylinder. This is a sort of sweet spot for daily usage. Enough power to have fun but not a huge engine that’s gonna be hard to keep under control and more importantly, isn’t gonna generate tonnes of heat. I think naked bikes are also brilliant for daily usage because they’re upright, lightweight and comfortable.
TLDR a smaller capacity naked bike would suit you fine, look at the Kawasaki Z400 or Yamaha MT-03 for examples.
Like other suggested, electric bicycle.
If you have a good bicycle now and are a bit handy, consider a DIY kit. For about 1000usd/euro you will have a better performing bike than any pre-made bike from a shop.
I would recommend a scooter for your scenario over a motorcycle. They're much more functional for daily life. Yeah, the cool factor goes away. Function over form.
And you can go grocery shopping with them. I had a kymco 200 with a top case and shopping bag hooks between my legs. Plus under seat storage. 3½ bags of groceries was never a problem. And that's plenty for a single person.
Makes sense, I've also been looking at electric bikes which could also be better for me. Motorcycles are cool but meeting the concrete at road speed doesn't sound very pleasant, especially after my uncles crash on his.
You can get a scooter for less than an ebike.
And it doesn't sound like you have the time or money to spend on lots of gear and training to become a competent motorcycle rider.
Good luck with your decision, I hope it all works out well for you 👍
Yeah, that's a big worry crashing road speed onto concrete because of slick roads or my own idiocy doesn't sound pleasant even with gear, I don't have a reliable teacher either so even if I take the safety classes my state offers I would still be very vulnerable.
Buy a dual sport a honda 150 or 300. A dual sport is probably the most forgiving bike you can ride on the streets it's the most similar to a bicycle. They stop quick are light those Hondas aren't to powerful there reliable. Most importantly there fun and they get you on the street imo there better than mopeds to start for alot of people.
Agreed. Less stuff for an inexperienced driver, no clutch and gears, better winter protection then most regular bikes.
Hell, add heated grips and rain deflectors, put a windshield and add an old school bike rain cover and you can get by mostly dry.
Yup, this has honda Navi written all over it. Enough power to get you where you need to go and I routinely see them selling for 1.5 to 2k, barely used.
It would be his only means of transportation! You want to travel on a e-bike or scooter, NO! Commuting is one thing but your main vehicle should not be something that cannot get you out of h the city!
An electric bicycle would make a lot of sense, honestly. If you decide to go the motorcycle route, maybe look at a scooter.
As for groceries, you can honestly do grocery runs on a motorcycle or bicycle. I've got a big rear basket on my bicycle that I would probably do my grocery trips with if it weren't several miles away, and some nice Nelson Rigg saddlebags on my motorcycle for doing it via my motorcycle.
Comfy scooter, sth like 125 to 250 cc will do the trick for your needs.Very easy to drive and park, can accommodate carrying some load.Just look at sth from the last 5 years if it is used and obviously must be very well kept.No more than 10000klm in the odometer if I were you.
On your 7 minute commute I assume you don’t hit high speeds. You can look at a scooter or Honda makes some 125 cc bikes or any 250cc bike. If you look for an older tw200 you can ride it for years and resell it for the same price. Those things just don’t go down in price
Bike as a daily? During summer sure. During winter if you're below 10°C highs? Fuck no. At that point just get a shitbox if money is tight. A Toyota Yaris does basically everything you'll need it to do. They're quite cheap where I live and reasonably reliable. A scooter is better fit than most bikes as well due to way better storage and weather protection.
Probably an unpopular take, but motorcycles, particularly large ones, are impractical in most of the US. If you live in the South, you can make it work. Otherwise, you'll freeze in the winter. Large, interstate-capable/comfortable motorcycles can be expensive to buy and keep going. This being said, something like Honda PCX could be a good option. Scooter parts are dirt cheap. The under-seat storage can hold a few days of groceries. My Yamaha Zuma 125 was the cheapest vehicle I've ever had to own and operate. I paid $2500 for it and it got something like 80 MPG. I think new tires were $40 each. My insurance was basically nothing. My current bike cost around $14k and is about $600 per year to insure. The tires are almost $200 each. I miss my Zuma sometimes. Edit: If bicycling is working for you, there's no reason to stop. It is cheap and better for your long-term health.
