Downsizing to two wheels - Motorcycle interest revs up

Readers have been very vocal this spring and summer about their growing interest in motor scooters and motorcycles as a means to reduce their fuel consumption. The rapid rise in fuel prices is taking an unexpected toll on the average household, and these two-wheeled machines promise an entertaining alternative to commuting by car.

As we have conveyed in the forum and through blogs, the Cars team is looking very seriously at motorcycles and scooters. We've been visiting dealers, talking to manufacturers, and studying market research as we get our collective hands around these products and related issues.

Survey says….
One tool we have used is our latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The focus for this random, nationwide telephone survey was gas prices, and the results are presented in "Gas prices survey shows pain at the pump hurts at home." In constructing the interview-based survey, we did slip in a question asking the adult car drivers if they have considered the ultimate vehicle downsize--giving up two wheels.

What we found is that 26 percent have considered this significant change, with 18 percent looking at a motorcycle and 14 percent drawn to a scooter.

As we wrote in "Motorists move to scooters and motorcycles to save," sales of scooters are up 24 percent for the first few months of 2008. With gas prices continuing to rise, sales could increase during the summer months.

These numbers are quite dramatic given the inherent compromises with two-wheel transit, such as seasonal, fair weather use; limited speed; limited passenger and cargo capacity; and of course, safety. But clearly, there is an accelerating trend that we will continue to monitor.

Are you using a motorcycle or motor scooter to reduce your fuel costs? Considering purchasing one?

Join in the discussion in our forum. We’re interested in hearing how often you drive one; what you’re riding or considering; and what kind of fuel economy you are observing.

As always, be safe.

—Jeff Bartlett

Join the discussion in the Cars forums to share how gas prices have impacted your lifestyle and what adjustments you are making to compensate. If you’d rather talk motorcycles and scooters, visit this forum.

Comments

[pfoday]

I bought a bike two years ago and i get 54.5 miles to the gallon there are a number of risk however and you must be vigalante everytime you leave to go somewhere. You can basically have your first and last accident ever if your for get being careful. staying in presenttime at all times.

[Dean Chao]

Yup. I've been commuting on bikes since 2005. I remember reading stats somewhere that in an accident, motorcyclist are 27 times more likely to die than drivers.

It's dangerous, and it requires a lot more attention from the riders than drivers. I especially hate it when you come across a careless driver who don't see you and cuts into your lane.

I also dropped my bike once on the ramp when going off the highway. That wasn't a pleasant experience.

Having said that. I still ride almost everyday to work and school. I've known the routes, traffic patterns, and other drivers' habits so well that I feel comfortable riding everyday.

It takes sensibility on my part too. No snaking in traffic, respect other vehicles, and always be attentive. I don't ride in rain and I make sure my bike and riding gears are visible at night.

[Dan]

I have been riding on the streets for nearly 20 years. Mostly I would ride for the sheer enjoyment, but lately the gas prices have made riding a near necessity.

Motorcycle riding has always been a bit dangerous, but never more than the last 10 years. Ever since people started paying more attention to their cell phones, than their surroundings.

I can't tell you how many times I have had a drive look directly at me while on a phone, then proceed to pull right out in front of me. Hands free kits, do little to help. They are still distracted by their conversation.

Anyone thinking about buying a motorcycle to commute should consider the advise I give friends who come to me asking about motorcycles.

Spend the several hundred dollars to take a riding course. Most will offer you a motorcycle to take the course, and you will learn many things. Riding requires a different kind of coordination, if you are riding an actual motorcycle and not a scooter. Riding has to be second nature, because you have to be ultra perceptive about your surroundings.

Common sense helps as well. To me, it seems no so common anymore though.

[Peter (Poxy)]

Don't forget hidden costs of Motorcycles. I commute 50 miles a day,rain or shine. They don't save as much as you think, if you are outfitted correctly.

Motorcycles cost around $8,000 but have practical lives of around 80,000 miles.

