New rider in the rain

[Jave]

I'm going to jump in on your OTHER point... making a motorcycle your only mode of transportation.

WHY? You've already brought up the weather issues. What about COLD? Does it NEVER snow or freeze where you live? Remember that riding at 60 mph in 40 degree temps will feel like well below freezing once you add in the wind chill.

OH, and also, the more often you ride, especially in traffic, the greater the likelihood that you will crash - get hit by an SUV driver, etc. not necessarily through your own error. Buying EXCELLENT protective gear will be essential, and NOT cheap. Figure on allowing at least $1000 for top end gear, including your helmet.

Do you really feel that a motorcycle will be more economical? Have you priced out the cost of basic maintenance (say, TIRES, oil changes, etc.) or insurance (will vary depending on WHAT machine you get and where you live). If you buy new, unless you can pay cash, you'll be required to have full coverage insurance.

Before you do anything else, sign up for a Basic Riders Course, thru the MSF (www.msf-usa.org) or even at your local HD dealer (Riders Edge). The very first step in this adventure you hope to be taking.

Pam

I'm in Canada so yes it does snow. I guess I should've mentioned it would only be my mode of transportation while there's no snow out. I'll have a car for the months of year where it snows.

I will also not be cheaping out on gear since I've experienced road rash from a moped when I was younger.

A motorcycle will be cheaper from what I've calculated (just slightly but still cheaper) and of course more fun which I won't deny is the main reason.

I'm definately going to take the local MSF course before I even get on a bike.

[F'irefly]

I do not know if the following are words of wisdom, or the ranting of the village idiot, but, here goes.
2 months ago I got a new job, about 45 miles from home, after a week of crawling home in traffic that hardly moved (2 ½ stinking hours) I decided to do what you have in mind. I took the safety course first, got my license and bought a bike and all the safety gear I could think off, now, just for perspective, I have not ridden a motor bike but may be for a month or so in my teens ( I am in my 50s now). I can not stop riding the thing, 45 minutes to work, 45 minutes home, and then I go out for some more...I did stay of the bike on rainy days but then this is Southern California, not to much rain here.

[Sev]

I'm going to jump in on your OTHER point... making a motorcycle your only mode of transportation.

WHY? You've already brought up the weather issues. What about COLD? Does it NEVER snow or freeze where you live? Remember that riding at 60 mph in 40 degree temps will feel like well below freezing once you add in the wind chill.

Do you really feel that a motorcycle will be more economical? Have you priced out the cost of basic maintenance (say, TIRES, oil changes, etc.) or insurance (will vary depending on WHAT machine you get and where you live). If you buy new, unless you can pay cash, you'll be required to have full coverage insurance.

For 3 years now the only vehicle I've owned is a motorcycle. And yes it snows 5 out of 12 months up here. Then, a bus pass costs $40 and gets me where ever my two little legs can't. It is possible, it can be done, and it's not that big a challenge.

As for cost to run a motorcycle... it's still less then a car, even if you have to take it to the shop for every service. Of course that requires that you get the servicing done, instead of waiting for the bike to break down.

[flw]

I was sort of lucky. Upon returning to riding I took a safety class. First riding day it rained all day. It certainly helped get over any initial concerns. The suggestions above are correct on finding cover, waiting it out if you can and slowing down in general.

[Lion_Lady]

Okay. It sounds like you're thinking. But I have another question...

You say you've "calculated" the cost of maintenance on a motorcycle. How did you do that? The costs of maintenance vary from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer, except perhaps for tires.

Some bikes are cheap to maintain, others are quite expensive.

P

[Media Weasel]

Rain-X on ur windshield or helmet visor ....

...Will degrade and yellow the visor, as such products are meant for glass, not plexiglass.

PLEASE stop disseminating falsehoods.