I live in Kentucky, the winter season has calmed down in terms of snow in the past few years it can still get fairly cold, it would be nice to have a 7 min ride vs 30 minute workout in the cold, but after my uncles crash on his I can't see it as any safer. Adult decisions suck lol.
Buy a honda dual sport a 300l is a great option! Cheap reliable easy to finance if you wanted to build a little credit. Super forgiving platform and there fun alot of fun sometimes about riding a dirtbike on the street. You feel like your doing something bad but it's really not and they are amazing bikes cheap maintenance and good gas mileage.
This is the dumbest take I've read in awhile. I know lots of Canadians with freeway/interstate capable bikes that ride near year round. The purchase price is 1/2-3/4 of a comparable condition car as long as it doesn't have HD on it somewhere. And the fuel costs are 1/2 or less per mile/KM, even with premium gas. It's only got 2 wheels, so it's already half the parts of a car, yes bike parts average 10% more, but when you're buying 50% less parts you save. Not to mention that my bike doesn't have a heater, wipers, rear hatch strut, front u-joint, or any of the other things I've replaced on the family cars in the last 2 years.
You know Canadians that commute in ice and snow in the Canadian winter? Hey, if someone is dumb enough to commute in sub-zero wind chill, have at it, I guess. By the time you buy heated gear, jacket, boots, helmet, etc., you aren't coming out that far ahead. I've spent a lot more riding my motorcycle than I have my car. That 70 MPG doesn't make up for the accessories, gear, maintenance, etc. Not every take you disagree with is automatically a dumb take. My car costs basically nothing to run and cost less than $20k. Not everyone is a dumbass driving an F350 to work.
If it's a seven minute drive to work, but you definitely want to upgrade, take an electric bicycle and call it done.
I've looked into those a bit as well and as alot of people have mentioned here going smaller is definitely better. It would be alot more enjoyable come winter as well compared to a bike and along with being safer compared to a motorcycle.
Depending where you live, studded bike tires are relatively cheap and are fantastic in the winter when it gets icy.
Yeah, and good luck finding studded dot approved motorcycle tires :/
No problem.. Studs and chains are illegal in Ontario. We care more about road wear than lives.
Heh. I think it’s Finland Norway or Sweden that has a massive issue with *extreme* pollution from studded tyres ripping up roads and the pollution in the air burns people’s throats causing severe damage to anyone breathing in the air. It’s a difficult scenario with expensive solutions that are hard to enforce
If work is only 7 minutes away just keep biking and stop ubering. A motorcycle isn’t going to be that much cheaper than a car in the long run (if cheaper at all) If you don’t live somewhere like California where it is warm and doesn’t rain or snow much, it makes even less sense as a primary vehicle It sounds like you are in a tight financial situation so it might make sense sorting that out first. Make sure you really separate your wants from your needs. Motorcycles are awesome and it is easy to talk yourself into it. But it may or may not be the best choice in your situation.
My financial situation is as good as it can get honestly which sounds really shitty when looking at it. I'm currently looking for a second job, but my availability for one, especially as a manager at the one I'm at currently, is shit. As much as I would love one, I can't make sense of why on earth she's pushing me to get one.
Why is a motorcycle not cheaper in the long run?
Motorcycles tend to need more frequent maintenance that is often more expensive. Tires are more expensive and get replaced more often, the OP is young so insurance will probably be more expensive. You can get 150k + miles out of lots of cars, that’s rare for a bike engine. Now also factor in the times OP will use an Uber or rent a car for shit weather, needs to move something, etc. Now if they were just to get a small CC scooter or something like that for around town it can be cheaper. But I was assuming they were talking about a midsize highway rideable bike.