Insurance for me is $250/year (no comprehensive, 40 year old married male)

Hidden costs:

Tires: $600/year (2 sets)
Tune ups: $500/year
Helmet: $500
Leather jacket and pants: $1000
Gloves: $200
Boots: $150
Rain gear: $200

You don't really save too much money commuting on a bike. You save time...and that's in California where lane sharing is legal. You could skimp on the safety gear, but I'd prefer my skin on my body, not on the road.

[Stephen Hendricks]

My first motorcycle got 110 miles per gallon. My friends were driving Honda Super Cubs that got about 215 miles per gallon.

I enjoyed that machine until I upgraded to a 750cc CB750 which never broke 35 miles per gallon.

Today I am concerned about environment. Air cooled engines in motorcycles that get 50 mpg pollute as much as 90 times as much as automobiles. My 3500 lbs Volkswagen Jetta gets 49 mpg around town.

It cost less than many of the ear splitting loud and dirty V-twin motorcycles and gets better fuel economy. Since most motorcycles will use premium gasoline, there is no price advantage over my diesel.

BMW and Honda make motorcycles that meet Euro III standards. They have fuel injection, catalytic converters and excellent performance. The Honda Gold Wing (about $22K) can be had with an air bag. The BMW has both ABS and ASC (active stability control).

Other than these brands motorcycles pollute far more than several SUVs.

Proper clothing and safety gear can add another $1500 to $2000 to the purchase price if a rider is serious about safety as should be the case.

Motorcycles are not efficient at all. They pollute more than dozens of cars. This should be a factor in anyones decision to buy one.

They are also 37 times more likely to kill their driver than an automobile is. With the new riders, this rate is rising rapidly due to inadequate safety training and inadequate licensing.

[Fred]

I have recently started to eliminate 2 wheels along with a motor. I've always wanted a motorcycle since I've been an avid cyclist for a long time but the fact that I nearly get hit by drivers crossing a street steers me away from nearly getting hit by drivers when at speed.

I guess it could depend on your geographical location and their attentiveness. what i've noticed when traveling in other countries , some with large motorcycle population, they see an obstacle and steer to avoid. everyone here slams on their brakes and plows into the obstacles. too many are zoned out driving.

[micah]

mr. Stephen hendricks,
You post is fairly entertaining. Not a single stat in your post is anywhere close to being correct. As with most stats I find it a good practice to cut in half the figure that someone might be claiming in support of their case. In this instance it would still not come even in the correct city much less ballpark. I have no idea how you came up with any of it, or why when so obviously knowing so little on a subject would attempt to say anything on it. That being said, it was memorable.

[carlo]

I've been an avid motorcyclist since 1969. I've crashed 4 times (the school of hard knocks, which I was lucky to have survived intact), the last time was in 1977.
I made a commitment about 10 years ago to ride my motorcycle for work and errands whenever the weather permitted. That means whenever there's no ice or snow on the roads. I ride in the rain regularly.
This is not a viable means of transportation for everyone. Many people just don't have the ability to concentrate and pay attention that's required to ride a motorcycle safely.
As for the expense of owning a motorcycle; that depends a lot on what kind of motorcycle you own.
A high performance sportbike is not going to be cheap to own. Sportbike tires are very expensive and made of very soft rubber compound which causes them to wear out rapidly. Insurance is very high (as it should be) for sportbikes. They're extremely powerful machines, many of them capable of more than 170 mph. New riders who buy such motorcycles crash often, and even more experienced riders can get in over thier heads.
A 250 to 500cc dual sport (dirtbike with lights and turn signals) will cost way less, especially if you're willing to do your own routine maintenance. Tires for smaller lower performance bikes can be had quite cheaply, and they tend to last quite a bit longer. Insurance is cheap. Parts are inexpensive, and they don't have a lot of expensive plastic to replace should you drop one in a parking lot (the most common form of motorcycle "crash".

