Justifying motorcycling | GTAMotorcycle.com

Justifying motorcycling

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highflyer

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I didn't think I was going to get a motorcycle after completing my M2 a month ago (through Centennial), but seeing them go by me every day makes me want one more and more. However, I'm still trying to justify getting one. If I don't account for the fun factor of motorcycling, can I still tell myself that it is indeed a good alternative means of transportation?

Currently I'm taking public transit everywhere I go. Occasionally I'll take the family car but I'd still want my own means of transportation. Note that the only issue here is transportation. An argument frequently cited against motorcycling is the inability to transport bigger items, which, in my case, is not major as I will have access to a car for those times. Also, let's set aside the status quo option (do nothing and continue taking public transit) for now and see how getting a motorcycle compares to getting a car.

The only two variables that I'd like to consider are cost and time, the latter being negligible when I'm comparing motorcycle vs car. I just want to see how ownership costs compare between the two.

Cost of Ownership
- Insurance: about $2000 for a 250cc bike, versus about $2000 for a very basic car
- Gas, parking, etc: about $600 for a motorcycle (gas and storage), and probably over $2000 for car (gas, parking in apartment)
- Maintenance: this is the only thing that I don't have solid numbers for

What else am I missing?
 
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Get on a bike (a dirt bike will be fine). Take it for a spin. In 5 mins you will know whether it's right for you or not. In Canada a bike is a toy....dress it up and justify it anyway you want but for 99% of the people it's just a toy. The real factor here is will you get hooked like the rest of us or not. Trust me, you'll know.
 
You're missing riding gear, tires, crashing/fixing.
You can't really not account for the fun factor because that for most people is the largest factor in why they ride.

Don't compare getting a bike and getting a car because for me, they serve two completely different purposes. It may be different for you, but you can make that call.

Costs are cheaper for a bike for me though, although theres a bit more maintenance involved for my bike.
 
I'd rather ride my bike through a torrential downpour across the city than have to take transit. Best way to get around the city is on 2 wheels!
 
I got a bike cause I loved biking everywhere and exploring new places (seeing new things).
Its also a great way for me to commute as a tank of gas ($9) can (usually) last me a week if I'm not riding around aimlessly (for the most part). Heck, if I just use it to commute to and from school/work, it can last me 2 weeks.
On top of those reasons, I love the feeling of rushing wind while seeing new areas (with eye protection of course).
 
You can't justify it logically.

Go twist the throttle and see what happens after.
 
Kuro said:
You're missing riding gear, tires, crashing/fixing.
You can't really not account for the fun factor because that for most people is the largest factor in why they ride.

Don't compare getting a bike and getting a car because for me, they serve two completely different purposes. It may be different for you, but you can make that call.

Costs are cheaper for a bike for me though, although theres a bit more maintenance involved for my bike.
Click to expand...

Well, for gear I'd consider it as a one-time cost rather than an oingoing cost. Plus, I know the price of gear so it's not really a surprise for me. As for tires, I know these can get expensive as well but I was including that as part of maintenance cost. Fixing after a drop/crash... hmm, I don't think I can easily quantify that cost.

At the end of the day, I want to know if owning a bike makes sense as a means of commute.
 
Wasted said:
In Canada a bike is a toy....dress it up and justify it anyway you want but for 99% of the people it's just a toy.
Click to expand...
True! Great fun, but not a practical choice for daily transportation in Canada.
 
If you need it explained, you wouldn't understand, and if you understood, no explanation is necessary.

Get on one. you'll know. no amount of research can help you, get outside, get on a bike. make magic happen.
 
IXFe said:
True! Great fun, but not a practical choice for daily transportation in Canada.
Click to expand...

Depends on what kind of person you are.

If you're active, fit, and don't mind the elements. You'll do fine.

If you're old, cranky, and have ****** joints, you're only gonna ride during perfect days.
 
I recently got a motorcycle because people were sick of driving me around, other than that, it does hold a meaning of having your own transportation at your will and freedom without hassling anyone else to get you around.

Prior to getting a bike my gear costed me ....
Gloves: $80
Boots: $250
Jacket: $400
Helmet: $300-400

Then the RTI course which was around $400 after tax ...

I bought a used '08 ninja 250 for $3100,
To register the bike with MTO was $165 (with temp. safety, ownership transfer),
Insurance costed me $1660 (I bought it under someone elses' name) ...

Then there are the hidden costs which I would consider maintanence ...
- I had to get the right handle bar replaced (it was bent by the previous owner who got rear ended) for around $100, it was compromising my safety because the throttle wouldn't snap back in place ... I would have to roll it back
- and because I have clearence issues with the bike's height, I spent another 80$ to get lowering links
- then 200$ to purchase a pitbull stand so that I can work on the bike without paying a mechanic to do things I can do at home myself
- all of this is not considering the liquids I would need to buy like oil, coolant, break fluid, etc.

Gas usually costs me $20 ... a bit less than that for a full tank, and that usually takes me to and from YorkU 5 out of 7 days a week.

