Has anyone else "given up" commuting on their motorcycle?

油井緋色

油井緋色

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I started riding 3 years ago and after this summer I've chosen to give up commuting with the bike for the following reasons


  • Straight line riding is incredibly boring
  • Rush hour is painful
  • Parking in high foot traffic areas lead to paranoia of the bike being sat on, knocked, over, etc.
    • Bike might get stolen
  • Backpack riding on a SS isn't bad but is restrictive on body position during corners
  • Flat spots on tires occur MUCH faster
  • ...I can't concentrate on work/school/whatever!

I've been riding the bike every night for a good 100km or so alone and still get huge kicks out of it but I have a feeling I'm going to end up "track only" in the future.

Anyone else been in this boat? What were your reasons?
 
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I've been commuting on it to get to work whenever I can. I think its better than taking a car or the go train, you can get around traffic easily and going downtown on the bike is usually faster than in a car...
 
Buy an older bandit, hornet or something like FZ6.

More upright and comfortable, theft risk goes down also.
 
I kind of 'gave up' this year...

Rode for the past two years but have now discovered the GO Train so it is almost cost neutral from Mississauga to come downtown. Compared to driving was definitely worth it (free parking/gas) but now the GO is $12/day so not too far off from gas for the bike.

Bigger reasons were:
- sitting in traffic for 1+ hour (I usually work core hours)
- bike was knocked over last year and cost about $500 to get everything back up to spec
- guaranteed timing to plan around

Now when I get home I know my riding time is 'fun' as opposed to straight line on the Gardnier moving at ~5km/h

Glad to hear though that I am not the only one!
 
I would never give up commuting on my bike... plus gets me to work early and the only time I can take the 407 free :p
 
I just started commuting and love saving money on gas as opposed to my truck,I wont be quiting any time soon.
 
I gave up one year ago, when I got a job downtown. There is no way to beat the Go Train to get downtown on "core hours". Plus, with the GO I don't have to worry about parking.

If I could change my schedule one day (to get here earlier, leave earlier) I would ride again to the office.

Gaggu P said:
I've been commuting on it to get to work whenever I can. I think its better than taking a car or the go train, you can get around traffic easily and going downtown on the bike is usually faster than in a car...
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407 free... legitimately?

(i know it's a stupid question, but won't hurt asking)

ajaxguy said:
I would never give up commuting on my bike... plus gets me to work early and the only time I can take the 407 free :p
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BMWWW said:
Do you folks 'lane-split' when no one (of authority) is around?
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I used to, then i went by an unmarked cop, he put on his cherries and I turned right, I had a choice to run or stay and deal with the ********, started running then realized it was a school zone so I stopped.

Got the ticket, the guy was fairly good about it since he realized I could have just left.

Not doing it anymore since next time I won't stop.
 
No, and I have a long commute. Love me some wheelie therapy after a stressful day!
 
Nope...any day on a bike > any day in a car plus I save over $100 a month in parking fees (free campus parking for bikes) and park more or less right by my office. Add to that it's just plain fun, even in rain with the right gear...straight line, curves whatever. Track only would be how many days riding the bike? vs street where I can go out any day there isn't ice on the ground.

But then again I am from the UK where I rode my bike year round as a viable mode of transport, (not a hobby or "sport")...even when icy although I don't do that now (older and wiser)..my only two get offs have been on ice.
 
I haven't given it up, but I've become selective about when I do it. What I did give up was riding in the rain.

I've been working downtown for the last 15 years. During that time my commute time has increased by more than 50%. I leave home before the sun comes up, to avoid the major inbound crush, and ride home in heavy rush hour traffic. Every day that I ride, instead of driving or taking GO, saves me almost $20.00. That makes it worth it.
 
Commuting on an SS sucks.
I've stopped commuting in the rain, but that's about it.

Get something 'city' friendly that's more upright and away you go.
 
^^ I should add that if I had to ride the DVP or 401/400 everyday I might change my mind (or change my route). I don't have any highways on my route and my commute is pretty short. I usually end up going a very roundabout route on the way home though just to relax.
 
jc100 said:
^^ I should add that if I had to ride the DVP or 401/400 everyday I might change my mind (or change my route). I don't have any highways on my route and my commute is pretty short. I usually end up going a very roundabout route on the way home though just to relax.
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^^^ The 401 isn't bad at 6am ;) I have a 50km commute and time the start of my day accordingly. No traffic, 30 mins, rush hour and it becomes closer to 1.5 hrs. Flexible work schedule is key. Also, avoid downtown.
 
Nope, it's beats taking TTC, 1 hour on ttc vs 30mins on moto. No need to deal with crowds, train delays, etc. I am slowly decreasing my rainy day commutes.
I filter occasionally on the highway.

I think you need a new bike. Try a supermotard!
 
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油井緋色;2072115 said:
...

Anyone else been in this boat? What were your reasons?
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Gave up street riding last summer, track only since then. Reasons: although higher risk of crashing, much much safer when you do; a hell of a lot more exciting even than the most spirited rides on the street; more time for family and other things. No regrets.

PS. I was gonna add that saved insurance dollars pays for the track, but that's not true cause you need tires much more often, etc, and the itch to upgrade equipment never ends.
 
Rob MacLennan said:
I haven't given it up, but I've become selective about when I do it. What I did give up was riding in the rain.

I've been working downtown for the last 15 years. During that time my commute time has increased by more than 50%. I leave home before the sun comes up, to avoid the major inbound crush, and ride home in heavy rush hour traffic. Every day that I ride, instead of driving or taking GO, saves me almost $20.00. That makes it worth it.
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I was hit by 3 storms this summer, my boots never smelled the same after. I realize riding would save me money but all it takes is one jackass to whack over my bike and it's no longer worth it (or stolen).

Regarding the advice of grabbing a second bike, I've been debating on that but it won't be for a few years due to $$$ reasons. I'd be looking into the CB1000R, B-King, or StreetFighter.
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