Motorcycles?

Question

Do you have a motorcycle? Have you ever driven one? Are they too dangerous?

I have a Chevy Blazer and it's a gas guzzler. I want to save money and I'm thinking about getting a motorcycle. I hear that insurance is way cheaper and my car payment will be cheaper too. Also, I can ride in the carpool lane driving a motorcycle in WA state. How do I get a motorcycle license? Do you think this is a good idea?

Does anyone know the approximate gas mileage of a motorcycle?

Answer 1

I will try and answer this question for you:
1. Yes I have a motorcycle and have been riding for many years.
2. Dangerous you ask? no, But you must and always pay attention to what is going on around you because someone in a car may not see you. So it is better to see them first.
3. Insurance goes by the motor size not the brand of bike.(at least State Farm does)
4. Payments: yes they could be cheaper on a smaller bike but if you buy a big 30k job then no. You can get a Harley Sporty for around $100.00 a month (that a 883 model).
5. Motorcycle License: In Va you must have a Motorcycle "learners permit" before you get the real deal also take a written and skills test at the DMV. There are schools that offer classes and once you complete the class DMV will allow you to get your license with out taking their skills test. (still need the learners permit though) Check with the local DMV office and they can tell you more.
6. Do I think it is a good idea? Hell yea. There should be more people that ride, and remember it isn't what you ride as long as you ride.
If you decide to get a bike learn ever thing about what you get, read the owners manual, take a riders course if the dealership offers them, pay attention and don't get in a hurry take your time and learn right. Be safe and watch others.
Roadog

Answer 2

Don't have a motorcycle, but wish I did. They're not dangerous to drive if you respect it, the road, and other drivers and don't do anything stupd like go much too fast etc etc.

One thing you do have to really be careful of is that other drivers on the road don't always pay attention to the motorcycles. A couple friends had cars turn left right in front of them at too close a distance. Why?? Cuz the driver "didn't see the motorcycle" !!! So you really have to be alert for this type of thing.

As for insurance, I have heard the opposite also, so check with your car insurance people ... shop around if you have to.

Best bet is to find a local "school" type setting that teaches motorcycle safety and basic maintenance. It'll cost you but well worth the expense. And would probably go a long way to the insurance quote you receive.

Plus don't go for a motorcycle bigger than you can handle. Start small until you really get the hang of it.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Motorcycles are great! The gas savings alone are worth it. Here's the deal though. Take a motorcycle safety course. Most states have them, you generally only have take it for a weekend. In some states, just bringing in your completed certificate to the DMV gets you your motorcycle endorsement. They teach you how to ride the bike and what things to be aware of. Also they teach what gear will keep you safe. Always wear a helmet and long pants. A heavy jacket with armor and good armored gloves are very important, even on a hot day. The initial investment isn't the cheapest, but it's cheaper then being dead. I believe WA doesn't require helmets, at least they didn't used to, but they will save your life in a wreck. I know this from personal experience. Do it. Bikes are great and they are much cheaper than cars. Good luck and have fun. Contact the DMV for any additional details. They can even recommend a course for you to take.

Answer 4

I have had a few bikes....currently I own a 2003 Suzuki GSX-R 1000. Bikes are great fun, but if you ride one it is only a matter of time before you lay it down. Respecting it will not save you from an accident that can not be avoided. Respecting it means that you're not out there running it 190 mph, popping wheelies, etc. Anything can cause you to wreck on a bike, from an unexpected gust of strong wind to loose gravel, poor bike maintenance, defective equipment, etc. Even the BEST of us have laid one over at one time or another.
Go to the DMV and tell them you want a motorcycle endorsement, and bring your own bike, because they're gonna set up some cones and see if you can follow some basic intructions on how to shift, accelerate, and brake while riding through a sort of make-shift driving course.
When it rains you're going to have to pull over and wait a few minutes to drive, because the first drops of rain make the road very slick because of the oil it loosens from the pavement's surface. And wrecking a bike HURTS! Even if the wreck isn't serious, it still HURTS!
Fear shouldn't stop you from enjoying yourself, and having a bike is an excellent idea! You're going to love the feeling of riding down the road on one. They are excellent on gas, unless you decide to race them. Be sure to take a safety course and learn how to ride properly.
In the long run you will probably be more satisfied with a moped because they are really cheap and some of them get up to 100 mpg. You don't need insurance on a moped, so you're going to save money on that, too. Plus, not too many people die in moped accidents.
If you do buy a motorcycle I recommend buying a GSX-R. These are the best bikes you can get right now for the price. Precise handling, smooth acceleration, and they look AWESOME! Be sure to get a leather riding jacket and a good helmet. The more skin you can cover when riding the better, otherwise when you go down you're going to have some serious scrapes.

