Is buying a motorbike to commute worth it?
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at
2:38 pm
My work is moving soon, and I will have to travel 40 miles each way a day. Im looking to save money on petrol, avoid traffic jams and have an easier time parking which points to this been the best option. Im worried about riding in the rain/winter time, and the general high fatality and injury rates associated with riding a bike. Its mainly going to be motorway driving, is this a good idea? Also getting a motorbike has been a life long ambition and im wondering if this is finally the excuse to do it! Any answer is appreciated!
Many years ago, I started riding a bike for exactly the same reason – commuting to a new job, mainly motorway, 70km each way.
For me it was the perfect solution. I rode all year round only taking the car if there was ice on the road or it was very bad visibility.
So it’s definitely possible and it will save petrol costs and time lost in traffic jams. A bike will not completely replace the need for a car for most people. Occasionally you will need a car to carry things that are too big to go on a bike or because conditions make it impossible to ride safely.
The biggest plus point for me was how much I enjoy riding a bike. It made the daily commute a joy rather than a chore and I ride frequently just for the fun of it.
Yes you will be more vulnerable to injury on a bike. You can minimize this by getting a good basic training. In the end you have to make the personal decision of whether or not the benefits make the risk worthwhile.
as a life long motorbike owner, I say go for it. As with any driving, there a risks involved. On a motorbike, your chance of a (accident) second chance lessens. You MUST drive defensively. Drive as if every other auto out there is going to hit you, pull out in front of you, and going to stop in front of you. When it rains, the roads get much more slippery. When it snows, leave the motorbike parked. I have a 2006 soft tail deluxe and I average just over 40 miles to the gallon. Smaller bikes do much better. Be careful. Enjoy yourself and have a great day.
If you are not already an experienced driver it would be wise to take a learners course and put some time in on some less traveled back roads. You can get a very nice and dependable bike for way less than a car would cost. I travel 30 miles one way to work on my Suzuki boulevard 800. I average around 45 miles to the gallon. The money I save on gas covers tha cost of the recommended factory maintainance. It also makes my trip alot more enjoyable. I would recommend you buy a bike with a windshield and saddlebags or have them installed. Floorboards are also alot more comfortable than footpegs. Ridng in the rain just takes more caution ( a lot more). If you are single you will find that many ladys love to ride on the back.