A bike versus a car ... well I just can't ride it in snow.
 
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油井緋色;1843136 said:
Depends on what kind of person you are.

If you're active, fit, and don't mind the elements. You'll do fine.

If you're old, cranky, and have ****** joints, you're only gonna ride during perfect days.
Click to expand...

Hey, I'm old, cranky and have **** joints and I ride almost every day (even in Winter). What are you trying to say?
 
Take the course and you'll figure out fairly quick if it's for you or not. If it is, the cost analysis will go out the window. If it isn't, you're not out huge $ anyway. Much cheaper than buying bike, gear, insurance, etc and then finding out after a week it's not for you. Or go 2-up with a friend that has a bike to get a feel for it.

I tried justifying it for myself...save money on gas/commuting...blah blah blah...it's way more fun to ride it to work in the morning, wakes me up better than a cup of coffee...but I still love my coffee ;)
 
There's no real cost savings in buying a bike to save on gas money unless you drive a F350 dually as your daily driver. Riding a motorcycle is fun yes, practical, no.
 
highflyer said:
I didn't think I was going to get a motorcycle, but seeing them go by me every day makes me want one more and more. However, I'm still trying to justify getting one. If I don't account for the fun factor of motorcycling, can I still tell myself that it is indeed a good alternative means of transportation?

Currently I'm taking public transit everywhere I go. Occasionally I'll take the family car but I'd still want my own means of transportation. Note that the only issue here is transportation. An argument frequently cited against motorcycling is the inability to transport bigger items, which, in my case, is not major as I will have access to a car for those times. Also, let's set aside the status quo option (do nothing and continue taking public transit) for now and see how getting a motorcycle compares to getting a car.

The only two variables that I'd like to consider are cost and time, the latter being negligible when I'm comparing motorcycle vs car. I just want to see how ownership costs compare between the two.

Cost of Ownership
- Insurance: about $2000 for a 250cc bike, versus about $2000 for a very basic car
- Gas, parking, etc: about $600 for a motorcycle (gas and storage), and probably over $2000 for car (gas, parking in apartment)
- Maintenance: this is the only thing that I don't have solid numbers for

What else am I missing?
Click to expand...

How old are you? I'm 26 (read: over 25) for simple basic liability the first day I got my M1 I was quoted $1259 for insurance. For full coverage (including theft, fire) I was quoted $1616. I ended up going with TD where they force all policies to expire/renew in Feb. so I only had to pay for 7 months $849 (divided by 3 payments). Plus, when February comes and I need to renew I will get a cheaper quote since I will have my M2 and a season of experience. So you may potentially be looking at even less for insurance.

I'd agree with what others say about riding a bike first. But I'd also say if you really want a bike, just do it. If you get a 250 you're looking at less than $4000 plus gear you won't find as nice a car at that price and a bike is way more fun!
 
油井緋色;1843136 said:
Depends on what kind of person you are.

If you're active, fit, and don't mind the elements. You'll do fine.

If you're old, cranky, and have ****** joints, you're only gonna ride during perfect days.
Click to expand...

IXFe said:
True! Great fun, but not a practical choice for daily transportation in Canada.
Click to expand...

Perfectly fine for 9 months of the year with the right gear.

highflyer said:
Well, for gear I'd consider it as a one-time cost rather than an oingoing cost. Plus, I know the price of gear so it's not really a surprise for me. As for tires, I know these can get expensive as well but I was including that as part of maintenance cost. Fixing after a drop/crash... hmm, I don't think I can easily quantify that cost.

At the end of the day, I want to know if owning a bike makes sense as a means of commute.
Click to expand...

highflyer, I live in Newmarket. I ride do the toronto waterfront in all conditions save for ice (haven't had to make that choice yet but don't plan on riding in ice). I ride if it's windy, I ride if it's cold. I ride if it's raining, I don't care, I just take it easy regardless. What it comes down to is what you need with your commute? Carrying some weight/bulk? Try a cruiser. Light weight with no bulk? Try a sport or "standard" motorcycle. The face of the matter is you won't know if it's right for you until you try it.

For me, it's perfect. I commute every day on my cruiser and it was the best choice I've ever made. My alternative is GO so I'm very similar to your case. The fact is there are side effects to riding. I'm 100% happier than ever before even at work. Even my bosses have noticed. Cost wise I'm not saving anything over the transit but I also get alot more km out if it for the same price. I'm not restricted to a schedule.

The worst you can do is not try. Even try 2 upping. Ask nice and I'd even offer.
 
I don't think there's a doubt in my mind to go with the bike...not sure why you're comparing a car to a bike (didn't know you buying a car was an option) when you said you have access to your family car when you need to move larger items.

If its public transport (bus) vs bike...HELLS yeah go get a bike! waiting for buses sucks, and if you really need to you can always take the bus if its a blizzard. It can be half toy/half transport no problem. IF you don't like the look of luggage, a backpack and tank bag can hold a fair amount.
 
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