[Bill]

Been riding for 5 years and fortunate to live in Calif where lane splitting is legal. Get about 50 miles/gallon on a kawasaki sportbike. More important than money is time saved. Other cars spend hours in the commute back and forth. Motorcyclists split lanes and cut commute time in half. Parking in downtown is cheaper and easier to find. Besides, its fun.

Downside is that gear is expensive, but worth every penny you spend on it. Also, when the weather is bad or is raining, you need extra gear for cold+rain when riding. Then obviously is the inherent danger of riding motorcycles, what is a non-injury minor collision for a car driver is a possibe fatality or serious injury for a motorcycle rider.

Must be vigilant and alert at all times, you cannot let your guard down not even for a second, and that can be emotionally very draining.

Riding is not for everyone, but more people are really getting into it and after taking training classes and getting an motorcycle license, they are beginning to like it and we are seeing more of them on the road.

[tym]

Stephen Hendricks,
You blow.
"My first motorcycle got 110 miles per gallon. My friends were driving Honda Super Cubs that got about 215 miles per gallon."
Are you sure you aren't talking per tank of gas? Because not even 2-stroke bikes get better than 65mpg. So unless those Honda Cubs were wind powered... you are remembering those numbers wrong

"Today I am concerned about environment. Air cooled engines in motorcycles that get 50 mpg pollute as much as 90 times as much as automobiles." 2-stroke bikes are more polluting but no one has made any of those for road use in 20years. I have 1200cc v-twin that gets better gas mileage than a Toyota Prius (and apparently your Jetta). Too bad you aren't concerned about environment enough to get the facts straight.

"Since most motorcycles will use premium gasoline, there is no price advantage over my diesel."
I don't know when you last checked but diesel costs A LOT more than even premium gas. But even so NO ONE "requires premium gas" for road bikes. Some people may choose it... because they don't know the facts either and stupidity costs more.

Anyway I've been ridding since 1997. I ride everyday rain, snow, shine. Through Utah winters and LA traffic. I currently do a 45 minute commute daily, Pasadena to Irvine. The same trip takes and hour and 30 minutes by car. Sure you have to be careful but you should be careful in a car too.
I traded my every morning stress filled frustrating drive into 45 minutes of bliss and enjoyment. I can't describe to you how satisfying it is to pass the hundreds of sheep sitting in stop and go traffic every morning.
As long as we are making facts up I'm SURE:
- Hundreds more people die every day in car accidents than motorcycle accidents.
- a motorcycle getting 50+ mpg running for 45 minutes. Releases less CO2 than any ICE car in "stop and go" for an hour and 30 minutes. (and wont make you late for work)

[Russ]

Ditto the above safety comments about staying constantly alert, wearing the right equipment, and riding conservatively. The chances are pretty good that you'll turn the shiny side up sooner or later if you ride long enough, so it makes no sense at all to pass up a good padded jacket and gloves (as well as a good helmet, or course). Although the really good equipment costs and you should get it if you can afford it, you can buy a passable helmet, jacket and gloves for less than $500. I'm 64 and ride a 150cc scooter regularly to pick up a few groceries, etc, averaging 65-70 mpg .. and expect every car at every intersection to pull out in front of me. But it's great fun! That said, my 24-34 mpg manual transmission Honda Accord is more efficient if you carry a couple of passengers -- and much safer.

[Peter Jensen]

Motorcycle rider deaths are nearly 30 times more than drivers of other vehicles.

[Peter Jensen]

Another thought about the cost of motorcycles.

Anyone who has worked on a neuro floor in a major hospital knows how many motorcyclists end up as quads or vegetables. They end up hospitalized or in nursing homes on the public dole.

A freeway is an especially unforgiving place for aa motorcycle, despite the fact that it cuts the driving time to work.

[Jim Dire]

Some observations garnered through thirty years of motorcycle riding--

DON'T put soft rubber tires on your bike. Tomahawk tires are what cycle messengers use--they will grip the road tightly and last practically forever. (They are made by an aircraft tire manufacturer.)

