Only form of transportation or a complementary vehicle

[cb360]

I agree with Lionlady and others that there are alot of hidden costs to riding a motorcycle. Buying new and you'll lose alot of value right off. Buying used however, also has it's draw backs. Let's look at my situation

Bike $450 used
Tax and title $40
JR Meteor 4.0 jacket $98
JR gloves $20
JR overpants $120
Fulmer D-4 helmet $80
Second helmet $100
Bungee $5
New tires balanced and mounted $50
battery $20
battery charger $30
headlight bulb $8
license plate bulb $3
new turn signals $20
Carb cleaner $8
New hoses $10
Brake fluid $2
Oil $8
Grease $4
spark plugs $4

I probably missed like $20 in something. It's small things that add up.

Then you find the things you want to do:
Por treat tank $30
Paint bike $100 (using my equipment)

At the same time it's a great thing for getting around. Easy to find parking though it's better to have hard bags to lock your gear in so you don't toute it around. Would it make a good primary vehicle? I think you can do it but you end up forgoing a few things. Is it worth it? that's up to you.

half that stuff is either regular maintenance stuff or stuff you'd also need if you bought a new bike.

[cb360]

For 6k I could get a pretty nice reliable bike AND a truck that starts every time. Check the cycle trader - you should be able to pick between at least a dozen 700cc cruisers that have been well taken care of in the 2-3k range. Obviously, we aren't talking about new bikes here, but I bet you can find a few that are almost as good as new for way less than half. The number of people who buy bikes and rarely ride them or end up just keeping them a year or two is staggering. My .02 is that a guy that's in school with a $6000 budget and a need for two vehicles does not need to be looking at anything that's brand new anyway.

[Loonette]

There is one thing missing out of your post. Most of us on this forum have an absolute passion for riding motorcycles, wether it be a moped or a luxury cruiser, hog sport,standard. The common bond that keeps us coming back is the passion for what we ride.

As far as pride is concerned, I think we are all proud regardless.

If the passion is not there, buy the car.

This is what I thought as well. If riding were in your blood, and the yearning to ride was extreme, and you had to choose between a bike and a car, then I'd get the bike and deal with the hardships of it being your only form of transportation. But if the main reason is for cheap(er) transportation, it isn't that cheap compared to a small, fuel-efficient car.

You might want to consider a cheapo car that can get you around in foul weather and to fetch your groceries and such. And then once you are settled into the car, maybe pick up a decent used bike for exploring the biking world without having to depend on it for your main form of transportation.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Cheers,
Loonette

[Rotten]

I purchased a motorcycle two months ago, and have been riding it as my primary vehicle, and i can tell you riding in the rain isn't so bad, and trust me the date thing is not an issue. There is a breed of women out there who love to ride. I'd also add that riding is the most enjoyable thing you'll ever do, I dont think i could go back to riding around in a car or truck ever again.

[ninja79]

Hey, I'm planning to do the same thing. In my case though, the situation is as follows:

- I am moving to LA in january and will get the bike there. From what I hear, the weather is warm and sunny year-round, it never snows and hardly ever rains, so bike should be ok

- I want to find a place to live within 15-20min drive from work, so I may not even need to go on the highway for a while

- To get groceries or for going out, I can rent a car on the weekend. Or perhaps get a ride with someone else

- I already took the MSF course, got the license, got a full set of gear (helmet, boots, gloves, jacket & pants).

- I am now *addicted* to motorcycling. Counting down the days till my move. Suffering withdrawal symptoms...

I asked around on this forum and so far nobody seemed to have objections to my plan.

hope this helps,

Eugene

[JustJames]

At very first when I decided to buy this bike, I thought it just a fun thing to do and it is not that expensive. Man! I am so wrong !!!. the fun thing become so addicted not very expensive become more and more money out of my pocket.

I have both car and bike and I do drive both equally. I have a cruiser with saddlebag so I can do some light shopping or togo dinner. If I have to go out on very traffic FWY in rush hour then the bike is my first choice. I can do a date on a bike but that is also more expenses (her helmet, her jacket, her gloves..etc..........................). Did I mention any services at dealer will also cost arms and legs? Oil change is about $80.00, new exhaust install $420, new chrome, new ..........