2006-08-23 08:40:10 · 19 answers · asked by NapBon 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I bought my first motorcycle after taking an MSF course and getting full gear. I did it to save money on gas and because it was something new.
New bike- $130/month
Insurance on new bike- $40/month
Gas cost of new bike- $40/month
Total: $210/month
Gas cost of my Jeep- $160/month
Difference in gas cost- $120/month
Insurance discount on Jeep for driving it less- $30/month
Payments on jeep- $0 (it's mine, baby!)
Total savings: $150/month
So basically a spanking new motorcycle, full coverage insurance, and a huge grin on my face cost a whopping $60 per month, or less than most people's cell phone bill!
Like someone said, motorcycles are only dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Learn all you can, take a training course, read all the books, and ride like you're invisible, not invincible!
2006-08-23 15:56:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will save money on gas, and can be fairly safe if you take proper precautions. Such as:
Take a training class like the MSF BRC.
Get some good gear - helmet, gloves, boots, and armored (padded) riding jacket and pants.
Pick a bike that is safe for a beginner.
And be very alert while you ride.
These won't keep you quite as safe as in a car, but this should give you an extra edge over that guy who bought a 100+ hp superbike with no training and is now riding down the Interstate wearing flip-flops and a baseball cap.
However, you can be hit with other expenses when you get a bike. Some are the ones I've listed above: Safety gear and training. There is also insurance (my old beat up bike costs me around $250 a year), tires (bike tires do not last nearly as long as car tires), maintenance, and of course the bike itself. So this may not be the best option for saving money. But it can be reasonably practical if you start with a small, cheap bike or scooter.
2006-08-23 10:20:25 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought my first bike right after gas hit $3.00 a gallon in October last year. Looking back over my first year and 7,500 miles of riding I would have to say I really didn't save anything and probably used up a couple of my nine lives. Though I get 68 miles per gallon with my 2005 Buell XB12S on the highway there are many other costs...premium 93 octane fuel only, $100 a month insurance, $300 tuneups every 5,000 miles, $1000+ for head to toe safety gear, and the constant urge to upgrade my bike...$$$...and oh yeah, $150 rear tires every 3,000 miles. Don't want to change your own oil every few thousand miles, keep the clutch adjusted, etc.? Plan on paying shop rates anywhere from $60 to $100 an hour. Motorcycles are just like any other "big boy toy" - expensive hobby.
And let's not forget the fact that cagers do not respect motorcyclists, and many are not paying attention and will endanger your life with their inattention to their surroundings while piloting 4000 lb SUVs 80 MPH full of screaming kids while talking on the cellphone and playing with the satellite radio. I have experienced everything from people just not seeing me and pulling out right in front of me to being physically attacked once for pulling out in front of a cager in a parking lot to get in the exit line when I had the rideaway. It definitely pays to not take any chances when around traffic, get all the riders safety course training you can, and assume everyone thinks you've got a bullseye painted on your helmet. Which reminds me - don't be an idiot! ALWAYS wear a helmet if you enjoy life.
Save gas(money)? No. Dangerous? Yes. Pure freedom and a sense of flying like you've never felt before the first time you get on the road? Definitely. Ride safe bro.
2006-08-23 09:39:27 · answer #3 · answered by BuelliganXB12STX 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been alot of good answers on this point, but I would like to bring up a couple of points that have not been mentioned. Most people do other things in a car that you can't do on a bike. (i.e. get groceries, take kids places, pick up a dresser, you get the point) Not all people just drive to work and home. Also you need to remember that most places only offer 4-5 months of riding weather to make buying a bike practical. $150 bike payment, plus insurance, plus upkeep, plus registration, all add up to a price that consumers would rather spend putting gas in the tank. This is why the government hasn't said "Go buy a bike and save on GAS" Besides, I hate to think of all the people who ride just to save money. Riding is meant to mean something to the rider not the wallet, it would be a shame to lose that due to someone wanting to save money. Think of why the Motorcycle has been what it has for the last 40 years, and look at where it is headed. It's a bleak future!
2016-03-27 02:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if I would buy a motorcycle just to save gas. You will put a lot of time and effort into learning and it'll be a while before you're really confident on the motorcycle. If you think it would be fun and are just looking for an excuse to get one, then go for it because you will save money and have fun doing it!
2006-08-23 09:03:27 · answer #5 · answered by lepninja 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's just to save gas, you may want to try a different route.
There can be a lot of expenses, as the other answers tell you.
there are also so many benefits, I cannot desribe all of them.
To save gas, no.
To meet other people, to enjoy the weather, the feeling, the freedom, the comraderie, the etc., etc. The list goes on.
I had a Yamaha 550. It cost me 450 used. I rode it instead of driving my F-150. I saved $500 in fuel and oil.
You could save if you do it right, but why don't you join us anyway?
My motorcycles are only as dangerous as I am.
2006-08-23 13:09:00 · answer #6 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not only your ability to drive a motorcycle that is the issue. It is everyone else's ability to be aware of one on the road. People follow them too closely, they cut them off in traffic and it seems like they wait for the last possible second top pull out in front of them at a stop sign. Most people don't take into account that a motorcycle only has 2 tires and if one blows on the highway that the bike is going to lay down so they follow too closely and end up running over the biker. I would not suggest getting one unless you are an experienced rider who can look out for these things. It is better to pay more for gas and arrive safely then to get yourself killed by someone who doesn't know any better.
2006-08-23 08:52:26 · answer #7 · answered by nana4dakids 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are GREAT on gas, but a motorcycle is not for everyone... if you're really serious about getting one,
might want to take some time to learn to ride, there
are many safety courses out there, and, ALWAYS
wear a helmet!!!
2006-08-23 08:47:05 · answer #8 · answered by LorHod36 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take the Basic Rider Course, then, when you ride, pretend that you're invisible. You might even find that motorcycling is a lot more than just economical transportation.
2006-08-23 08:47:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford one then you shouldnt be worried about saving on gas. You will spent a few thousand on the bike which you could have used for gas
2006-08-23 08:51:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