Is it a good idea to sell your car and purchase a motorcycle to save money? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What questions need to be answered. Does it make sense?
Here is part of an email from a beginning rider:
I want to sell my car because it’s so much cheaper (vehicle costs, insurance, gas) to ride a motorcycle and I really think I could get into riding a motorcycle without a car.
My lifestyle is just simple and works with a motorcycle so I don’t need to ever carry anything around with me.
My problem is my friends think I am crazy. Am I?
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8. December 2010 at 6:58 pm
I thought about doing this my self, but I live in Virginia and it snows here. If I lived in an area where it did not snow, I would definitely sell my car.
8. December 2010 at 8:04 pm
Tony has part of it correct, it partially depends on weather in your area. If there is significant snow or possibly even rain, this could reduce the likelihood of only having a motorcycle being a practical idea. Riding in the rain or snow can make it difficult if you have to look “professional” at work.
If you can use public transport for much of your travel, a motorcycle only is not a bad choice.
I use to ride my motorcycle to work. The trip was relatively short and I found that the time to put on all the gear, etc. really defeated the simplicity of the motorcycle ride. It was just easier with the car.
9. December 2010 at 12:27 pm
@Jim: But I bet you saved a bunch of money… “Sorry guys, I can’t drive us to lunch… I rode today.”
8. December 2010 at 10:07 pm
I would not sell my car and have my bike as my sole transportation —- but if it’s a choice I have to make and I don’t have any children ……. Ill choose the . . . . . . . . . . .. . BIKE !
9. December 2010 at 2:06 am
I live in Romania and we have about 3 months of winter per year with heavy snow and chilling temperatures so I’m not gonna ride my bike till late March at the earliest (I kinda miss doing that) but my best friend who’s living in London is using his bike even now, although it’s pretty cold. If you can afford proper gear and you live in an area where the temperatures are above 5 Celsius degrees most of the year you should go try the bike, at least for a while.
9. December 2010 at 6:05 am
I have only a bike but my husband has a car. occasionally I need his car but those days are rare. Some days I drive about 1 hour and 20 minutes to work. I have done this for 2 years and found that most of the time the bike is great. Of course there are the days you get caught in torrential rain. I have a leather jacket, that does great against pelting rain. So I recommend getting good clothes.
I live in the florida keys so snow is not an issue, but have had friends in North Carolina ride their bikes on a daily basis. Even in the snow so it can be done. It just depends on your life style and your willingness to drive in anything.
9. December 2010 at 12:32 pm
@Susan: Everyone needs to experience what it is like riding in a hard rain! Here’s an article I wrote that BikeBandit asked if they could publish:
http://www.bikebandit.com/articles/Tips–How_To/IfYouNever-GetReady/
9. December 2010 at 7:52 am
I’m a late bloomer to motorcycling — I took the BRC at 47 yrs of age (4 seasons ago). I love the sport and I ride about as much as I can in Ohio. I commute with my wife (2-up). She will not get on the motorcycle if the temperature drops to 40 deg. farenheit. I’ve commuted in temperatures below that — using a car when fears of frozen overpasses keeps me off the bike. Been caught in snow twice but just took it slow and made it home.
I would NOT give up the car — my only savings with the motorcycle(s) is at the gas-pump.
My rides: Suzuki 650 V-Strom (great commuter). Honda CBR250 (scary on interstates with 2-up — which I did for a whole season).
9. December 2010 at 5:57 pm
Crazy?! Not at all. My first vehicle was a motorcycle and I logged 14,000 miles on it with no car in my life. I lived in the Adirondacks of NY and then in northern Vermont. While it was challenging in the winter and I did park the bike a lot, it opened up a new world for me. Now, more than 30 years later, I have 3 street bikes, teach riding, am a retired amateur roadracer, and run a riding school for women. It was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything!
9. December 2010 at 7:39 pm
I wouldn’t do it but had a friend who did for about six months. He went back to the car as primary and here’s why.
At the time I lived in central Florida. Some might say that’s perfect bike weather. Many days it is but when it isn’t it really su#$s and believe or not we did get some really cold days… not like the Northeast but they did happen.
Heavy rain was also something he didn’t want to put up with anymore as was the lack of storage space.
Think about how often you go to the store and have more than a couple of bags. Think about going to the grocery store or getting a bag of fertilizer at Home Depot.
Like I said having a bike as my only vehicle wouldn’t work for me but if it works for you more power to ya.
