Yah. Living downtown, I don't own a car although I drive around all the time. The bike is useful to run small errands and to get to appointments quickly.
My dentist thinks I'm cool as ****.
Roomie - that was a joke.
Yah. Living downtown, I don't own a car although I drive around all the time. The bike is useful to run small errands and to get to appointments quickly.
My dentist thinks I'm cool as ****.
Roomie - that was a joke.
wonderings
Well-known member
Because someone does not ride or does not enjoy it anymore does not mean life will be mundane. A pretty narrow view of how life can be exciting and enjoyable.
Is it worth it? Only the individual can decide. I have been riding since I was 16, is it the same thrill as when I got my first bike at 16 and rode off on my own? No, but it is a different kind of enjoyment from it, a very satisfying one. If it ever ceased to be, and I hope not, then I would feel no guilt in selling and moving on in life.
As for budget, other then insurance ($1200/year) I have no idea what I spend, it varies year to year. Usually its a rear tire a season and a front every second, other then that its little things here and there. Adding some more lights this year, and will probably replace some well used boots, then will run up close to $1k. Next year? Who knows.
If cost is a factor then buy an enduro. Cheap ins. And maintenance. Still too much buy dirt only or a track bike.
S
SlayerofSouls
Guest
Was scrolling down wondering when I was going to come across a comment like this
People have other priorities in their life. If you're limited to riding on only weekends and only have a "break" for a couple weeks of vacation a year, how much are you actually riding? The amount of money spent on a bike yearly could mean a getaway for a few weeks (lets just say somewhere warm in during the winter) every year.
Ive been on 2 wheels ever since I learned to ride a bicycle when I was like 7 or 8. If a situation arises and I need money, my bike would probably be the first thing to go. (Then again, its the only thing i own worth a few thousand dollars....)
Thank you. There is also the risk component. Last season, a lot of deaths near home (down toronto) which could have life changing events. Obviously anything can happen, but risks are exacerbated on a bike.
dieselxx
Well-known member
Why is everyone bashing the OP with "see ya laters" Lol. He's just asking a reasonable question, and as he said just losing sight, and I don't blame him for that. It's been a long winter. The cost of owning a motorcycle can be a lot of money for the actual time of enjoyment.
Don't get me wrong, I will probably never be willing to give up riding ever, as long as I remain healthy. But living in Ontario can be a pain in the butt for costs especially insurance.
To answer the OP question,
I have 2 bikes Monster 796, Ninja 250
insurance roughly $1300 for both full coverage (and that is with another two cars and home and alumni discount, so still robbery)
maintenance and gas maybe another 1200 a year
I usually don't factor in gas and gear to my annual budgets, as those are considered fixed costs to me.
Between both bikes, maybe 12000km a year if I'm lucky. Ya sometimes it doesn't seem worth it to me with such a short season, but if I didn't have the bikes, that $3000 a year would probably be spent on something else that would not give me even half of the enjoyment a bike does.
Now, if we could just have insurance for half the year like it used to be, then maybe it might be a lot better to take in. I try not to think about it though.
But the smile I receive from riding, or the pure joy of thinking and waiting like a little kid, to get home from work to hop on the bike is priceless
Don't get me wrong, I will probably never be willing to give up riding ever, as long as I remain healthy. But living in Ontario can be a pain in the butt for costs especially insurance.
To answer the OP question,
I have 2 bikes Monster 796, Ninja 250
insurance roughly $1300 for both full coverage (and that is with another two cars and home and alumni discount, so still robbery)
maintenance and gas maybe another 1200 a year
I usually don't factor in gas and gear to my annual budgets, as those are considered fixed costs to me.
Between both bikes, maybe 12000km a year if I'm lucky. Ya sometimes it doesn't seem worth it to me with such a short season, but if I didn't have the bikes, that $3000 a year would probably be spent on something else that would not give me even half of the enjoyment a bike does.
Now, if we could just have insurance for half the year like it used to be, then maybe it might be a lot better to take in. I try not to think about it though.
But the smile I receive from riding, or the pure joy of thinking and waiting like a little kid, to get home from work to hop on the bike is priceless
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Derek Paisley
Well-known member
Ask yourself the same question once suitable weather is upon us consistently.
It's easy to reflect in the off-season. Money could be better spent.
It's easy to reflect in the off-season. Money could be better spent.
S
SlayerofSouls
Guest
A car gives me that same smile which I can run for 8 months rather than 5.
kruzuki
Well-known member
Like they say "If you have to ask how much it costs.....then you probably can't afford it."
It is what it is, and I wouldn't do it if I couldn't afford it.
I figured out I've easily spent over $100K since I started riding 35+ years ago and that's on the conservative side. .
It is what it is, and I wouldn't do it if I couldn't afford it.
I figured out I've easily spent over $100K since I started riding 35+ years ago and that's on the conservative side. .
S
SlayerofSouls
Guest
Factor your own personal time.
Additional time riding detracts from other things - career, family, investments etc.
Not to mention, its not like we actually have the roads to make those rare perfect days enjoyable. One a bright summers day, it seems more bikers just gravitate to yonge street e.g., last sunday I saw 20 bikers just standing by their bikes.
Alex_San
Well-known member
During the riding season I take my car off insurance (almost $200/month), plus stop taking the GO train (another $200/month). So here I am with $400 a month I save as opposed to the winter months. I will not mention gas since my car from/to the go station burns about as much as my bike does for the full commute.
So from May to November it adds up to $2400 I can burn on riding.
On top of that, you only have one life, you're supposed to live it, not manage budgets.
So from May to November it adds up to $2400 I can burn on riding.
On top of that, you only have one life, you're supposed to live it, not manage budgets.
Ok so instead of asking your now just arguing. Sell your bike and drive your car, it's not for everybody and if you can't justify the costs it's obviously not for you.
Never once have I thought "gee maybe my time would be better spent mowing the lawn and working than being here at the track for the last 3 days".
If you go far enough there are TONS of great riding roads, they aren't downtown though.
Any season I spend under $3K I call a win, but if it's more, that's cool too, still cheap therapy.
dieselxx
Well-known member
I pretty much defended you in my post lol. Just drive the 911 then.
Roomie
Banned
TF3N
Well-known member
If that's true, then you already have your answer.
I've never driven an AM(although, I've gone for a good rip in a DB9), the best car I've driven "spiritedly" is either a C5 'Vette or a base 996. While both of those were memorable experiences, they don't compare to the feeling I get when I ride.
Also, driving both of those cars at acceptable speeds wasn't that exciting... I can ride all day long at the speed limit and be completely content.
That may change over time. In fact, if somebody offered me an Eagle Speedster to give up riding, it would be hard to pass up.
