Im thinking about giving up the car, and switching to using a motorcycle. Pro/cons & How do I get my license.?

Question

When I drive to school there are dead stops! I like that bikes if its under 35 MPH can go between but its also more dangerous but...

Also I heard you get a whole lot better mileage! But maintaining the bike is worse than a car.

Answer 1

Modern motorcycles are virtually maintenance free. They typically offer great power-to-weight ratios and can get excellent mileage if driven sensibly.

On the flip side, they offer no protection during imclement weather and many cars/trucks simply don't pay attention to them. The likelihood of serious injury is much greater with a motorcycle than with a car.

If you go the motorcycle route, just act like every vehicle out there is trying to run over you and that state of awareness will help you stay safe.

Answer 2

If you are in Texas (maybe other states too), you can get around taking the motorcycle street riding test by taking the Motorcycle Safety Course. You do have to still take the written test but at least you can dispense with the hassle of having a licensed and insured rider take your bike to the DPS with a chase car and driver behind you.

Also, a state like Texas will give you the opportunity to ride 300+ days a year (except for this year). There are also plenty of places to get inexpensive gear on sale. It's worth it to ride with the gear even though the heat will turn you into a wet, stinky mess.

Along with motorcycle insurance, you will need good health insurance, disability insurance, possibly long term care insurance, and definitely life insurance if you have kids. You SHOULD have this stuff anyway (even if you are driving a car). Remember, riding is a calculated risk but it is still a risk. But so is walking across the street. Get it even if you do not have a bike (or make sure your parents have health insurance on you while you are at school).

As far as gas milage, even a big ol' Harley gets almost as good of mileage as a Toyota Prius. You just might have more fun on the bike though. It definitely looks cooler. If gas mileage is a big concern and you are going to stay off busy roads and the highway, a scooter or endurorized dirt bike will work. Plus it's easier to park and handle and fun to ride. The street bike still looks cooler and is more stable on the highway. Even a dual sport or larger enduro specific bike will work on the highway. Just stay away from big rigs.

Don't split traffic. You can ride in the High Occupancy Vehicle lane though.

Either way, keep a car or truck on hand. Even if you only drive it once a month. If it is a big, burly, gas-guzzling truck, it will come in handy for trailering the bike to the mechanics, running errands, carrying larger gear, etc. Hell, with a homemade ramp, you can even fit your street bike in some minivans or a Honda Element. Plus there are times when the motorcycle will not be appropriate (formal affairs, job interviews, anywhere you have to show up looking nice and professional).

Answer 3

First, learn to ride well and safely by taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( http://www.msf-usa.org ) course.

Second, modern motorcycles are pretty reliable. BUT, when you do need a tune-up, oil change, etc... it can be more expensive than the same type of service for a car. Alternatively, you could do those things yourself.

Lane splitting is great for getting through traffic quickly, but it is dangerous.

They say you should assume the other drivers can't see you (true), but I agree with another poster, that you should assume the other drivers are actively trying to run you down at all times and make sure you have an escape route in mind always.

It's a hassle to put on the gear, jacket, helmet, etc. every time you want to run to the store.

You can't carry as much stuff.

Chicks dig it.

Answer 4

Not sure what you mean about motorcycles being able to "go inbetween". Motorcycles have to follow the same traffic rules as cars. Bikes are cheaper on fuel, more fun to drive and maintenance is not hard. Bad weather, including rain, can make it uncomfortable and more dangerous. Schedule a test at your DMV. Schools where I live do not allow motorcycles in their parking lot.

Answer 5

Pros:
You look cool if you get a helmet that matches the color of your bike (Thanks, Squid Jimmy!)
You get excellent gas mileage.

Cons:
Tires wear out fast -- I wear out mine in about 10K miles.
The motorcycle itself wears out fast -- expect your motorcycle to be "done" in about 70K miles.
You can't ride around in the rain safely.
There's a very limited amount of space for cargo.

Maintaining my bike costs about half what maintaining my car costs -- but on the bike, I do my own oil changes.

Getting a license: Go to DMV. Get motorcycle handbook. Read it. Take written test. Get learners' permit.
Look up Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course for your area. Take the course.
Buy a motorcycle. Have an insured friend ride it back home for you.
Buy insurance for your motorcycle.
Practice riding your motorcycle (no freeway, no night riding, no passengers).
Go to DMV. Take the test (in the parking lot, riding around dots and lines). Get license.

Answer 6

i have only ridden a bike for 15 years my only means of transportation mileage is 85mpg insurance can be as low as $50. per year a car license and a written test is all you need for a bike of 49ccs over that you must take a driven test as long as a person in a car or truck comes with you, you can drive your bike to the test the officer rides with you friend and give you signals with horn or lights you must obey the same traffic laws as cars

Answer 7

If I see the front I think it's someone from here (Michigan) with a California plate in front for decoration (very common for some reason) Since we don't have front plates. If it is a legit California car I think wow what a long drive

Answer 8

motorcycles are great but i would keep a car for winter and rainy weather. go to the dmv and take motorcycle test,do not ride motorcycle to dmv, have someone who has liscence ride there or take in pickup or on trailer.

Answer 9

Lane Splitting Is For Experienced Riders !

Answer 10

it is good if you live in a warm snow free climate..maintainance is just a simple