i am hoping to get a motorcycle and it will be my primary vehicle. i live in SC and it doesnt rain here much except for during the hurricane season. and it snows maybe once a year. is it possible to have this as my primary vehicle? what do i have to look out for. i am looking for answers from some one who has tried this.
2007-08-17 10:59:08 · 18 answers · asked by Ryan B 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I had a motorcycle for my primary transportation for 6 years, lived in Virginia at the time. My advice? Keep your bike's maintenance schedule, lube and adjust the chain, change the oil, adjust and lube the clutch...keep up tire pressures and watch the tread wear. I rode over 200,000 miles in all seasons..even the cold of winter.
It is possible, but it's a real downer when riding in the cold,wet weather. Cold by itself isn't bad, neither is the wet. Combine them both, however, and I just found it miserable.
On sunny days it was great. Just get good gear and a good bike and you'll enjoy your motorcycle every day of the year!
2007-08-17 12:41:30 · answer #1 · answered by vamedic4 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely this can be done. Many things need to be taken under consideration however. How much do you commute everyday would determine how 'comfortable' your motorcycle should be. Do you often need to carry things (groceries, etc) if so consider investing in a motorcycle with saddlebags.
Riding in the rain is very dangerous but it can be done easily if you know how. Advanced riders courses are available as well as plenty of rain gear specially made for motorcycle riders. Also making sure the tread on your tires is never worn down is crucial.
Riding in the snow is never something I would recommend. It's simply too dangerous...
Good luck!
2007-08-17 18:06:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Somebody get MrZip a space bar for his computer.
I lived in San Diego and rode a bike for my primary vehicle for several years. Even in Southern California riding in the rain on chilly days made for a miserable ride.
Buy good rain gear, preferably a dry suit and gators for your feet and you can stay 85% dry.
Now I live in Michigan and I ride most every day from April to November.
Ride Free or Die!
GWRRA
2007-08-21 12:16:35 · answer #3 · answered by Mister_Hockey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Akron, Ohio and I don't own a car. I must admit I do have access to one if I need it. But I ride all year long but I stay off the streets when it's icy or salty. (They salt the streets here in the winter and it really messes up a bike.)
But there is a GIRL in your neck of the woods that rides a Sportster all year round. She pretty tough and very smart. Goes by the handle damurph on the net.
So heck yeah you can ride a bike most of the time down there. I lived in Savannah, Ga. for 3 years Even rode in hurricane season. I won't do that again. Got hit by a car in Charleston, South Carolina after fighting that storm for six hours. Anyway. Ride brother ride.
2007-08-17 23:13:56 · answer #4 · answered by blastabuelliac 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Primary Huh? that's what I do. I have a car but the ol'lady drives it to and fro work and I take the Bike every day M-F and plus the riding I do on the weekends. I put allot of miles on her, rain or shine and freaking cold she keeps me satisfied. Just keep your rain suit handy and vest and leather w/chaps,gloves. to me there is no bad day of riding and I have laid her down,3 times now...once my fault coming home from the bar and 2 times from butt head cage drivers. I do live in Florida and it does drop into the 20's sometimes in the winter..all I can say is be safe and go for it...Ride on
2007-08-17 20:33:56 · answer #5 · answered by grgvrnn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the temperature drops to freezing in the winter, black ice in the morning is something to be aware off. Black ice is a VERY thin coating of ice on the road and it can be VERY slippery for four wheels even worse for two. If you haven't seen it, it should look like a wet patch on the road and will last longer in shady spots. I ride into the late fall/early winter and am very cautious about wet spots on the morning ride to the daily salt mine.
2007-08-18 11:18:57 · answer #6 · answered by Dangermanmi6 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has been done for many years. I ride almost every day on a rigid, rain and wind. The only thing that will stop me is ice. But then again I am a Bad Mo Fo...
2007-08-18 21:22:21 · answer #7 · answered by heidisluva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well from experience driving a motorcyle everday will definitely save you gas money but honestly speaking I'd say have at least a second vehicle in case of an emergency.
My brother was having an asthma attack and I couldn't rush him to the hospital..He almost died.
2007-08-17 19:52:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do, I may have took the wifes jimmy to work about 1/2 a dozen times this year. baggers are nice for groceries but I got a trailer tire and rim straped on my sportster right now. Bagger got rearended, is in the shop. Gloves, good gloves for cold, heated would be damn nice if you got more than 20miles to commute one way, Good rain gear is real nice too.
2007-08-17 20:43:34 · answer #9 · answered by vladoviking 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Of course it can be done. I do it.
However, I second the motion for a cheap pickup or car.
Just because I do something does not make it sensible.
Like riding in NH winters.
Before I offer suggestions, I have to ask the all-important question. (No one else has)
Do you ride now?
Riding year round is something that shouldn't even be considered if you don't.
2007-08-17 20:22:24 · answer #10 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