View Poll Results: Bicycle Vs. Motrcycle?
Voters: 28. You may not vote on this poll
Bicycle Vs. Motorcycle?
03-13-11, 05:19 PM
#26
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I gave up on motorcycles years ago, I was always cold when riding one, and it had to be 100+ degrees outside before I was comfortable. Besides being cold all the time, I never did like the shorter reaction times and higher speeds while being nearly as vulnerable as being on a bicycle.
Me 2
03-13-11, 08:56 PM
#27
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add, "when ridden improperly."
I have been riding motorcycles as my sole secondary transportation to a bicycle for years. Almost all of the instances of my getting banged up have been on a bicycle. one reason is that the activity level required for bicycle riding precludes wearing proper safety gear.
As many here know, I am in favor of both. Most trips can be made on a bicycle; however, there are trips that need to be made that are outside of the normal bicycle range; or, just not suited to taking a bicycle. For those trips a motorcycle suits me better than the jeep I had been driving.
BTW: unless you ride you may not realize the most surprising expense of motorcycle operation, the tires. The tires on many bikes, particularly larger ones, do not last long and are surprisingly expensive. If you really want a motorcycle for transportation, I would recommend a ninja-250 or the new Honda cbr250r, or one of the many 250cc dual sports before an older Yamaha midsized bike. They are freeway legal (no, not fast; but, legal) will get much better mileage, and can be fitted with reasonably priced, long lasting tires.
I did not vote in the poll because, for me, the answer is, "both." However, based on your described usage, I would say Bicycle.
I have been riding motorcycles as my sole secondary transportation to a bicycle for years. Almost all of the instances of my getting banged up have been on a bicycle. one reason is that the activity level required for bicycle riding precludes wearing proper safety gear.
As many here know, I am in favor of both. Most trips can be made on a bicycle; however, there are trips that need to be made that are outside of the normal bicycle range; or, just not suited to taking a bicycle. For those trips a motorcycle suits me better than the jeep I had been driving.
BTW: unless you ride you may not realize the most surprising expense of motorcycle operation, the tires. The tires on many bikes, particularly larger ones, do not last long and are surprisingly expensive. If you really want a motorcycle for transportation, I would recommend a ninja-250 or the new Honda cbr250r, or one of the many 250cc dual sports before an older Yamaha midsized bike. They are freeway legal (no, not fast; but, legal) will get much better mileage, and can be fitted with reasonably priced, long lasting tires.
I did not vote in the poll because, for me, the answer is, "both." However, based on your described usage, I would say Bicycle.
Anyway thanks for the feedback everyone, I am reading all of it.
03-13-11, 08:58 PM
#28
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03-13-11, 09:03 PM
#29
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I would agree and disagree here. I was a hardcore motorcycle commuter from about 04 to about a year ago. I think motorcycles are cheap in regards to insurance (if you're getting liability only when you're under 25) and of course a good used one can be cheap as well not to mention decent gas mileage if you get the right one. But yeah, tires and chain+sprocket changes are darn expensive and if you're putting any serious miles on it, they will need to be changed pretty often.
My advice is to buy the bicycle now and get a nicer motorcycle when you're able. I have a decent motorcycle now, but have a "dream" bike in mind for when I get some money after my degree.
My advice is to buy the bicycle now and get a nicer motorcycle when you're able. I have a decent motorcycle now, but have a "dream" bike in mind for when I get some money after my degree.
But I guess that's my plan and question, which should I get first? Cause it's inevitable that I will get both sooner or later..
03-13-11, 09:07 PM
#30
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03-13-11, 09:13 PM
#31
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Motorcycles in fact usually get not much better gas mileage that a (Excuse language) Cars.
Maint. on a Motorcycle,,such as High wear parts, Tires, Chains, another 4 letter word "cost" more than cars
But when you are young, motorcycle seams like a lot of fun, but in truth its a big fat heavy responsibility. Its a burden,
It has one big advantage,,less likely to be stolen. For ONE REASON,,,Pawn Shops won't buy motorcycles.
Maint. on a Motorcycle,,such as High wear parts, Tires, Chains, another 4 letter word "cost" more than cars
But when you are young, motorcycle seams like a lot of fun, but in truth its a big fat heavy responsibility. Its a burden,
It has one big advantage,,less likely to be stolen. For ONE REASON,,,Pawn Shops won't buy motorcycles.
It's a lot different from my old neighborhood South LA.
03-13-11, 10:56 PM
#32
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To the OP: you apparently have your mind made up about the motorcycle; good luck! I hope you are still considering bicycles for your low-mileage trips, though. I find bicycles to be very easy to maintain, very practical for local transport generally, good for dating, and very good for one's budget compared to any motorized vehicle. And as for dating, or whatever younger people do now, it doesn't really matter what you ride/drive; if she's worth a damn, she'll judge you based on you, not on the vehicles you own. That sort of thing shouldn't even enter your calculations.
03-16-11, 11:32 AM
#33
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I used a car for transportation for a decade, then switched to motorcycles as my only transport for another 10 years or so, and finally made a transition to bicycles. In my experience the motorcycles were much cheaper to maintain and insure than a car. You do need to be selective about what model you buy though, as the cost of ownership varies a lot.
But I think that a bicycle is actually more practical for transportation and utility than a motorcycle. With a rack and panniers, it's easier to carry things than it was on a motorcycle, and you don't need to lug around a full set of leathers when you get to your destination. You could gain some of these advantages by putting locking hard cases on your motorcycle, but that's fairly expensive.
But I think that a bicycle is actually more practical for transportation and utility than a motorcycle. With a rack and panniers, it's easier to carry things than it was on a motorcycle, and you don't need to lug around a full set of leathers when you get to your destination. You could gain some of these advantages by putting locking hard cases on your motorcycle, but that's fairly expensive.
03-17-11, 09:56 AM
#34
Vain, But Lacking Talent
03-17-11, 10:34 AM
#35
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I used a car for transportation for a decade, then switched to motorcycles as my only transport for another 10 years or so, and finally made a transition to bicycles. In my experience the motorcycles were much cheaper to maintain and insure than a car. You do need to be selective about what model you buy though, as the cost of ownership varies a lot.
But I think that a bicycle is actually more practical for transportation and utility than a motorcycle. With a rack and panniers, it's easier to carry things than it was on a motorcycle, and you don't need to lug around a full set of leathers when you get to your destination. You could gain some of these advantages by putting locking hard cases on your motorcycle, but that's fairly expensive.
But I think that a bicycle is actually more practical for transportation and utility than a motorcycle. With a rack and panniers, it's easier to carry things than it was on a motorcycle, and you don't need to lug around a full set of leathers when you get to your destination. You could gain some of these advantages by putting locking hard cases on your motorcycle, but that's fairly expensive.
08-19-11, 02:07 PM
#36
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Get both, Bryce Canyon is beautiful on a bike and if I lived in that area I would get a bike capable of going offroad. The KE is light enough for that while still having license plates.
Find a cheap bicycle at a thrift store\craigslist\garage sale for exercise.
08-19-11, 02:10 PM
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08-19-11, 02:20 PM
#38
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I've been riding motorcycles for 30 years. Went for 3 years with no car. When I finally had to buy a car I picked up a Nissan Sentra. The Sentra was cheaper to own & operate than a motorcycle. Motorcycle maintenance, tires & insurance costs are much higher than on a cheap econo-box car. If your MC has chain & sprockets, they have to be replaced as a set. Figure about $200-$300. 8,000 miles on a set of tires isn't uncommon. Living in a small town, shopping around is not an option.
I love motorcycles. MC's as cheap transport is a myth in the US. Get the bike.
I love motorcycles. MC's as cheap transport is a myth in the US. Get the bike.
My lowest mpg motorcycle still gets more than a nissan sentra and the highest gets more than twice that. My Kawasaki concours has nearly the same storage capacity as a tiny car or a jeep wrangler. (Ok maybe a tiny bit less, 175 liters)
MC's can and are a cheap option for transport, there is a reason they are the #1 mode of transport in most of Europe and all of Asia. I think the people who disagree are riding Harleys that require tons of (expensive) maintenance and crotch rockets that eat up (high priced) tires in 3k miles.
There are plenty of "basic" bikes out there.
Oh, if maintained properly a set of sprockets and chain can last 50k miles. The one on my chain driven bike lasted 65k. Only reason it was replaced was because the thing was already 20 years old.
08-19-11, 02:25 PM
#39
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I gave up on motorcycles years ago, I was always cold when riding one, and it had to be 100+ degrees outside before I was comfortable. Besides being cold all the time, I never did like the shorter reaction times and higher speeds while being nearly as vulnerable as being on a bicycle.
Reaction times also are not the fault of the bike but rather the rider. Ride through Manhatten for a while, you're reaction time will increase tenfold pretty quickly. Most people don't realize that you really need to know what you're doing on a bike. Anyone can keep it steady while moving, not everyone can avoid an obstacle at a second's notice. Take an advanced rider course, take a performance or race class. This will sharpen your skills and reaction time. Also, wear the proper gear.
08-19-11, 02:57 PM
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Probably because those old guys are there to try and look cool so they ride loud obnoxious Harleys to get you to notice them, which is why that is all you noticed. There are plenty of us who ride quiet, sane, reasonable bikes that go right by you without you even noticing.
