bike as only transportation?

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DirtyD86 · #1 Unread post by **DirtyD86** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:53 am

i was just curious how many of you guys have your bike as the only means of transportation. besides the obvious reasons (rain, cold weather, being more dangerous than a car) what else have you found to be an inconvenience? im considering buying a ninja as my only way from A to B, and im trying to get a realistic idea of what its going to be like.

#2 Unread post by **Sev** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:12 am

I use it as my sole means during the summer, and take the bus in the winter. This comes up very often, do a search and you'll see others responses.

DirtyD86 · #3 Unread post by **DirtyD86** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:14 am

thanks, i found a good bit of info.

safety-boy · Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:23 am

I got rid of my car finally, and have been motorcycle only since October.

Riding in the rain is a pain, but easy to prepare for.

Biggest issue for me is that I don't wear leather, and finding non-leather gloves that provide high-speed protection is difficult. If I could get some waxed cotton or polyeurethane gloves, I would be set.

Get used to your bike being dirty. Those shiny bikes you see on Sundays were typically cleaned all day Saturday, and not ridden Monday through Friday

Just remember, a dirty bike is a ridden bike!

--Dave

CNF2002 · #5 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:32 am

I dont really think having one as your ONLY means of transportation is realistic. It depends on your lifestyle. I couldn't load 2 weeks of groceries on my bike.

That said, bikes are great commuters. Get a good pair of saddlebags, appropriate gear for all types of weather, and you're set. I ride my bike M-F and usually take the car on the weekends. Its great for saving gas and excessive mileage on your regular car.

camthepyro · Mon Mar 27, 2006 8:44 am

Starting monday my bike will be my only means of transportation, at least for a while, but it's summer time in georgia, so the only thing I have to worry about is rain.

safety-boy · Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:26 am

A gallon of milk can be a real brain-teaser

CMGS5 · #8 Unread post by **CMGS5** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 1:16 pm

I suppose if you are single it may be harder, but my bike is my only form of transportation, If i go to the store for something small i just put the backpack on, if it is a grocery shopping or picking up dinner then i will just take the girlfriends car.

flynrider · #9 Unread post by **flynrider** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 1:48 pm

I was bike-only for about 4 years. Whether or not it's workable will depend a lot on where you live. If it's Buffalo, NY, forget it

I did the first few years in Southern NM, where it can get cold and ugly on occasion during the winter months, but it wasn't too bad with warm riding gear, a rainsuit and a windshield. Moving to Arizona it was even easier. I stayed bike-only even after I could afford to buy a cage.

For groceries, I strapped a box to the backseat and wore a backpack. I was able to get a weeks worth of stuff in one trip.

DirtyD86 · #10 Unread post by **DirtyD86** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 5:07 pm

if i were living in buffalo haha.... fuggedaboutit. im movin to charleston sc pretty soon, it never really gets too cold there so i think ill be alright. im single, no kids (as far as i know), dont pick up groceries ever, my roommates will do that. i can make this work if i am smart about it. i was considering buying a beater just in case, i could get a POS for around 1k that runs. but insurance would make it too much of a hassle. the rain thing scares the **** out of me to be perfectly honest, and the whole situation with protective clothing is confusing as well. putting on leather all over for a 5 minute ride to the beach, only to get there and have to strip it all off. i dunno. its gonna take some getting used to

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