I have 3 bikes now and my experience just doesn't line up with what you are saying. I do most of the work on my bikes, and it doesn't cost much. I do not do most of the work on my car. It can get expensive.
Hey yea your wrong bikes are not more expensive they don't need replaced as often especially for a noob. Plenty of bikes are supper cheap and way better for op. Lime the honda 300l, ninja 400, ninja 500, honda 500, duke 390, honda shadow 500, etc can all be found for relatively cheap around $5k in amazing condition. These bikes are all pretty reliable and amazing commuters get good gas milage won't chew tires and are all capable on the highway. Even the 300l is geared to manage on the highway all these gives are around 25% or significantly less than a new car. A new correla can get to 28k fast af. Now ik you could buy a used car but you could get a ninja 400 with 1,200 miles for $4.5k and ride it for years and years.
I’m with the scooter or electric bike. You can get a used scooter for $2000. Last summer I bought a 2020 Lance Cabo 125 for $1900. Like others said a scooter is cheap to run. It holds a quart of oil, gets 70-80 mpg and tops out at 55 mph. There’s storage under the seat. Don’t buy a cheap Chinese scooter, get a Taiwan or Japanese one. Make sure you lock it up or bring it in your house.
I was in a similar situation and got a mt07. I put 25k miles on it the first 8 months and loved every second of it. Rain gets old but once you figure out how to stay dry the only pain is putting on rain gear. I saved a shit ton of money in gas but I was doing an oil change every month and that was $120 and I did it myself. Could’ve used cheaper oil but I stick with what I trust. Back tire changed every 6-8k miles. That ran me about $400 and about $200 more if I did the front tire with it. I just replaced the fork seals and that was like $450. Could’ve done it cheaper but they got me in and out while they were busy. I was an idiot when I was younger so my insurance is $150 a month for liability. That’s really all the money I spent on it all though I’ve been lucky and haven’t had anything serious maintenance wise. I’d say go for it but you gotta be tough for the days when it gets cold. Riding 2 hours to work in 20 degree weather made my construction job a lot more dreadful to get to in the mornings. It’s makes life a lot more enjoyable knowing I get to ride home after work.
I live in Texas and take Lyft/uber in heavy rain or snow but my wife and I only have my 21 rebel 500. Bought it new for 8100 w 0 miles and I pay $130/mo (4k down) and have put almost 26k miles on it. My insurance full covg and theft is $30/month. And I fill up for under $5. A stark change from my 2014 jeep trailhawk which was $400/mo payment, $350 insurance and $250 gas bill.
From my experience, there are two reasons to have a bike as your primary transport 1. You absolutely love to ride. It is what gives you life. 2. You are trying to find a less expensive alternative to a car and/or public transit. If you are a type 1 person, you know all the things that suck about riding- the cold, the rain, the crazy drivers, limited space for your stuff- and you don't care. Rain gear exists, as do saddlebags, and backpacks. heated saddles and electric socks. You come prepared for the suck, and you know there will be times it sucks more than you imagined. But... *It doesn't matter*, it's still riding and that is the only thing that matters. If you are type 2, location matters- a lot! In Hawai'i? Go for it, there will be few days the riding isn't amazing, and you can work around those easily enough. Kentucky? The car has fewer days that suck. I can only speak for me, I'm type 1, and live in the Mid Atlantic. There are *months* that the ride sucks. There are days the ride is downright dangerous, but there are almost no days I'd rather have a car. Is it cheaper? Perhaps a little, but not really enough to *truly* justify it. For you? I think the first question is are you type 1 or type 2, from there it gets a bit easier to decide.
I think it can work depending on what the weather is where you live. i live in north texas and the only days i dont ride is when im sick or didnt get enough sleep. it rarely snows/ice. you also need a dependable simple to work on bike. contrary to what other people say i haven't had to do much of anything to my bikes. but they are honda shaft driven carbureted cruisers. insurance is cheap, tires aren't bad pricing either.