9. December 2010 at 8:27 pm
@Kevin: I think I would make it better in northern climates than in the Florida heat. Black pavement, exhaust heat from cars, the blaring sun… and of course my vented [but hot] riding jacket.
I’m getting hot just thinking about it. My riding buddies are always ragging me when I say, “Nah, it’s too hot today.”
9. December 2010 at 7:41 pm
I just bought a 2005 Harley and am 69 yrs old, my friends think I’m crazy. I’m having fun.
If you think you can live without a car, I don’t think your crazy at all.
9. December 2010 at 8:42 pm
I agree with Judy.. My first year of “street” riding was in Boston Ma. Couldn’t get a car license till I was 16-1/2 so it was me and my bike at 15-1/2. Ahhh downtown Bean Town in January, rush hour traffic, nor’easters…The Tobin Bridge…
If motorcycling only is what you want to do, do it. But I would keep the car around (just in case), then if it does’nt work out you can always re-register it. You didn’t say what part of the country you live in or how long you’ve been riding, so, be sure to dress for the elements pick the proper motorcycle and equipment and remember… Car drivers in the cooler climits really don’t expect to see motorcycles so ride accordingly.
If you do end up riding in the snow/ice one things for sure… You will come out with a real sense of smooth because…. It’ll be your butt on the line. As for your friends tell them TPbhhhhh. Remember, It’s all about YOU !
But most of all… Stay Safe and Have Fun !!
9. December 2010 at 10:28 pm
The only problem I see is groceries. If you have a friend willing to take you once a month, then HEY! I wish I could but with a family, it is next to impossible. Since getting back into riding in 2007, I have put less miles on the truck then my bikes. I have a 2009 HD Fat Bob that has just over 8000 miles on it that I got in FEB 09. I have been deployed since Feb this year and with field time and training that i opted for the truck in lue of the bike because of gear. It’s hard to strap a ruck sack, body armor and a helmet to the bike. If i had a civilian job, i would consider living somewhere warm and selling my truck and go two wheels everywhere. The wife has an SUV so room is not too much of an issue. Now that i think about it…………
10. December 2010 at 4:15 am
The questions I think you need to ask yourself are:-
- can I cope with inclement weather
- is local transport a realistic alternative when necessary
- do I need to carry more than one passenger
- can I add sufficient luggage to my bike for shopping, tools etc
- am I physically fit enough to ride all year and long distances if necessary
- what happens if I’m not well enough to ride
- who else does it affect if I only have a bike and is that a challenge
- do I need to be very presentable for work
I suggest you make two lists, one of the positives and one of the negatives taking into account as much about your lifestyle as possible, this will certainly help you make the right decision.
Take a course with a reputable training school to pass your test including an Advanced day at least before you get on the road. Ride as many different bikes as possible before you buy. I made the mistake of buying a cruiser before taking my course and passing the Basic and first level Advanced and very much wish I owned a sports cruiser rather than an out and out cruiser. As a lady biker, I use my bike as often as I can in all weathers and love it!
Most of all, have fun, ride safe and always assume that every other rider/driver on the road are trying to knock you off your machine.
10. December 2010 at 2:30 pm
Just to add another two cents to what has been said. While I have a car backup, I routinely go grocery shopping on my motorcycling. I have a Givi top pack on the back of my bike and it is very spacious (holds two helmets) and has internal elastic straps that has proved very effective in not only grocery runs but milk runs (6 milk bottles in a container), etc. etc. etc. It works great even when the volume of stuff inside surpasses its closed capacity — I’ve navigated traffic many times with a looonnnggg loaf of French bread hanging out the back. I’ve had people stop and stare at me in disbelief as I’ve loaded my motorcycle from a shopping cart of groceries — I just wave as I drive away. I’ve gotten very good at eye-balling my shopping cart and knowing when enough is enough for the drive home. I’ve enjoyed the challenge.
Get a helmet case — you never know when you might want to take home a good CASE of wine you’ve just discovered.
24. December 2010 at 1:08 am
Crazy?! Not at all. My first vehicle was a motorcycle and I logged 14,000 miles on it with no car in my life. I lived in the Adirondacks of NY and then in northern Vermont. While it was challenging in the winter and I did park the bike a lot, it opened up a new world for me. Now, more than 30 years later, I have 3 street bikes, teach riding, am a retired amateur roadracer, and run a riding school for women. It was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything!