Justifying motorcycling | Page 2 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Justifying motorcycling

Just treat yourself. When you are old you will regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did.
It's not that expensive really.
 
As well ... to get to school or work ... it would cost me anywhere from 6-10$ for commute, that already almost pays for half a gas of tank on my bike!
 
 
craygun said:
Just date smaller women ;)
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+1

Red695 said:
Just treat yourself. When you are old you will regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did.
It's not that expensive really.
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+1. That was basically my rationale. I've always wanted one. My buddy in Ottawa posted a pic of his new Ninja 250 and I said ... **** it! 2 weeks later I had my own little Ninja 250 :)

edit: and it ended up being a lot cheaper (including insurance) than I'd always thought motorcycling was.
 
Xhumeka said:
OP is going to make new thread after new thread asking (basically) the same questions until he finally hears the answer he wants to hear :p

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforu...e-considering-getting-a-two-wheeler&p=1797306

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?157467-what-vehicle-makes-sense&p=1800942

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?157721-family-tensions&p=1803757

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?160544-Justifying-motorcycling&p=1843127
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Arguably these are different questions. Actually, they ARE different questions. Looking at the finanaical costs between different bikes, financial costs between different commute options, and matters outside of money are not the same thing...

I already have an M2 and I know what riding is like, but again, I'm trying not to include to fun factor in order to look at this objectively.
 
Xhumeka said:
OP is going to make new thread after new thread asking (basically) the same questions until he finally hears the answer he wants to hear :p

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforu...e-considering-getting-a-two-wheeler&p=1797306

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?157467-what-vehicle-makes-sense&p=1800942

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?157721-family-tensions&p=1803757

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?160544-Justifying-motorcycling&p=1843127
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Holy smack! Op you need to just bite the bullet and get a bike already!! This bug isn't leaving your system. Give it a try for a season or two, you can always quit and sell the bike if it turns out too be to expensive or scary ;)
 
I rarely just go riding.With that said I ride my bike every day of all basic commuting and put on around 1200km a month.My other vehicle is a ford f150 loaded with tools and costs $125 to fill.The bike goes the same distance for $40,costs $800yr to insure and parking is mostly free so at the end of the day it's far cheaper.
 
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.
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.. I am the latter... only perfect days for me. :)
 
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.
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********

there are lots of us on here riding for decades and still do no matter what the weather - you got some learnin' to do grasshopper.

••••

OP you'll have fun - lose the overthinking - if you've got the money do it or it will nag you for the rest of your life.
 
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?
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1st... do you have a motorcycle lic? have you booked into a Safety course? Many of the schools offer a 'taste of motorcycling session'. I can't find any off-hand, but remember seeing them advertised. Perhaps another member can specify?

2nd... Gear... I spent $1,000+ on my initial gear. If you want to use it for daily transportation, then
Helment - $500, Boots - $150, Gloves - $75, 3-way Jacket with armour - $300, 2-way riding pants - $200, Shatter proof sunglasses - $150

3rd... Insurance will drop as you get the Safety course and your experience goes up over 25years old and 3rd year of riding. 25 & 3 caps out the decrease.

4th... Maintenance... new bikes: oil change and air filter change annually. $100 if you prefer the mechanic to do it and if you do it yourself with K&N air filter then maybe $40. After 3 seasons, you may be looking at brake fluid flush, transmission flush and perhaps new tires. 5 year mark is a definite on all 3.

5th...Gas... I get 43mpg. You can do the math after that.

As for the 'x-factor'.... as another rider put it...

If you need it explained, you wouldn't understand, and if you understood, no explanation is necessary.
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Go out for a ride and experience for yourself. Myself, I'm like a heroin addict without a fix if I go for 3 days without riding (winter included). And johnnie c - Speak for yourself. It's not a toy for me (and a lot of other riders I know).
 
matt123 said:
I rarely just go riding.With that said I ride my bike every day of all basic commuting and put on around 1200km a month.My other vehicle is a ford f150 loaded with tools and costs $125 to fill.The bike goes the same distance for $40,costs $800yr to insure and parking is mostly free so at the end of the day it's far cheaper.
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Your F-150 is only $125 for fill???? With gas at $1.20+, I'm at $160+ a fill. It's a 130 litre tank.
 
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.
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Basically, for the average person... you wouldn't be getting a whole ton of savings vs getting a car.

You may want new gear after a season, you may want rain gear, you may want summer gear, cold weather gear ...
This part is up to you and how you budget your riding.

The best way to get the maximum value of riding and cost savings is if you learn to maintain your own bike.... which will require an initial investment still. Tools... bead breaker for tires, chain removal and rivet tool, stands, oil pan, wrenches, torque wrenches, gasket makers, feeler gauges, carb cleaners, sea foam, fuel stab, battery tender, duct tape, zipties .... list goes on.....

For example, some shops charge roughly $100 per oil change. I buy a jug of T4 synthetic for ~$40, filter for $10 and do the oil change myself. $10 for an oil pan that you can use unlimited number of and a funnel for $5. Already saved $35 on my first oil change, and another $50 on the next. Extrapolate these kinds of numbers in conjunction with your mechanical aptitude, it could run you some nice savings.

If you like your bike spotless, it'll cost you more if you drop it. (Depending on severity of crash, likely 300 to 500 minimum to repair/replace) If you don't mind a few scratches from a low side, replace some handlebar/bar ends and levers and you're good to go.

I'd say get the bike since you've already started 4 threads on it. Also, get a used one.
 
You don't buy a bike for practicality.
It's like parachuters, they jump out of airplanes for the fun of it.
 
I only work downtown, so what I save on parking throughout the season makes me break even at the very least. I think time is a huge factor, but only when considering downtown. Traffic on a bike is no big deal + quick lane changes, etc.

I only use my car when it rains, snows, or I need to put something in the trunk. But also keep in mind that once you start commuting to work on the bike, taking ttc in the winter will make you hate it that much more.

Given that, I think looking at it from the angle of working or living downtown is one of the only ways to justify it. A lot of bikes get the same mileage (or worse) than a car that's decent on gas.

IMO, don't get a bike if you're hurting for money or just able to afford one. I see a lot of people getting into the hobby like that and it really isn't sustainable. What happens if you crash? If a part breaks down? Etc. When you're adding up the costs, make sure you over-budget and have an "in case" fund. If you can't afford the in case fund, it might not be a good idea to get one.

At the end of the day, TTC is cheaper than both my car or bike...but I'm paying for the time savings, convenience, and the closer guarantee that I'll be on time when I need to be. You can't justify that unless you have the disposable income for the "in case fund" that I mentioned earlier. "Fun/enjoying your commute" comes at a pretty big expense if you're younger.
 
if you want practicality get a scooter. It's great for commuting within the city, insurance is cheap, parking is abundant, gas is cheap and you can do your grocery shopping with it.

Maintenance wise with my current Kymco B&W 250 that I've had for 4 years and rode it from Toronto to Vancouver Island and back I've only had to pay to get the tires and belt changed. Changing oil is simple just remove the drain bolt. No filter required and takes less than a litre of oil. Never had any problems with my scooter so far.

Motorcycles as most said is a toy for fun factors to be taken outside the city. You'd also save more money with a scooter in fewer if any speeding and bs made up tickets lol.

Scooters are also great stepping stones to get into motorcycling if you desire that at some point in your life.
 
Wow, there are so many variables that can determine the cost of owning a motorcycle that I could write a freakin novel on it. When it comes to practicality you just cant beat a car where we live.
 
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