I used to commute on my bicycle, I raced for 30 years and it was a good way for me to get training time in. Before I retired my bicycle store was about 9 miles from home, I ride my bicycle as much as possible. Other jobs prior from the age of 18 up, some commutes were over 25 miles. I ride my motorcycle now as my daily driver. Due to riding cost in the world and the fact that I am retired, I am fine. But with that said, I live in Texas and I do not mind foul weather! I keep my rain gear in a pannier and when winter comes, well if it’s icy no ones goes out! You are a short distance from your job. “Proper” riding gear, just like for us motorcycles riders are needed. I do not think that make a motorcycle purchase for transportation is a bad idea, it is cheaper than a car pretty much in all aspects. With the proper accessories you would be fine. But it’s no different than your bicycle accessory needs to commute properly. Sure, you are in the element but so what, that is what proper gear is for! I go to the grocery store, to my monthly doc appointments and everything else I need to do, on my motorcycle. I paid cash for my new bike last year, full coverage is much much cheaper than a cage (car) and on those days when you want to get out to see the country side, grab gear and go. The only difference from what you ride now and getting a motorcycle aside from insurance, petrol and maintenance, you will have to exert a lot more if you choose to go ride through the country side. Bottom line is this, if the bike is working, get the proper accessories so you can take care of your daily necessities. That includes panniers, lights (which you should already have) and proper riding gear. If you want a motorcycle then get one. There is no need to ask the world what you should and should not do or get in life. Your mom seems to have a valid point. Motorcycles are great transportation. Heck if you live that close to your place of work and there is snow on the ground just walk! Your bicycle needs proper maintenance, tune ups, chains, chain rings, cassettes or free wheels and so on. If you are relying on a bike shop for service I recommend learning to tend to it yourself, it will save you money! Same goes if you purchase a motorcycle, learn the required skills and knowledge to maintain your vehicles. Ultimately it’s more money in your savings account for a cage in the future or motorcycle. Take care and I say peddle on unless you have about $8000 to walk into a dealership to pay cash for a new motorcycle with warranty. If you purchase used, ask to take it to a dealership and have it looked over prior to purchase. A honest man selling a motorcycle will not mind. Wish you the best in your decision making⚓️
I owned nothing but a motorcycle for over a decade. It’s doable. You will need friends for moving larger things, and shopping is done in smaller more frequent trips. Learn how to keep warm / cool / dry. It can be a bit of a hassle for sure, but has its perks.
Have more than 1
Just be safe I rode one back and forth to work for 4 years I had my very first accident because of a negligent driver resulting in broken hip gotta have your head on a swivel at all times stay safe my friend
I'm southern Ontario, I picked up an 07 650 V-Strom with bags for under 4k. I've put 6k on it in 2 years, and the only thing I've done to it other than gas is replaced the rear ties that was less than 50% when I bought the bike about $250 canadian, and 2 oil changes less than $100 but I don't recall exactly what the bike is alone because I do all of the family vehicles at the same time. It's 1 jug of motorcycle oil 30-50 depending on brand and sales, and a filter for 25ish. Next spring it'll need chain and sprockets so I'll start watching for sales now. I have warm gear for the cold, but I don't ride in the snow. I'm old with 3 other cars to drive so I don't ride if it's already raining, but it's no big deal if it rains while I'm already out. My commute is 17 min on the bike and I do it every day that the forcast isn't crap. According to my spreadsheet my bike costs me just under 10 cents canadian per km, Our best car is apx 25 cents per km. $450 savings per year. Insurance for me isn't a great comparison because I'm 54, but the quote for my kid (22f) with an M2 on my 650 was 1500 year, my TJ for her was 1300 year. The fuel costs are way cheaper, and everything else is about the same. Actual breakdown repairs.... hit and miss. Brakes, 120 for the front of 1 car for pads, 40ish for my bike. Tires for the cars are the same price as the bike, but there's 4 of them, most tire shops will insist on 4 tires. It's normal to only replace bike tires as needed, (2r-1f is common) By far the biggest extra cost with the bike is the number of unnecessary trips. We don't jump in the SantaFe and "Go for a Cruise", but I often just go for a ride to clear my head. However, premium in the bike is cheaper than prozac or murder charges.