08-19-11, 02:59 PM
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Motorcycles in fact usually get not much better gas mileage that a (Excuse language) Cars.
Maint. on a Motorcycle,,such as High wear parts, Tires, Chains, another 4 letter word "cost" more than cars
But when you are young, motorcycle seams like a lot of fun, but in truth its a big fat heavy responsibility. Its a burden,
Maint. on a Motorcycle,,such as High wear parts, Tires, Chains, another 4 letter word "cost" more than cars
But when you are young, motorcycle seams like a lot of fun, but in truth its a big fat heavy responsibility. Its a burden,
08-19-11, 03:03 PM
#42
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I used a car for transportation for a decade, then switched to motorcycles as my only transport for another 10 years or so, and finally made a transition to bicycles. In my experience the motorcycles were much cheaper to maintain and insure than a car. You do need to be selective about what model you buy though, as the cost of ownership varies a lot.
08-19-11, 03:04 PM
#43
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lol, I was about to respond in a similar fashion. Same here. Oh and pizza delivery guys. I always wondered why pizza delivery guys were always on bicycles and generally overweight while chinese delivery guys were skin and bones and riding scooters. Things that make you go hmmm.
08-19-11, 03:09 PM
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08-19-11, 03:10 PM
#45
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Since you're local I can give ya a hand when that time comes. Two of my bikes are touring bikes with hard locking panniers. Been riding for 20 years, touring for 10. Did 5 months around the US last year.
08-19-11, 05:54 PM
#46
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I would love to have a motorcylce, but, I am too spacey to be going that fast on two wheels. I get distracted wayyy too easily.
08-19-11, 09:20 PM
#47
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I have an easy million miles on motorcycles. One bike alone has 300K on it. On and off road. They have their advantages over automobiles and bicycles. Disadvantages as well. The misinformation tossed around is staggering. There are risks to all things. Even sitting on yer butt watching the toob.
Live your own life and make your own decisions based on your situation. As for the OP perhaps a nice Fiat 500 would be good for you at this point in life. Sporty,exotic import and economical.
Live your own life and make your own decisions based on your situation. As for the OP perhaps a nice Fiat 500 would be good for you at this point in life. Sporty,exotic import and economical.
08-20-11, 06:34 AM
#48
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This IS a bicycle forum so I'll bet that your results will be skewed. However I am also a motorcycle rider and would, normally, gladly select 'motorcycle" if those were my only two options.
Not in this case.
At your age and with limited experience handling vehicles traveling at high rates of speed ON THE ROAD, you need to stay off the motorcycle for now. The amount of distance you are planning to "commute" you can walk faster than donning you Aerostitch! Insurance will still be very high for you, those things cost a fortune to keep running right (I know you wrench your own BUT it is hard to find parts for a bike that old and if you DO get in over your hear most shops won't work on a bike that old), and there are no fender-benders on a motorcycle. Also, no parent in their right mind is going to let their kid on the back of that thing with you! Certainly not your parents! Put the friends and siblings and girl friend in the VAN and get the Trek!
Not in this case.
At your age and with limited experience handling vehicles traveling at high rates of speed ON THE ROAD, you need to stay off the motorcycle for now. The amount of distance you are planning to "commute" you can walk faster than donning you Aerostitch! Insurance will still be very high for you, those things cost a fortune to keep running right (I know you wrench your own BUT it is hard to find parts for a bike that old and if you DO get in over your hear most shops won't work on a bike that old), and there are no fender-benders on a motorcycle. Also, no parent in their right mind is going to let their kid on the back of that thing with you! Certainly not your parents! Put the friends and siblings and girl friend in the VAN and get the Trek!
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"I'm built like a marine mammal. I love the cold! "-Cosmoline
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08-20-11, 10:27 PM
#49
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I have owned many motorcycles. I started out with a Honda Trail 90, raced motocross and dirt and have raced track as well and a bunch of street bikes (not a Harley guy here, I don't like black). Thing is that the motorcycles sold today in the US are either crotch rockets or cruisers and neither are very good as utility/transportation bikes. As well, their fuel economy is hardly better than something like a diesel Golf or Honda FIT or Toyota Prius etc. and yet are far more dangerous and exposed to the weather. Once upon a time there were many small motorcycles in the 125cc to 500cc category that were not crotch rockets or pretend Harleys and actually did get decent fuel economy. Of course, like a bicycle you are not surrounded by airbags and are exposed to the weather and cannot tow trailers or carry heavy items but still, they were more practical.
Frankly weighing a motorcycle that gets 60 MPG or usually much less against a Honda FIT, dude, I am getting the car if I can afford it and I can.
LC
Frankly weighing a motorcycle that gets 60 MPG or usually much less against a Honda FIT, dude, I am getting the car if I can afford it and I can.
LC
