QuestionHi there Mr. Roberson, I currently do not have a vehicle of any type and plan on purchasing either a used car or motorcycle sometime in the next few months. I have never even ridden on a motorcycle so I know absolutely nothing about the subject. Public opinion characterizes motorcycles as basically motorized death-traps, so I was wondering how safe it would be to have a motorcycle as my sole means of transportation. I plan on spending somewhere around $6,000 on either a used car or a motorcycle, so the dilemma I am facing is whether to spend that money on a cheap and unreliable used car or purchase a new motorcycle that I assume will be much more reliable and significantly cheaper to maintain. Money is a big factor here because I am a full-time university student and will be for anywhere from 5 to 8 more years. Is there a specific bike that you would recommend for something around this price range? Any tips or advice you can provide me will be greatly appreciated, and please feel free to comment on any aspects to this subject that I am overlooking.
AnswerHi Mike,
Thanks for the question.
Ever so slowly, public opinion about motorcycles is shifting from “they're motorized death traps” to “they're motorized death traps ridden by people who are saving gas and lessoning traffic”. But the truth is thus: a motorcycle is only as safe as the person riding it. You could be riding a 2-horsepower Vespa, but if you ride it like an idiot, you'll get killed just a quick as you would riding a Ducati sportbike. Conversely, if you exercise sound judgment and some discipline, and are willing to learn, you could ride that Ducati sportbike every day for the next 20 years and never have an accident. It's 90% rider behavior and 10% everything else that makes for a safe or dangerous ride. Like a car, a motorcycle is just a vehicle under your control and subject to the laws of physics. How the two mix is up to you.
Make no mistake, riding a motorcycle is MORE dangerous than driving a car. There is no debate (at least to me) that you are more vulnerable riding a motorcycle. But like anything dangerous, learning a set of skills can help reduce the odds of injury. Modern motorcycles are not death traps. Typically, they are more advanced mechanically and technically than many cars. Properly cared for, they are a reliable form of cheap transportation. And take it from someone who has been riding for 20 years: they are great fun.
When I was in college, I couldn't afford a car (at least, not the car I wanted), so I got around on my bicycle, walked, and rode my scooter (and later, my motorcycle). For pure motorized economy, nothing could beat the scooter/motorcycle. However, since you have 6K to work with, I am wondering why you don't get one of each: a car for when you need it, and a bike or scooter for campus trips and so forth. A good used motorcycle can be had for about $1500-2000, leaving you a lot for a good used car or truck. If, as you say, a new bike is a choice, there are some good options, but not many at the $6000 range. Keep in mind you will need a helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and since you'll be riding in the rain, some rain pants, waterproof gloves, and a waterproof jacket. That's a fair amount of gear, probably $1000 worth at retail.
Without more information, it's hard for me to say “go try Bike X and Bike Y!” I'd need to know how tall you are, your inseam, your weight (approx.) and so forth. Then I have some questions. You seem pretty ambivalent about getting a bike (and that's OK). Do you have a vision of yourself riding some certain kind of bike? Sportbike? Cruiser? On/Off road? Scooter?
If you must have a new bike, your budget will limit your choices to small bikes. If you are willing to ride something a few years old, the choices increase substantially. Getting a small bike as a first bike is not always the safest choice, you want to get a bike that “fits” you, both physically and mentally. And in motorcycles, “small” or “slow” does not equal “safe”, and I know that seems backwards, but it's true.
First thing you should do is take a beginning rider safety class from the MSF (if you are in the USA). This class will answer two questions: whether you have the ability to ride a motorcycle, and if you even want to ride one at all. Since you took the time to write in, I am assuming you may want to. You can find out more about places and times at www.msf-usa.org. The class takes a whole weekend, just so you know. But it will give you a safe start riding motorcycles.
I'd love to give you some recommendations on what to get, but without the above info, I can't steer you towards a good choice. Please write back, and include your general location, height, weight, inseam, and any other questions.
Thanks for writing,
Bill Roberson
