Only form of transportation or a complementary vehicle

[jdl02]

Recently, a person broadsided my full size GMC 1500. Because it was a 1991 the total value was low and I am now in need of another vehicle and am on a small budget. I have been searching for a fuel-efficient vehicle that I can still be proud to drive around FSU campus. The only vehicles I have found that meet these stipulations are motorcycles. I have never driven a motorcycle so spending $6000 on one is a huge jump. The main bikes I have been looking at are the 2005 Kawasaki 800 Classic and the 2005 Honda Shadow Aero 750. I have been researching for two months now and am excited about the idea of owning a motorcycle. But, over the last two weeks many people have reiterated the drawbacks of a motorcycle as a primary vehicle: rain, cold weather, no radio, no dates, and very dangerous. So, here is my question: Are the drawbacks of a motorcycle as a primary vehicle so extreme that I should toss this idea out and look toward a Toyota or Honda, or should I go for the gold and buy a motorcycle?

[Sev]

You don't necessarily HAVE to buy a new vehicle. Keep in mind that you'll be out of luck as far as moving large items around and other things. Making a bike your primary form of transportation is not as easy as it sounds, but it can be a lot of fun. Do you live somewhere that is actually warm enough to ride year round?

Up here in Alberta you can get a used car or truck for a couple thousand easily. I'm not trying to put you off riding, just be certain you want a bike. And expect to spend a fair bit on both gear and training. Biking isn't as cheap as it used to be.

[jmillheiser]

you have more than just the expense of buying the bike if this is your first bike. You also have riding gear to buy (helmet, jacket, gloves). MSF cousre (which runs a few hundred in FL and is mandatory if your under 21 in FL and still very worth it if your not). And time involved in learning to ride and getting your motorcycle endorsement.

If this doesn't sound like too much hassle then I say go for it and get the bike. Though if you want the cheapest route then I would say get a small used car.

BTW both bikes would be decent choices as a first bike, though if you go the bike route find a used one.

[Gadjet]

a motorcycle can serve very well as a primary means of transportation, depending on what the climate is like where you live. If you live in an area that never sees snow or at least very rarely, then a motorcycle will do just fine.

You will have to plan more in regards to things like grocery shopping and other similar errands, taking into account the lower cargo capacity of a motorcycle.

I own both a motorcycle and a car (2005 KLR650 and a 2004 Chevrolet Aveo 5 door). I have the car simply because I can't ride the bike in the winter here. During the summer though, the car is parked 19 days out of 20, with only the occasional use if I have to transport something that won't fit on the bike or if I am going somewhere that requires me to wear a suit.

I believe there are a few people on this board that have a bike as their only means of transportation and they can probably give you a few more tips on how to arrange things.

let us know how things work out for you.

[Lion_Lady]

The thing is that once you have the motorcycle, and learn to ride, it will be some time before you are proficient.

Motorcycling is like learning any new sport... it takes time to get used to everything, longer to get good enough to hold your own. And riding means holding your own with the SUVs and cell phone idiots and staying alive.

If you're really stuck for cash, a motorcycle can eat up all the spare $ you've got and still need more.

A MC is cheaper to purchase, but you need gobs of other stuff too. Don't consider riding without protective gear. Going down can end your career OR your life and you've GOT to dress for the crash, espcially as you learn proficiency.

Up to you, but it may be smarter cashwise to get a decent car for now.

P

[TechTMW]

I have been searching for a fuel-efficient vehicle that I can still be proud to drive around FSU campus. The only vehicles I have found that meet these stipulations are motorcycles.

I don't know what "proud to drive" really means, but I have a volkswagen polo I bought for $800 and have had for 2 years now. It doesn't look good, but it gets about 40mpg and runs like a top. I'm very proud to drive that car.

My previous car was a Mazda Protege I spent $1200 on. Got about the same gas mileage, etc. Looked about the same too, and I know cars like this exist in your area because I lived in Northren Florida for a few years ...

The Awesome part is, because I have cheap (ok ok ... junky) cars, I can also afford a motorcycle.

I don't think your first motorcycle should be your only form of transportation. Too many variables really, and you might decide you don't like motorcycling, and then you've gone and wasted your money. A little Humility is a good thing - you save money and usually you have the last laugh. And besides if you are looking for potential dates, etc, the best ones won't care what kind of car you drive anyway

[Vit0r]

To me, a motorcycle is just a recreational vehicle. It's a toy, why do you think its so fun? It's just like a jet-ski, or snowmobile. But then again I'm coming from a place with 4 seasons and you only get to see the motorcycles once winter passes. I have a friend in Virginia with an R6 and he never takes the thing out on roads with a speed limit of over 45mph.

Its all about safety, and as far as a motorcycle goes, it's not very safe, what if you were on a motorcycle instead of that Yukon? But ahh well, get the bike.

[CNF2002]

I ride my bike as my primary transportation. Get a good set of saddlebags (preferrably cloth ones that have zippers to extend the capacity if needbe) and keep some bungie straps along, they make special mesh tiedowns for bikes.

If you really have alot to travel with you can get a big tail bag along with your saddlebags.

I do have a Jeep that I use when I have to haul something or I can drive my wifes car, but honestly I do that very rarely...unless its raining heavily. Buying an old beater is sometimes worth while, but if you aren't mechanically inclined it can be a nightmare that ends up sucking your wallet dry.

Get a small bike! Not just because you're new to riding but running around on campus will not be fun with a big bike. Watch out for the sorority girls and frat boys on the cell!

[storysunfolding]

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.

[sapaul]

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.