Cons of riding a motorcycle?

Question

Okay, most people could tell you in a heart beat what they like about riding a motorcycle, but I want to know some of the negatives before I get my first bike. Give me some of the cons of riding both racing and harley style bikes. Include some of the reasons you like it too if you want! thanks

Answer 1

Good question! I wish more people put as much thought into it as you have.

For starters, it is NOT a car, doesn't drive like one, doesn't handle like one, and you will have to RE-LEARN everything you know about operating a vehicle. Riding is that different, seriously. It will take YEARS of practice before you get completely comfortable with how it all works, and you will NEVER be perfect. It can be a humbling experience, but when you learn motorcycling it's, well, PURE. YOU did it, without cell phones, GPS navigation, heated seats, antilock brakes, in-car theater, stability control, traction control and four wheels.

Then there's the next thing. All those things I just mentioned? You don't have them available to save your butt if something happens. It's You vs. Them, every day, every ride, day or night, rain or shine. No matter what happens or whose fault it is, YOU LOSE on a motorcycle. So it behooves you as a new rider to take an MSF course and educate yourself to the fullest extent possible.

So what if you end up on the losing end of an asphalt sandwich? What are you wearing? I shouldn't have to tell you to wear all the gear, all the time. It's designed the way it is for a reason, and it WILL protect you from average stupidity. If you lay it down in front of an oncoming semi carrying an earth mover, you're roadkill. Good gear will run you about $1000 over the cost of the bike, but consider it an investment.

Next on my list is your chosen ride. It has been said that cruisers are easier to ride slower, and sportbikes are easier to ride fast. A good first bike is a small standard or "naked" in my opinion, like a Suzuki SV650 or Ducati 620. They have a neutral riding position and are easy to learn on. You can choose your NEXT bike more carefully.

Once you decide, you should immediately look into some frame sliders to protect the expensive bits like the clutch cover. Sliders are about $60, a new clutch cover can be close to $300- your choice. They're for when you drop it, and you WILL drop it while learning. Often times it's embarassing and stupid, so getting a used bike will help your lerning curve AND your wallet.

Motorcycle tires are WAY grippier than car tires, but the trade-off is that they wear down fast. Like 5000 miles fast, and will run you around $300 a set. If you commute year-round like I do, you're tossing close to $600 per year in tires! It's mostly offset by the lower insurance, great gas mileage, and silly grin it puts on your face.

Answer 2

There are no negatives about riding a motorcycle. I truly love every minute. I've been riding since the 70's. The only thing close to a negative is there aren't enough hours in the day to ride as much as I'd like. The cons about riding a crotch rocket is that they are no good for any long distance riding. Your arms end up supporting your upper body weight and after several hours it gets kind of old. I prefer the cruiser style bikes. Since I'm not into going from 0 to mach1 in 2 seconds, this style of bike suites me fine. I ride a Harley and can't come up with a single con.

Answer 3

It would be helpful if I knew the kind of motorcycle. I got a Ninja 250r, I've been riding it too school since sophomore year, I'm now going to be a senior. Its definitely cool bringing your bike too school. Pros are its a motorcycle. There's really nothing to argue about. Cons would have to be when it rains, I usually will need a ride. About carrying the helmet. I wouldn't. I would feel just a little bit like a douche or weird. I know mine doesn't fit in my locker(full face). I just put it on the motorcycle. Oh yeah major pro is that I don't pay for parking.

Answer 4

Had to reply to this one.
There are many good, well thought out answers.
I basically divide drivers into 3 groups, the first will never understand the freedom granted bikers.
The second ride motorcycles.
Ahh, but the third group are bikers.

I tried to think of the cons, most that are mentioned affect everyone, bikers, cagers, horseback riders. You always have to deal with bad weather, worse drivers and unforeseen events.

But, I really couldn't come up with a con. I have never had a bad day biking. I have driven in driving rain, worn long-johns, snow suit, leather jacket and slicker suit to keep warm. I driven through swarms of mosquito-hawks at 60 mph. Had to lock 'em up to keep from running into an in attentive driver more than a few times.