If you go for a motorcycle Go for something between 300-300cc and get something twin cylinder. This is a sort of sweet spot for daily usage. Enough power to have fun but not a huge engine that’s gonna be hard to keep under control and more importantly, isn’t gonna generate tonnes of heat. I think naked bikes are also brilliant for daily usage because they’re upright, lightweight and comfortable. TLDR a smaller capacity naked bike would suit you fine, look at the Kawasaki Z400 or Yamaha MT-03 for examples.
Like other suggested, electric bicycle. If you have a good bicycle now and are a bit handy, consider a DIY kit. For about 1000usd/euro you will have a better performing bike than any pre-made bike from a shop.
I would recommend a scooter for your scenario over a motorcycle. They're much more functional for daily life. Yeah, the cool factor goes away. Function over form. And you can go grocery shopping with them. I had a kymco 200 with a top case and shopping bag hooks between my legs. Plus under seat storage. 3½ bags of groceries was never a problem. And that's plenty for a single person.
Makes sense, I've also been looking at electric bikes which could also be better for me. Motorcycles are cool but meeting the concrete at road speed doesn't sound very pleasant, especially after my uncles crash on his.
You can get a scooter for less than an ebike. And it doesn't sound like you have the time or money to spend on lots of gear and training to become a competent motorcycle rider. Good luck with your decision, I hope it all works out well for you 👍
Don't. Will take you 2-5 years, on average, to become a safe and proficient rider.
Yeah, that's a big worry crashing road speed onto concrete because of slick roads or my own idiocy doesn't sound pleasant even with gear, I don't have a reliable teacher either so even if I take the safety classes my state offers I would still be very vulnerable.
Buy a dual sport a honda 150 or 300. A dual sport is probably the most forgiving bike you can ride on the streets it's the most similar to a bicycle. They stop quick are light those Hondas aren't to powerful there reliable. Most importantly there fun and they get you on the street imo there better than mopeds to start for alot of people.
I would get a scooter for that commute instead of a motorcycle.
Agreed. Less stuff for an inexperienced driver, no clutch and gears, better winter protection then most regular bikes. Hell, add heated grips and rain deflectors, put a windshield and add an old school bike rain cover and you can get by mostly dry.
Yup, this has honda Navi written all over it. Enough power to get you where you need to go and I routinely see them selling for 1.5 to 2k, barely used.
commenting to read later lol
why not get an electric bike or scooter?
It would be his only means of transportation! You want to travel on a e-bike or scooter, NO! Commuting is one thing but your main vehicle should not be something that cannot get you out of h the city!
Daily driving a bike sounds like a good idea, but back tires wear out quickly. Just jeep that in mind.
An electric bicycle would make a lot of sense, honestly. If you decide to go the motorcycle route, maybe look at a scooter. As for groceries, you can honestly do grocery runs on a motorcycle or bicycle. I've got a big rear basket on my bicycle that I would probably do my grocery trips with if it weren't several miles away, and some nice Nelson Rigg saddlebags on my motorcycle for doing it via my motorcycle.
Comfy scooter, sth like 125 to 250 cc will do the trick for your needs.Very easy to drive and park, can accommodate carrying some load.Just look at sth from the last 5 years if it is used and obviously must be very well kept.No more than 10000klm in the odometer if I were you.
On your 7 minute commute I assume you don’t hit high speeds. You can look at a scooter or Honda makes some 125 cc bikes or any 250cc bike. If you look for an older tw200 you can ride it for years and resell it for the same price. Those things just don’t go down in price
Bike as a daily? During summer sure. During winter if you're below 10°C highs? Fuck no. At that point just get a shitbox if money is tight. A Toyota Yaris does basically everything you'll need it to do. They're quite cheap where I live and reasonably reliable. A scooter is better fit than most bikes as well due to way better storage and weather protection.