Question for motorcycle commuters
-
No new posts
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller | Reply |
|
![]() |
Elite ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() With gas prices where they are (despite the decline recently), I am considering commuting to work on a motorcycle. It's 20 miles one way, 95% highway, and not motorcycle unfriendly. Meaning, few aggressive drivers, reasonable speed (0-5mph over the speedlimit) and generally nice weather year round. Anyone commute to work on a motorcycle? Any recommendations on bikes, suprising benefits, things to avoid? Just curious what your experiences are. I am hoping to ride 3+ times week. Thanks! I plan to start out on a little 250cc to decide if it will work for us. |
|
![]() ![]() |
Elite ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() My sister and I both bought motorcycles on craigslist and love them. I'm on a 500cc and my sister on a 250. Both great starter bikes for amazing prices. $2200 for mine, $2000 for hers. I'd recommend getting a bike that you can sit up straight on. Leaning over gets uncomfortable fast. [mom] Get all the safety stuff too. Helmet, jacket, boots, and don't wear shorts. Even if you're always careful, other peeps aren't. [/mom] In gas savings alone, I've probably just about paid off my bike. And I got such a deal on it, I could probably sell it today for a thousand bucks more than I paid for it. Plus, its fun. |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() This user's post has been ignored. |
![]() ![]() |
Champion![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I have to admit that I have a pang of jealousy when I see motorcyclists diving through heavy, slow traffic. I'm still wary of getting on one myself. But it would be so easy to do, especially considering how little it rains around here for most of the year. |
![]() ![]() |
Pro![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I got a Yamaha XT225 and have been commuting all summer (have you noticed my biking miles way down from last year :P). It's amazing. 75 MPG and I have a rack on the back where I can carry a ton of stuff. It has really gotten me hooked. Picking up a VStrom 650 or 1000 next spring. SOOO much fun. Don't forget to get proper gear. Spend the money! |
![]() ![]() |
Champion![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I've been a motorcycle rider since 1972 and have commuted quite a bit. As far as bike models go, you basically "drive what ya got." I used everything from a 250 cc enduro on-off road model to an 1800 cc Honda Goldwing. If you're in the market for a bike though, there are some considerations. I second the suggestion to get something with a more upright position. A sport touring model will be loads more comfortable than a high revving crotch rocket like a Yamaha R-6 or the like. And it'll give you better gas mileage too. Stick with something under 1000 cc engine displacement. Not sure about VA insurance regs, but MA rates go up if you exceed the 1000 cc limit. Pick something with good weather protection too. A decent wind screen is a must on chilly mornings. Another issue is luggage carrying options. Some sport tourer models have either a small trunk or a saddle bag (or two) either standard or as an add-on item. It saves having to bungie wrap your lunch or other gear to the back seat. If you have minimal things to carry, a small waterproof backpack or even a magnetic tank bag can be helpful. Leave a pair of shoes at work and use a good sturdy pair of boots for protection. Don't skimp on other protective gear either. Leather jackets are worth their weight. Get a couple pairs of gloves, light weight for warmer weather, heavier for cooler days. Other cool weather gear might be a neck warmer though it's get used more here in New England than where you are, unless you're going to commute most of the year. Buy a decent full coverage helmet with a flip up shield. As far as driving, you will learn really fast that you have to drive like everyone out there is out to mow you down. Sounds gruesome, but motorcycle riding requires defensive attitudes and techniques like you never imagined behind the wheel of an automobile. On multi-lane roads, don't linger in a car's blind spot...pass quickly. Always leave yourself an "exit" path in traffic. Don't tailgate. I can't stress this stuff enough...DRIVE DEFENSIVELY! Your life depends on it. Any altercation between you and an automobile will result in you being the loser. You can be right, but also dead right. Scan constantly, all directions and in the mirror. Don't drive on the section of the road where there is a lot of oil deposit from years of traffic. Watch out at toll booths if you take those kinds of roads. Cars that stop at a toll leave a slimy oil mess from the breather tube over many years. It can be slick as ice, not only for your tires, but when you put your foot down to pay a toll. I nearly dumped my bike on the Mass Pike in a situation like that. Ride with your headlight on at all times, though today's bikes mostly do this automatically. I can probably think of a couple dozen more things, and maybe I will after a few more posts appear. Enjoy...and if I didn't already say so, drive defensively! I was a little heavier here..."Standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona!" Edited by max 2008-09-05 5:11 PM (xx037.jpg) Attachments ---------------- xx037.jpg (55KB - 8 downloads) |
|
![]() ![]() |
Extreme Veteran![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() max - 2008-09-05 5:06 PM "Standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona!" That's such a fine sight to see. Nice bike. ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() | ![]() If I were in the market to buy a bike, instead of selling the one I have right now, I would look for something between 500-750cc's. Preferably a bike from this list: Honda Nighthawk 750 GS750E, 650E, or 500E Kawasaki Zephyr, ZR7S, KZ750 These bikes, would range in age from 1980-2002 I believe in the case of the ZR7S and the Nighthawk 750. They're just old standard motorcycles. Air cooled, and simple. Not underpowered by any means, but not so powerful as to need sticky tires that will wear out every 5k miles. Easy to repair, but getting a bit tougher to find parts for (in some cases). Just remember that the initial investment in gear is probably going to be $500-1000, Helmet, Jacket(s), gloves, boots.