Motorcycle liability insurance can be had for less than $100 per year. Theft insurance is way too pricey--after three years of paying the premiums you could have bought another bike. Just get a good lock, lock the bike always wherever you park it, and have a place to keep the bike at night that is enclosed and off the street.

If you live in a state that allows lane splitting you will always get where you are going twice as fast on a bike than in a car. Even if a bike gets 25 MPG and a car gets 35 MPG the bike will leave behind less CO2 because it will arrive at its destination in 20 rather than 40 minutes. In 30 years riding a bike I have saved NINE STRAIGHT MONTHS of sitting in traffic.

For first time bike-riders: take a safety course. These are usually offered by your state's DMV or Highway Patrol, and are well worth it. Motorcycle riding means retraining yourself COMPLETELY as to what to watch for on the road. Better to have someone teach it to you rather than find it out yourself the hard way.

Wear a good full-face helmet, good protective clothing and gloves. There are even airbag suits available, that plug into a socket on the bike. If an accident sends you flying, the plug disengages and the suit inflates just like an airbag, providing the driver with a soft landing.

[Richard]

I would love to see CR jump in to the issue of Snell v. DOT helmet standards that was stirred up by the article in one of the motorcycle magazines (google "blowing the lid off").

Get about 54 mpg on my BMW and 45 mpg on my Honda, both 1100 cc engines.

[Tony]

Re: Stephen Hendricks

I will echo comments made that you have a poor memory for gas mileage on the old Hondas. I owned several and none of them got anywhere near 70 mpg let alone 215!
I have been riding for 40 years and have owned and ridden almost every brand made. And as for those "dirty V twin motorcycles" they have converters and are fuel injected and are as clean as any other bike and cleaner than your diesel...For your info. all new motorcycles have to pass epa emissions standards just like new cars. Oh by the way, a full dressed Harley will get up to 52 mpg on the highway. Get your head out of the sand and start reading and learning before you post garbage.

[Mark Randol]

Hi Steve. Lots of bad information in here, as is common from someone that doesn't ride, or 'used to ride'. I've been commuting and riding for around 15 years.

"Today I am concerned about environment."

Then you also need to take into account the energy used to manufacture, transport, and dispose of the vehicle. Also don't forget that your Jetta (I have a '95) takes up more space on the road, wears it more, takes more space to park...

"Since most motorcycles will use premium gasoline, there is no price advantage over my diesel."

Your point is not only incorrect on price, but many motorcycles don't require premium gas. Recommended is common, but the newer engine computers common on newer motorcycles due to tightening emissions standards will account for lower octane just like they do on most (all?) cars nowadays. Just watch what you're buying. The typical scooter or smaller commuting motorcycle is likely not going to be that high strung anyway.

"Proper clothing and safety gear can add another $1500 to $2000 to the purchase price if a rider is serious about safety as should be the case."

For all decent quality gear, not 'top-of-the-line' stuff which often is more style and branding than function, helmet $200, boots $150, jacket $200, pants $150, gloves $50, rainsuit $100. Total $850. For top level, which isn't necessarily more protective but *can be* more durable $400 helmet, $800 for suit (jacket and pants, doubles as rainsuit), $150 gloves, $300 boots. $1650 total. None of this is a particular well known brand to the general public, but are from reputable manufactures. Careful shopping can get the cost well under those I've cited.

As is usually the case, the most important safety gear is between your ears. Get training. Be alert. Anticipate and plan for trouble. But then, you do all that while driving your 4 wheeler, yes?

"They are also 37 times more likely to kill their driver than an automobile is. With the new riders, this rate is rising rapidly due to inadequate safety training and inadequate licensing."

Depends on how you cook the statistics, but one of the higher reputable claims I've seen is motorcyclists die at around 15X of drivers in total. Note that small car drivers also die at a high multiple of what average drivers too. Time to park the Jetta and fire up that SUV?

