decision: motorcycle or car!?

Forum Sponsor
awesomeness.

it comes down to two things now:
1) practicality of a car - having (new) comfort and convenience of a car. can always go back to transit if necessary. wife will benefit from this as well.

2) luxury of a bike - enjoy the 'toy' and good point abt being accustomed to transit. worse case scenario is that i go back to what i was doing before with respect to commuting and stuff.

what i prefer:
1) affordable bike and car - get both :)

any suggestions on where i could get an affordable car/bike? from personal experience?

what are your thoughts on buying bikes at the shows (used bikes)? considering there's one this weekend.
 
Auto trader for a car. Just find something that's typically reliable (Honda/Toyota).

My pick would be for the car. Right now I don't own either, but the girlfriend just bought a car and she thinks it makes more sense for me to get the bike because we already have the practical vehicle, no need to waste tons of money on two. But, for the sake of convenience it helps to have a full size vehicle.
 
Purchase a car before you buy a bike. Think about the opportunities that will open up for both you and your wife to enjoy together with a car over a bike. You can go on those long road trips. If you enjoy the outdoors as I do, you will need to haul around your gear. Sports, same thing. I wouldn't be able to live my lifestyle without a car. I thrive on the cottage life, and the sports. Life would not be the same. At the end of the day, weigh the life experiences on the car and bike side of the scale. Don't get me wrong. I am passionate about bikes, as I am with many other things. But you should prioritize what is most important to you, and not just for yourself, but your wife ... even over the things you are most passionate about. I think in your case, it's the responsible thing to do. Wait a sec ... I'm starting to sound like my parents ... forget it! haha Just my two cents.
 
Get the car just because it's the more flexible and convenient option. Then get a scooter for your two wheel needs, serious, scooters are fun and not expensive to insure/maintain compared to a bike.
 
I went the better part of five years with no car and only a motorcycle (lived downtown). If you can take transit it works.

In all fairness, I was single!
 
Honestly, get the car, I can make a few power point reasons for ya.

1. Motorcycle is not cheaper on maintenance. You have a limited number of suppliers and mechanics to deal and bargain with. Motorcycle parts are expensive, and everyday tuning such as chain lube, oil changes, tires and mechanical problems ad up quick.

2. Having a car as a vehicle for a couple is just practical. If you were single, I could see just having the bike, however thats not the option at the moment.

3. We have a harsh winter, and riding a motorcycle in that is just foolish and prone for a serious accident.

4. Gear for a bike ad's up quick as well, especially if you have to buy some for the girlfriend, don't go SQUID.

5. Insurance is hit or miss on a bike, however after being on these forums for awhile you realize theft is a big thing, especially for a smaller 250. Unless you live on a good private property, this is always a scare / risk.

6. Bike is smaller, and gas is cheaper, however you can't pack the same amount of goods in a car on a bike obviously. Grocery shopping, driving friends around, or visiting other cities for extended periods becomes a nuisance.

7. Although riding a motorcycle is fun, it can be a lot of work. Driving a car is a bit of a break instead of being on edge every second your on a bike. Although it's a smaller point, for me it is always a relief being able to drive around in my car instead of having to always check your like you do on a motorcycle every time you go out.\


Those are a few of the reasons. I would wait until you are financially secure to enjoy riding as a past-time instead of a means of travel. I know I enjoy it far more when I use it as a getaway, instead of a need of transportation.
 
Do you have kids or have a baby on the way? Cars are usually more useful for that sort of thing.
 
Thanks to everyone who put in their input.

i have given it much thought and at this point i decided to get a car. but, if all works well, and if i get a good bonus from work end of fiscal year (april), then the motrocycle is back on track. :) if no bonus then that's a different thread.

enjoy the weather. ride safe. thanks again.
 
You might consider one of these as a intermediate solution twixt car and motorcycle.

http://www.onewheeldrive.net/2006/10/04/scoot-touring-the-honda-silverwing-and-suzuki-burgman/

Lots of storage, you can tour 1 up or 2 up, easy on gas ( 20km per litre ) - the transmission is sweet - go like a bat in Power mode but much much easier in stop and go traffic.

go here and ask questions because many have the exact same issue and settled on one of the Burgmans as a solution.
http://www.burgmanusa.com/forums/

I think there is a new Burgman 650 Exec at the dealer in Brampton for a sharp price ( $8-9k ) and you are getting a lot of technology and comfort at a very reasonable price point. ABS, electric windscreen, heated grips anda marvelous transmission.

The 650 is heavy so perhaps a transition would be the smaller lighter 400. That said as long as you are 5' 9 or taller the 650 will be okay as the weight is down low. It feels fine and nimble when moving, weight shows at very low speeds.

I would not however take your test on the 650 as some of the low speed test turns could be expensive for you.
That could be true for any of the larger machines.

I ride a KLR650 adventure bike down under for this season and the Burgman 650 Exec at home for the other 9 months. So far on the Honda Silverwing and two 650s - some 60k of absolutely trouble free riding both in town and touring.

There is a lot of protection from weather upfront on the Burgman 650 and one rider nailed a deer broadside on his at 60 mph - killed the deer, kept the bike upright and road it home and he was 67 at the time. That was a good reassurance for me as I've seen lots of deer on the roads I ride and I do a fair amount of night riding as well.

The one thing you do not say is if you have any motorcycle background.
If not advice will tend to change a bit and most will tell you to take the safety course right now as a start.
 
5:12 said:
hello forumites,

i was hoping to get some reasonable input from everyone here. since this is a motorcycle forum, it might be a little biased ;) anways, here is the situation/background:

trying to decide either to buy a car or a motorcycle.

factors:
1) Currently I don't need a car. I take transit to and from work and no issues going around the city on transit. (used to live downtown toronto, but recently moved towards mississauga but still on transit line, so not much issue going around town).

2) though car is not needed, it is pretty handy with groceries/shopping and just going around places.

3) wife prefers a car but no issue with getting a motorcycle. though wife thinks about the risk of being cage free.

4) motorcycle is a want/luxury/toy. but if acquired, will serve as:
a) mode of transport to and from work whenever possible
b) will also be used to get to places
c) satisfies the 'want to get a motorcycle'

5) car will cost more (car price, insurance, gas, maintenance)

6) motorcycle will cost less

7) motorcycle not usable on extreme weather conditions (or would prefer not to use on extreme weather conditions)

8) either one can be financially acquired but not both (unless a really cheap car and a really cheap motrocycle present themselves).

Thanks in advance. I'm just trying to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages and ultimately the decision is mine. and would like to hear people's thoughts on this.


enjoy the weather.
Click to expand...

car.
 
I didn't read through all the responses but if your wife will be traveling with you, then buy a car.
 
car is 100% the more practical decision here. a bike is a toy... and costs for bike v car... if you're looking affordable then i assume its a smaller compact car you're looking for. a bike will probably burn more gas. and compare oil change costs of $35(car) and $80-ish(bike)... not too sure on those prices as i've never actually brought my vehicles anywhere for maintenance, but i am assuming that is about right.

soa car is more practical... but now... how many of us are practical people? if we were why would we spend thousands on a vehicle that cant even be ridden comfortably most days of hte year... ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom