Motorcycle as your only source of transportation

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kyle · #1 Unread post by **kyle** » Wed May 18, 2005 1:01 pm

Due to hassles with the declining health of my truck, my motorcycle is about to become my only source of transportation until and unless I plunk down hundreds more to get the truck fixed, or replaced.

Sitting here, thinking things over, I don't see why I couldn't use the bike as my only source of transportation.. I've got a waterproof riding suit and full face helmet, and for those times when the bottom drops out, well, apparently I didn't need to get there right now anyways. Bags and a backpack for trips to the store, garage at home and the shipping room at work for those "wet suit" days...

So how many of you guys only have a bike, or have done this in the past? How's it work, what pitfalls should I look into first, et cetera and so on...

#2 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed May 18, 2005 1:04 pm

snow, sleet, hail... these are you enemies. If you feel you can contend with them, I'd say go for it. It sounds like you've thought through most of it. But I can tell you that 60km/h in close to 0 weather is BLOODY cold...

pinger05 · #3 Unread post by **pinger05** » Wed May 18, 2005 1:39 pm

My motorcycle is the only means for transportation for me. As a family we have a mini-van, but for work and grocery shopping for me, I utilize the motorcycle.

jtf_explorer · Wed May 18, 2005 2:50 pm

I have had my motorcycle as my daily driver for 2 months now, triing to go till late in the fall when it starts snowing again. 3,000 miles so far since i bought it in Febuary. My only other vehicle I am currently tearing apart inorder to install 7 inches of lift or more to fit some 35" mudders. Only downfalls are not as much cargo room, stereo sucks (ipod), and short trips in the rain suck because you have to put on a rain suit to go a mile down the road. advandages are endless. The more you ride, the higher the chance of an "O Ring" cager running you over, too. always be alert.

iwannadie · #5 Unread post by **iwannadie** » Wed May 18, 2005 4:00 pm

i had a bike as my only transportation(and my first mode of transportation at that). its not that bad, course i live in one of the best climates that lets me ride year round with very little rain.

but youd be surpised how much you can carry lol. i usually didnt have a backpak and needed to grab some stuff, id just put it in a grocery bag. tie it to my belt loop and let it sit on my lap. had no problems doing that ever. carried many of 6packs that way too i might add

Telesque · #6 Unread post by **Telesque** » Wed May 18, 2005 4:34 pm

It's been 1 month and 1,000 miles since I bought my first bike, and I've only driven the car once since then, and have only one intended use for it in the coming summer months (need it to do some moving with- can't fit a computer very well on a bike).

When winter rolls around, it's back to the cage for me. But that's what you get when you live in Michigan.

Aquaduct · #7 Unread post by **Aquaduct** » Wed May 18, 2005 5:14 pm

I figure I can get about a 9 month riding season here. Not getting rid of my old Aerostar, just taking the bulk of the mileage off it (yeah, I'm a wimp).

Been through light rain and temps down to 35 degrees F. 1500 miles in 3 weeks. Holds 2 gallons of milk and a few more bags of groceries.

Working OK so far.

Telesque · #8 Unread post by **Telesque** » Thu May 19, 2005 4:06 am

iwannadie wrote:i had a bike as my only transportation(and my first mode of transportation at that). its not that bad, course i live in one of the best climates that lets me ride year round with very little rain.

but youd be surpised how much you can carry lol. i usually didnt have a backpak and needed to grab some stuff, id just put it in a grocery bag. tie it to my belt loop and let it sit on my lap. had no problems doing that ever. carried many of 6packs that way too i might add

I've carried a pizza or two on my bike.

Granted, it's a little cold(er) once you get it home, but it's always too hot to eat anyways, so that's a bonus as well.

Keyoke · #9 Unread post by **Keyoke** » Thu May 19, 2005 5:14 am

Have used the bike as my only form of transport for about 3 years now - it does sometimes get cold, it sometimes gets wet, but it always gets me where im going!

It's used for the regular weekly shop, for holidays, for getting to work...

it can be tricky, but it's the only way i know!!

suckingair · Thu May 19, 2005 2:20 pm

I haven't had a car for about 6 years now.. Get good quality gear, a dry person is a warm person is a happy person...
Ventura pack rack for the shopping and what ever else you ned to carry. Double bag everything you carry to stop it getting wet in the rain, although sometimes 3 or 4 might be better...
And don't stop smiling...