Rider training made great strides in the 90's, but is a source of great controversy in the motorcycling community right now. Some think that training has been subverted to sell more units more than to train safe, life long riders. Others say the changes make riding 'more accessible'. Either way, it's better if you're not familiar with motorcycles to take a class. In most states you'll get an insurance break AND a waiver to the driven part of the licensing test. Believe me that's because the class is much tougher to pass than any license test in the US.

Fatality rates have been rising in recent years after decades of declining, and there are many theories as to why.

For more info...
www.ridetowork.org - the Ride to Work Day web page
www.mcnews.com - Motorcycle Consumer News. Widely considered one of the best product review and news magazines
www.amadirectlink.com - American Motorcylist Association

In the end, it's each individual's choice. Ain't it great!

[Wayne H.]

Some of the statistics stated above are, indeed, skewed against motorcycles. Because many buy a motorcycle and, without any formal training and little practice, get into big trouble the statistics are more meaningful when you compare the injury and death rate for serious or daily riders than for everyone who throws a leg over.

The biggest cause of motorcycle accidents , to my knowledge, is a car turning into the motorcyclists path illegally because, "I didn't see him!" That is because people are conditioned to look for large vehicles on four wheels rather than motorcycles or bicycles. Experienced riders know this and, together with not losing their heads in a turn, make wide berth and anticipate errors on the part of others.

Best advice I ever got was, "When you ride, think of yourself as invisible because, to many cagers (auto drivers), you are!"

[Rich]

In early May I was fed up with the pump prices. I signed up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation(MSF) Basic Class. After 3 days of class I passed the test and purchased a Honda Rebel 250cc bike. I am using it for commuting back and forth to work and for running errands. So far it has averaged 70+ MPG. I bought a 2007 Rebel on Craigslist for $2600. It runs great, is easy to drive, and is already saving at the pump.

As for the costs everyone keeps mentioning, I used bikebandit.com and newenough.com and purchased a helmet($100), jacket($80), gloves($25), and boots on 50% sale at a local Harley store for )$60). All totaled was less than $300. Insurance was $112 for 12 months.

The safety issue is always a concern but there is no argument on fuel savings and especially on fun!

[Al Munro]

I own two motorcycles at this time. I've owned many more over the past 30+ years. I must caution that motorcycles require more frequent routine maintenance and service than do cars (and bikes won't go nearly as many miles before being junked). Shop rates are high, and parts are expensive. I sacrifice a great deal of time to keep my motorcycles running at minimal cost: I shudder to think what maintenance must cost the less mechanically-inclined! I would never counsel anyone to buy a motorcycle as a cost saving measure. The "cheap on gas" aspect of motorcycling might fool your spouse when you're campaigning to buy a bike, but commuting by motorcycle is not cheap. Too, your spouse is more likely to let you buy a small, less-than-satisfying bike for your commute, but you'll trade up at great expense (sometimes two or three times) before you're happy. Suitable riding clothing and helmet will set you back several hundred dollars, too. Don't buy a bike for the gas savings!

[McD]

Bicycles are the two wheelers of choice in my opinion - better for health, environment and pocketbook. Why would CR encourage the use of motorcycles and scooters? Overall, small cars offer far more compelling safety, pollution, cost, utility and comfort profiles. Superficial reporting on this topic is a disservice. Tell the whole story.

[Kevin Janik]

I have been riding for about 30 years, A drunk driver made a left turn over me once, I walked away from it with a broken arm, bike was totalled though, yes you are more likeley to die in a bike /car accident, however when your number is up, its up....no matter what your life style when its your time to go, you will. Nothing you can do will prevent that, so at the end of the day it matters not what your driving, nor what your doing. I do agree motorcycling is expensive to break into from the start, but your not forced to buy a bunch of stuff like chaps and all kinds of leathers, if you just use common sense and drive defensively you should be just fine.