Answer 5

Funny! Someone posted a question a few days ago, wondering if people would start buying motorcycles now that gas prices are climbing so high.

I don't recommend getting a bike just to save gas. You shouldn't get one unless you really love them, can't live without one, etc. Insurance is probably cheaper, but it does depend on the type of bike you get.

But all that aside, it's absolutely a must to sign up for instruction. There are several places that offer instruction; but the MSF is kind of the standard. DON'T GET ON A BIKE WITHOUT DOING THIS! Not only will you learn how to ride, you'll find out whether or not this is for you.

Answer 6

Yes, have been riding for over 12 years. It's more dangerous than a car, but that's part of the fun, n'est-ce pas?!?

Don't get a bike just because you want to save money or use the carpool lane. There's a certain feeling we bikers get when we ride, and that's the real reason any of us ride. The cost savings et al are just a side benefit.

Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class before you buy. They provide the bikes. You'll actually get to ride one and see how you like it.

Answer 7

Hi I ride in Seattle, and its a lot better then in my truck. there are a few things to note.

1. In WA you MUST wear a helmet, no ifs ands or buts. the Troopers will swarm on you if you dont.

2. Take the Washington riders Safety foundation course. There is about a 9month waiting list, but its worth it. Wa is the 3rd hardest state to get your endorsement. But when you finish the class (fri-sun) you will get a 30% discount on your insurance, Also to get your endorsement after the class, all you have to do is take the written exam and then your M3 certified (unlimited cc limit)

3. Traffic isnt that bad, just ride like your invisible and that the other cars can not see you. leave room for stupid people and youll be fine.

4. get good gear, dont off price, how much is your head worth?


5. Seattle ane Washington have some of the best riding ever.

good luck, send me an email if you have any questions.

Answer 8

I have been riding since I was 15 and I am 46 now so I guess I've ridden for a little bit. It's easy to get a license, just go to your DMV, take the written so you can obtain a permit ( that way you can practice your skills before you take the "driving"test). The skills test is not hard, just keep calm and you wont have any problems.
As for this being a good idea, YES especially with the cost of gas these days! Just don't get a really big bike to start off with, 300 cc
is a good starter and they are freeway legal.
Live to ride- Ride to live !

Answer 9

If you want the best bang for the bucks. Here's the bike for females. Has a lower seat and weighs less and will go over 110 MPH.

Kawasaki Ninja 250cc. Sells for about $3400.00 brand new out the door. I have a lady friend who has had three of these over the past 11 years.

The gas milage is around 45MPG or more.

If you are going to get a bike, get a full face helmet (HJC) is a good price helmet. All that are (DOT) inspected are same.

Get a Vanson Leather perf or mesh Jacket and wear it every time you ride. Get Kevlar gloves for protection.

Make sure to take the motorcycle safety class, you will learn all you need in that class about riding, braking, riding in the rain, etc.

No matter what bike you choose, just remember to wear a helmet.

Answer 10

only sucks if it's raining or snowing but overall much better. better gas mileage and much quicker as you can navigate narrower roads and such that you couldn't do with a blazer. if you plan on selling the car then the bike would definitely be cheaper but I don't see how your car payments can be lower by buying a motorcycle. get your license same way you did you drivers license. most states will rquire you to enroll in a saftey program. most times if you do the saftey program (which includes driving tests) and successfully complete it, you are given your license and don't have to go to the DMV/MVA and take a drivers test for your motorcycle license.