Parking the cage in favor of the bike?

DOHC1

DOHC1

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Hey guys,

Here's the situation, I'm 19, got my M2 In October of last year. So for spring 2012, I will have the magic 1 year experience Jevco wants to give me (relatively) reasonable rates. I've been driving for 2 years, but for spring 2011, am thinking of parking my car and taking insurance off of it till winter. I only use the car for work (60+km round trip)/school (Parking at YorkU isnt cheap, but bikes park free in certain spots, plus school is 60+ km round trip).


Car insurance already sucks at this age, even with a clean record, max driving experience for my age, a driver's Ed course and a G license. $300/month.

I am budgeting for bike insurance to be $250/month for a small CC bike. Needless to say, with work and school being so far away, I spend over $300/month in gas alone. Would any of you guys consider parking your cars in this situation? Or does the gas savings of a bike usually justify the cost of insurance. Debating my options at the moment as I plan on buying the bike within the next few months when prices are low. Storage costs of the bike/car is irrelevant as I have garage space/tools/knowledge to store the vehicles properly.

Thanks for any input!
 
IMO an econobox car is cheaper and more convenient than a bike. I didn't do the math for you but there are times a bike doesn't work due to weather, carrying stuff etc so you still need access to a cage. Do you want your data laden laptop bungeed to the back of your bike in a sleet storm?
The only other factor you might want to work in is the purchase price. You can buy new bikes under $10K. What is the cheapest reliable new car?

BTW I went the bike only route many years ago and rode all winter. Fortunately my GF had a car and we used it for dates so my riding was to and from work. Good experience but not fun.
 
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im 23 and I pay $665 a month, with a clean record for my car ins. technically have had my license for 5 years, though the G2 for only 2 of those years (circumstances, obviouisly would have liked to have gotten the g2 8 months after the g1.. but such is life).

thats about all I have to say regarding insurance. consider yourself pretty lucky my friend. it may seem like it sucks now but when you're my age you'll be damn happy at your rates.
 
The car is more practical, it can't be denied.

But a bike is more fun, and it is definately do-able.

Invest in a good waterproof top case/trunk to keep your stuff dry, and a good rain suit to keep you dry, and you're good to go.

Sure there will be days that you'll wish you were in a car, but more days where you'll be glad you're not.
 
I was bike only for a bunch of years. Owned a katana 600 before I ever bought a car.Now I live with my gf and have one car and the bike... So I an still bike exclusive lol. It's not that bad, sounds like more fun than it is on some days (heavy rain for example) but I find it's worth it in the long run. Just make sure you have the waterproof gear.
 
Also check to see if the lockers will even fit a Helmet. They don't at Mohawk, so I had to carry mine around with me, or leave it on the bike, at a college, with alot of dumb kids.
 
put your car on 'parking insurance' , don't cancel it out completely. No gaps in insurance makes for a good record and gets lower rates!
 
gtm said:
im 23 and I pay $665 a month, with a clean record for my car ins. technically have had my license for 5 years, though the G2 for only 2 of those years (circumstances, obviouisly would have liked to have gotten the g2 8 months after the g1.. but such is life).

thats about all I have to say regarding insurance. consider yourself pretty lucky my friend. it may seem like it sucks now but when you're my age you'll be damn happy at your rates.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you need to get your G rickity-tick before you need to start from G1 again.
And that's a lot of insurance for a clean driving record. You must drive a Corvette. Score!
 
I park my car for 7 to 8 months of the year, depends on snow and ice.

I do everything on my bike from grocery shopping, commuting and touring. Investing in some good quality luggage that locks makes carrying a laptop around no problem, as long as your bags are lockable, same goes with shopping and groceries.

I drop my insurance down to the bare minimum for when I am not driving it, its something like $12 a month, now that does not allow me to drive the car obviously. Last year I put under 3000kms on my car.
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