[HyperPete]

Quote: "Tires: $600/year (2 sets)
Tune ups: $500/year
Helmet: $500
Leather jacket and pants: $1000
Gloves: $200
Boots: $150
Rain gear: $200"

LOL! What a bonehead!`
I've been riding since the late 70's. 2 sets of tires a year? What planet are you from?

A decent set of tires ( Dunlop Elite 3's on my M109) will last close to 10,000 miles. The Elite 3s will cost me about $350, MAX. How much will a set of tires for your cage, er, car cast you? $700? 1,000?

A tuneup every year?! Maybe for a 1970's machine. Anything new is fuel injected and computer controlled (Except maybe 'Hardleys') and will not need "tuneups."

$500 for a helmet? There are many high quality helmets the meet the more stringent European safety standards that can be purchased in the $200 - $300 price range. Not everyone needs a cutting edge helmet to keep up with the Joneses.

Leather Jacket and Pants, a GRAND?! First of all, if you are paying a GRAND for a set of leathers, perhaps you would be interested in some bridges I have for sale... Secondly, textile safety gear is every bit as effective, more comfortable, and much less expensive. By frequenting a site such as motorcyclecloseouts.com one can outfit themselves in top quality gear for a fraction of the cost at a local shop. I have a summer jacket and a "4 season" jacket, both fully armored, and combined cost was around $200. I don't need my motorcycle's brand name emblazoned across my chest so I look trendy and cool. Textile pants also cost a fraction the cost of leather. If you MUST wear leather, that is available at a discounted rate too. The most expensive on this site is $700, with the majority 1/2 that. http://tinyurl.com/56yrgr

$200 for gloves?!?! PLEASE, talk to me about my bridges! I won't even go into details on this one!

Boots, $150, that's reasonable. No argument.

$200 for a rain suit, again, possible if you buy locally, but FAR from necessary. You can get a Nelson Riggs Stormrider Rainsuit here for $29.95: http://tinyurl.com/6k6dy4

You are also forgetting all the costs of a cage. Emissions inspections in PA are $60 as well as the Motor Vehicle Inspection. Washer Fluid. A/C Recharges. Wiper Blades. Twice the oil every oil change, (a larger environmental impact too!) Tolls cost more. Lots of windows that can and do get damaged and need replacing. My face shield on a helmet might cost me $30.

I have to write this. That was the most uniformed and off base message I have seen in ages. I wonder if the author actually rides, of if he just pretends to (or plays a rider on TV j/k)

Sorry if I came off strongly. Someone needed to post some real facts instead of the nonsensical drivel I quoted above!

Cheers. (and Roebuck!)

[Digger63074]

With regard to: Al Munro | Jul 7, 2008 1:05:43 AM

Don't know what bikes you're riding today, but take a look at Yamaha's maintenance schedule - oil change every 4000 miles vs. every 3000 miles recommended for cars - seems to me, there's a 1000 bonus that goes to the bike. The older bikes might require a higher-level of maintenance but the newer ones sure don't. Not to mention, I'm wearing out only 2-tires instead of 4 at a time...

[Andre Mancini]

Apart from the saving in petrol, riding a motorbike is great fun too. Ive recently bought my first bike (a CBR125r) which gets about 220km with $10 (about 6 - 7 litres). Its also good in traffic, saving plenty of time and the stress.

Staying alert is a must, many idiots out there. Getting professional lessons is one of the best ways to invest in your safety as is protective gear. Staying alert is a must but its easy to get used to as there is no stereo or mobile to distract you.

Servicing has been surprisingly expensive costing me $185 for a CBR125 though im sure theres cheaper out there. They do require more TLC than a car does and requires it more often to ensure a safe ride. I paid my bike $3200 AUS for a secondhand 2007 model which is far cheaper than any car only a few months old. Rego is very cheap but insurance really hits the pocket at $600 comprehensive but i guess its because im 19 and its classified as a sports bike.

[dave]

Pretty much everything in the post of "Stephen Hendricks" is incorrect.

There are far too many liquid-cooled fuel-injected motorcycles to list and virtually all meet/exceed Euro III pollution or comparable, or even more strict standards.