I still can't think of a real con. I enjoy every minute that I am on two wheels.

That probably doesn't help you, but I had to put that out.

Answer 5

Well..obviously you must deal with advertise weather at times...but left turning cars are a serious hazard to always be on the alert for, and two wheels do not have the traction on wet and slippery surfaces, which means your butt could go down if not careful. These are simply the basic watch for & don't matters. On the other hand...ENJOY....see,hear,feel and even smell what a cage can never give to your senses. There is also the strong comradeship with other riders that if you do not ride you can never grasp...whatever you ride the wind is the same.

Answer 6

I can't stand the people that think they don't have to drive like everyone else just because they have a motorcycle. Like when there is traffic and the person on the motorcycle drives in the shoulder or in between the two lanes of cars. I also can't stand when they are popping wheelies on busy roads. You have no protection while you are riding a motorcycle besides your helmet. Please be very careful when you get your motorcycle. They can be so much fun when they are being used right.

Answer 7

Tthe feeling of FREEDOM. I started riding at 4 I'm 36. Do not buy a racer because you'll die and they're uncomfortable for long rides. Start out on a Japanese 400 cruiser. Take a course or get with someone who'll teach you. I don't care who you are everyone has accidents. You need the knowledge to take care of the situation .

Answer 8

there are many pros and many cons to riding most are universal for all styles of road bikes.

CONS:
Weather- adverse weather effects not only the handling of the bike but the riders ability to control the bike.
Cagers- those people in cars tend to have less respect for bikes, they won't see you, they won't give you as much room as they would another car, plus some cagers just flat hate bikes.
Maintenance- for a bike to be safe you must maintain it to keep it in top shape. something a small as low tire pressure can cuase an accident if left alone. Also cost of maintenance is more than a car. oil change on my car is less than $20, oil change on my harley is about $45 for example.
Road debrie and bugs- some small debri on the road can cuase a rider to go down if you are not paying attention. A grass hopper hit by a car windshield goes splat and makes a mess, that same grasshopper to a rider can cuase pain and even scares as I can attest to from the scar on my forehead that was recieved from a grasshopper 25 years ago.
Anti-bikers - these people seem to think that everyone should conform to their own personal set of rules and ideas. They will harrass and torment a rider at every possibility. With these people I include the little old ladies with their pepper spray as anit-bikers as it is not so much against bikers but total fear from old movies about the bike gangs. And yes I have been sprayed just walking by one of these old ladies in a resturant.

PROS:
Freedom- there is nothing like the freedom you feel when you hit the big road and twist the wrist.
Fuel efficentciy- this is not a total pro as many cars can come close to those of most bikes.
Inability to haul large groups or packages- on a bike you are limited to the amount of wheight you can haul much more so than in a cage. This is triple good if you have un-wanted inlaws.
Pride- the pride you develop for your scooter will give you a true sense of ownership.
Compaionship- you will develop many friendships with other riders as you motor around. I have met people 200 miles from home and ended up spending the week riding and partying with them.
Self confidence- When you get good on your bike you will develop self confidence not only in your ability but in yourself

I have been riding bikes for over 30 years and yes I have had three major accidents but I can not bring myself to stay away from them. I ride sun wind rain or snow. We do not have many freedoms in this country even tho we have more than most countries, I will take what ever freedom I can get as long as it does not cost others their freedom. My belief is that everyone should do what makes them happy and my scooters are what makes me happy.

Answer 9

Caught out in the rain isn't the greatest thing. All the cage drivers not paying attention to you. Riding when it's real cold. That's about it. They're all part of the game when you ride, things that you contend with to get the freedom.

Answer 10

bad drivers,
bad car drivers
worse car drivers
woman car drivers feeding the baby-putting makeup on- & doing hair,
riding in freezing rain for 50 -60 miles, being frozen to the bone,
good things
good geting in a hot bath after freezing ride AHhhhhh
warm suny rides
the thrill
the joy
the camerardery
all my motorcycle mates
the motorcycle rallys