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In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I give you 7 reasons NOT to own a motorcycle.
I realize this might sound strange coming from someone who is passionate about motorcycles, but I believe you should consider the facts before deciding to ride.
If you have family members that aren’t excited about your new hobby, be sure to listen to this podcast. I think I might know why.
More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about:
- 7 things to consider before you decide to ride a motorcycle.
- Getting the approval of your family before you decide.
- How to eliminate resentment over your new purchase.
- Why credit card debt and new motorcycles don’t mix.
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Hello David,
I think you are a quite biased on your opinions. In two cases mostly, let me explain.
The first, towards your current “in the forties, married with children” status. Of course it is your case, but not the case of other novice riders which is your target public, which in my opinion could be mainly younger, single, people.
The second, take in account that Internet is a WORLD WIDE scenery. So, have you thought that maybe in India (where english is a second language) people might be interested in your site? Like in most developing countries, the vast majority of motorcycles are small engine motorcycles and scooters which initial cost, and maintenance are really low (because of their local origin).
Congrats for coming back and thank you very much for your efforts, I hope not to hurt your feelings with my comments, as they come from another point of view in Bogotá, Colombia (South America).
Regards,
JAIME GUERRERO
Seasoned Rider
@Jaime
I welcome other points of view. I would love to hear more about motorcycling in South America, and I am sure others would too! Contact me via the contact form if you would be willing to write something.
David
Sorry, but I’d like to refute some of these claims.
1 “Motorcycles are expensive”
Really? Calculate total expenses per mile traveled for bikes vs private car ownership, rental cars, taxi, public transport and you’ll find bikes come out best [or second best] in the price war.
2 “Motorbikes are dangerous”
Yes, but… how much of this is the riders fault? Most dangers are avoidable if the rider is prudent. The biggest danger on a bike is the rider him/herself.
3 “Bikes take up space”
I see my small bike footprint as an advantage when looking for parking
4 “motorcycles can cause money fights”
so can gambling, stamp collecting and leaving the toilet seat up. Consider that your relationship and not the bike is the issue. I own a bike instead of a car. Everyday I save money via bike ownership.
5 “Motorcycles can cause resentment”
seems to be the same argument as point #4
6 “Motorcycles take time”
As a city transport option my bike saves me time. It’s much faster to get around than any other option. And think of this… my time on a bike is my ‘motorbike therapy’. Clears my head and lets me de-stress my life. What’s that worth?
7 “Motorcycles are addictive”
Hears where I agree with you. If I’m a few days off the bike then i start feeling itchy and need to get back on and go for a ride. Riding is poetry. A song of quiet pleasure and exhilaration unequaled. A joy so familiar to me and yet always enjoyed anew. Stress, aggression, frustration, disappointment, and all other negatives all fall away as the road passes beneath me. Bike riding is part of my mental health maintenance.
Thanks for an enjoyable podcast.
Shalom from Jerusalem
@ Shalom
Thanks for listening to the podcast and for your thorough reply… from Jerusalem.
My assumption, which would be accurate for most, is that a motorcycle would be a ‘second vehicle’ and wouldn’t replace their need for a car. This is certainly the case for me.
1. My problem, which many would probably relate to, is that when I ‘drive’ to lunch I travel 15 miles. When I ‘ride’ to lunch on a motorcycle, I go twice that distance because… I’m on a motorcycle. Kinda negates the slight mpg savings. Plus I ride to nowhere, for no reason. I never drive there in a car.
2. I agree that we CAN reduce our risks.
3. My motorcycle is taking up additional space because it didn’t replace my car.
4. Sounds like you have only a motorcycle.
5. Resentment over money is only one aspect… spending time away from family, etc. are others.
6. and 7. I agree with you. Well said!
David
Thank you for the podcasts. I am in my 40’s and returning to riding a motorcycle.
I use to ride in my early 20’s but marriage and kids became more important. Well my kids are grown up, the wife is gone, so here I am buying a motorcycle again. I have ordered a new BMW. In this podcast I agree with most of your points.
The expense, although I am at a point in my life where I can afford it, there was a time when I couldn’t, raising a family and their needs came first. The parking, I know what you mean. I have measured my carport, I think I can fit both in.
Bikes dangerous? Of course they are. Am I kinda worried about riding again? Yup. Am I going to take a refresher course, you bet. I cleared the motorcycle thing with my mom, she said as long as I had a will, it was all good. Anyways, thanks again, I will go listen to podcast # 4 now.
@Robert
Thanks for writing. I took off a couple of decades to raise a family too. Good luck. Keep me posted on your new BMW.
David
Why aren’t the first three episodes on iTunes?
@Joseph
Thanks for the heads up. There’s a problem with my feed that limits to 15 episodes. I’m working the issue and hope to have it resolved soon.
David