Where did you get the idea that only a couple of models by BMW and Honda do? Nearly all do nowadays but for a few exotic and rare racetrack-only models. What a strange and ignorant post...

There is a good chance a lot of the odd responses on this page by supposed "motorcycle owners" are by non-motorcycle owners, and probably those car drivers who swerve at you in jealousy because they're too out of shape to ride a bike.

Peter's price and maintenance list was also about 30 years outdated. Unless the two of you are pushing 80 years old and riding a bike you purchased when you were 20, I don't know where on Earth your information comes from.

[dave]

Here is a safety tip that will also give you a new hobby and be the most fun you've ever had: look up some local racetrack riding lessons or trackdays.

So many organizations nowadays are offering trackdays for everyone from people with their first bike just learning how to clutch and counter-steer, all the way to expert racers, on world class race tracks. Its a great way to push your skills to the limit so that you really know what you're capable of and have more control on the road. Walking seems easy once you've gotten used to running and jumping, same goes for getting used to pushing a bike on a track.

[bobby]

Out of curiousity, how many of you who are pointlessly anti-motorcycle such as Mcd, are grossly overweight and unable to do anything athletic such as ride a motorcycle?

[Robert Land]

With rising gas prices motorcycles sales have increased significantly. Buyers beware, if ordering accessories for your new toy motorcycle expect long delays on receiving.

I purchased a Suzuki Boulevard C50 from Cycle World in Virginia Beach Virginia. At the time of purchase I ordered a windshield, back rest, saddle bags and passenger floor boards. I was told that the order will take 3 to 4 days. For the windshield this was delivered close to promised time. After 6 weeks of waiting for the remainder of the accessories I still have not received the parts. Both Cycle World and Suzuki gave me the impression that it is the customers issue and that the customer should cheerfully give them your money and the will get you the product when it is convenient for them. You will quickly become a difficult customer if you insist on receive your purchased items in a timely manor.

Do not let them bully you. Contact your local Consumer Protect agency, your state Consumer Protection Agency and the Federal Consumer Agency. There are laws to protect you.

[Byron]

I'm going on 50 yrs. old and this is the first year I've owned a motorcycle. My first bike was a 500cc Buell Blast and gets 58 mpg when the wind is blowing hard in my face. I've decided to ship that to my daughter in California for her off highway commuting and have bought a 1200cc Buell Ulysses XB12XT. Why I haven't done this before is something I agonize over now.

So far this summer I've saved over 4000 miles on my CRV, the vast majority of it commuting to work and getting 13 - 17 mpg better fuel economy on a daily basis. The routine maintenance I'm able to do puts me back in touch with my vehicle and ensures that I'm riding a dependable piece of equipment everyday. I can't remember the last time I've checked the oil in my CRV, but I do one every second or third fillup on the Uly. I do a walkaround before every ride.

Lots of people have pointed out good safety equipment - ditto. I ride armored and full faced at all times. I've had good luck so far with folks not pulling out in front of me, but that day will come. I took the MSF's Basic Rider Course (highly recommended) and noted that I was the only participant wearing textile clothing in bright visible colors. I sit up on my bike and can see over the tops of other cars, so they'll have to be blind or totally disregarding every function of driving to miss the huge bumble bee buzzing toward them. I ride to live.

I can't think of any other time in my driving history that I've had better peripheral and rear view than I do on my bike. If an airplane or meteor was hurtling towards Earth in my path, I could see it to avoid it. My greatest challenge will be deer this fall. They will tell me if it's too late to ride, hopefully before I meet one up close and personal.

If you've been on the edge of getting or not getting a motorcycle or scooter, ask yourself how much risk you're willing to accept. Then ask yourself how much risk you're already accepting by driving in the first place. Can you afford the investment? Take a safety course, don't overdo it, ride within your capability and always be safe while you're out there having fun in the twisties!

[Ray]

I am conidering buying a crusing bike, simply for pleasure. I have not owned a motorcycle in over 30 years. Back then safety was a large concern. Just like today, you seemed to be invisable. My plan is to start out as far away from traffic as possible.(back roads). I don't need it for commuting as I am in construction and my job requires a truck that is furnished by my employer along with a credit card to keep it filled and running. I am tossing up Harley vs. Honda at the present time and leaning toward the Honda. I am not looking for the Badboy image. I have taken the safety coarse and found that all my skills from yesteryear have not forsaken me. I am looking forward to a nice Sunday afternoon ride with the wind in my face. I know that once I take that first ride I will be hooked. Thanks for all your posts. They were very helpful. By the way, any advice as to Harley or Honda?

[Chadd]

I've been a motorcycle commuter for about 7 years now and have had my license since 1991. I am married with two small children and commute 22 miles a day/5 days a week which puts me roughly at 5500 commuting miles a year, plus I take one or two long(1000 mile roundtrip) rides to my hometown every year. So about 8k miles a year.

It can definitely be argued that, in the end, the cost of upkeep and consumables for a motorcycle make it no more economical than driving a small sedan. I guess it depends on whether or not you do your own maintenance and how savvy a shopper you are. I have broken even on my initial gear and initial bike costs, mainly by being cheap and looking for deals.

I don't buy new bikes and I suggest than anyone considering commuting should search your local craigslists for great deals on used bikes...tons of them out there. Realize this: most people don't ride their motorcycles as much as they think they will. For less than $5000 you can have a good reliable commuter bike with under 10k miles. My current rider is a '97 yamaha 600 that I purchased for $2700 with less than 4k miles. My insurance on this bike is $112 a year!

As for gear: sure you can spend obscene amounts of cash on riding gear so that you look like the clowns riding around on the weekends, but in reality(where I live) an initial investment of under $500 is doable.
Thrift stores, craigslist and eBay are great places to find leather jackets and boots. Decent rainproof pants without any frills or kewl logos can be found for ~$100. Another $50 for (a couple sets) of leather gloves for summer and winter riding. A good DOT helmet can be had for less than $100. Don't be fooled that the more expensive, the safer they are...it's not necessarily true. Perhaps *more* comfortable and stylish, but many branded helmets are made in the same factories in China. Remember, you're not competing in a beauty pageant, yer riding a motorcycle.

As for consumables and maintenance: Change your own oil and filter. It's easy with a few tools and you'll save a lot of money. If you don't know how, ask a friend of a friend to show you. Automotive motor oil and filters for most motorcycles can be found cheaper at places like Pep-boys and AutoZone. Follow a 4000 mile interval for changes.

Now for tires. This is real unavoidable expense of riding a lot. Most can last you ~10k(I have squeaked 12k out of a set once...once). Most will cost well over $100. Also, if you should get a nail or screw puncture in your pricey MC tire, you will have to buy a new one. This gets expensive if you live in areas where there’s a lot of construction. I’ve picked up screws twice in the 7 years I’ve been riding  I buy my tires from Cycle Gear and have an independent MC repair shop mount them, which last time came out to about $360 for both tires.

After 7 years old solid commuting(and with the recent spike in fuel), it's been economical for me to ride than drive our family sedan mainly because my overhead is now just tires and oil.

I'll avoid boring your with the safety side. It's dangerous and it can kill you. Like most other dangerous things, IT’S FUN.

Ride smart.

[Larry]

Safety stats (approximate) - 2,000,000 miles ridden per motorcycle death (cars- add a zero to end)
not drinking and riding- 4,000,000 per death
ride day time, full gear, safety course, experienced, read David Hough books, (all of which can really decrease single vehicle deaths- IE operator error- accounting for more then 1/2 of deaths) maybe 1/2 of this risk- so 1 death per 6-8,000,000 miles.
Still about 4 times more chance of dying- but a reasonable risk if you love to ride to work (instead of hating it), save some costs, time and enjoy dodging the daily air heads