And please take the motorcycle safety foundation basic skills class. You'll thank me. |
![]() ![]() |
Extreme Veteran![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() They don't call them donorcycles for nothing in the insurance business. Just make sure you follow the advice above about driving defensively!! |
![]() ![]() |
![]() I commuted for three years when I lived in MA. My daily ride took me up to Portsmouth, NH and back. In good weather, I'd go three months without driving my truck, and it was AWESOME. I rode every day unless it was snowing or raining HEAVILY when I stepped out the door. A little rain was fine. I also bought a heated vest and gloves (no kidding). If nothing else, I appreciated the changes of season more as I added or removed layers. I could smell the rain coming, appreciate fresh-cut grass and barbecues in the summertime, and it was always cool to hit a "thermocline" in a valley or near a body of water. It was so invigorating to not be stuck in a shiny metal box with all the other schmoes. Yes, it can be a pain in the arse when it's bad weather, but get a rain suit, or hey, don't ride in bad weather. Take the safety classes, buy the best gear you can possibly afford, and have fun! And oh yes - always assume that half the car drivers won't see you, and the other half are out to kill you.
Click me - http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html - this site has great gear, inspiring stories, and it's funny as hell. |
![]() ![]() |
Master![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I've been riding for over 25 years, on and off. I commuted daily for 2 years when I lived in LA, from West Hollywood to UCLA, about 7 miles. Not the nicest commute but in CA you can legally split lanes if traffic is slowed to a crawl, which is kinda cool. I'm a very defensive rider and only got into a near-collision once in 25 years. My motorcycle (VStar 1100) was a bit too big for the commute but I had bought it for touring and just ended up commuting on it. I'd recommend anything between a 500 and 750cc so that on the highway you won't get all rattled. The extra power also serves as a safety cushion should you need to get out of a situation quickly. Yes, you'll save gas but it's much more dangerous to commute on a motorcycle. You will also not be able to relax much: no coffee, no radio, no zoning out. You have to be 150% alert because the drivers aren't and they have a cage to protect them--and to crush you. Expect to spend some $$ on the gear. Like the others have said, a good (full-face) helmet, leather gloves, jacket, pants, boots are the absolute minimum in my opinion. If you don't mind looking dorky in some riders' eyes but prefer the safety, get a reflective vest. Ever see a rider wear one? See the difference it makes for visibility? Most drivers who crashed into a motorcycle say that they "didn't see" the rider. So, at least get a white or red helmet. Be safe, otherwise the gas savings can't be used on tri gear! And don't forget to smile! Edited by SauseEnte 2008-09-06 12:52 PM |
|
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I am scooter girl - I drive my 6 miles to work through town on a 49cc scooter and it costs me about a gallon every 6 trips to work. I love it. Wouldn;t work for highway commuting, but a good around town mode of transportation. |
![]() ![]() |
Expert![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() A 250 is going to be pretty horrid on the freeway, it just won't have the power needed to do 70. If you are stuck on an enduro, hop up to 400 CC's it will be much more versatile. If you want a standard sized bike, 400 to 600 CC's are a good blend for mileage and having a bike that can actually be decent on the freeway. Too bad you are so far away, I'm selling my Suzuki Bandit 600, it's a perfect commuter bike. |
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Nelg - 2008-09-07 4:35 PM A 250 is going to be pretty horrid on the freeway, it just won't have the power needed to do 70. If you are stuck on an enduro, hop up to 400 CC's it will be much more versatile. If you want a standard sized bike, 400 to 600 CC's are a good blend for mileage and having a bike that can actually be decent on the freeway. Too bad you are so far away, I'm selling my Suzuki Bandit 600, it's a perfect commuter bike. My sister has a Hyosung 250. It goes 85 mph freeway with no issues. Just sayin. |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() This user's post has been ignored. |
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Well, I was signed up for the MSF course here in Virgine-e this for this past weekend. It was the 3-day get-your-license-at-the-end. Now, some of you East Coasters may remember we had some nasty weather roll through on Saturday, so they cancelled the weekend course midway through class on Friday night. Something about trying to get people to learn to ride in 50mph crosswinds didn't sit well with the organizers. Turns out the wind wasn't so bad, but I don't disagree with them deciding to cancel the class on Friday night. Oh well. I will have to reschedule in the spring as my course load is heavy this year. So the conclusions, as I understand them are this: 1. motorcycle commuting can be dangerous, but risk can be mitigated on how I ride. 2. buy the gear!! 3. buy the gear!! 4. motorcycles are inherantly dangerous and I need to make sure my life insurance is paid up to date |
|
![]() ![]() |
Pro![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() DUDE. I've been drooling over the Triumphs for years, and I think I have found a new fantasy. Those things are GORGEOUS. I don't care if it never works right (who trusts British mechanical engineering?), I would ride that thing around and show it off to EVERYBODY. The military one is the best one of the bunch. |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() This user's post has been ignored. |
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I checked out the Royal Enfield - actually went to a dealer during lunch. They are beautiful, no doubt about it. Also did some research - looks like it's a good bike for someone who knows how to turn a wrench. I think I would enjoy that, maybe not for a first bike, though. I still need to learn to buy one. I also ran some numbers. Based on commuting 200 miles a week, it looks like I would save about $50/mo over my car, and $80/mo over my SUV. That's not enough of a savings to justify taking $6k out of savings, or getting a loan, even at todays favorable lending rates. On top of that, there's the additional insurance, which while minimal, is still a cost. Plus the gear which if purchased used will run about $300. And that's based on riding 5 days a week. There is something to be said for consuming less and occupying less space. Not sure what the value of that is in financial terms, but even if we took out $6k from savings, it would take 10 years for a payoff. ($50/mo for 120 months= $6k) Are there other financial impacts that I am missing here? |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() This user's post has been ignored. |
|
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Rynamite - 2008-09-08 12:18 PM "When they're in the trauma unit, you can swing by and flip them off." So wrong, but I love it! |
![]() ![]() |
Expert![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() steveseer - 2008-09-08 11:03 AM Nelg - 2008-09-07 4:35 PM A 250 is going to be pretty horrid on the freeway, it just won't have the power needed to do 70. If you are stuck on an enduro, hop up to 400 CC's it will be much more versatile. If you want a standard sized bike, 400 to 600 CC's are a good blend for mileage and having a bike that can actually be decent on the freeway. Too bad you are so far away, I'm selling my Suzuki Bandit 600, it's a perfect commuter bike. My sister has a Hyosung 250. It goes 85 mph freeway with no issues. Just sayin. A what? ![]() 250's need the throttle pinned to keep rolling like that. I'd rather be doing 70 at 5000 RPM and not 9,000 RPM. The bike will last longer and you have enough power to maneuver out of a jam. BTW, always buy used for your first and if it's for gas mileage purposes, keep it around $2k so you can actually see a return over a couple years. |
![]() ![]() |
Elite![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Rynamite - 2008-09-09 11:22 AM D.Z. - 2008-09-09 11:16 AM I checked out the Royal Enfield - actually went to a dealer during lunch. They are beautiful, no doubt about it. Also did some research - looks like it's a good bike for someone who knows how to turn a wrench. I think I would enjoy that, maybe not for a first bike, though. I still need to learn to buy one. I also ran some numbers. Based on commuting 200 miles a week, it looks like I would save about $50/mo over my car, and $80/mo over my SUV. That's not enough of a savings to justify taking $6k out of savings, or getting a loan, even at todays favorable lending rates. On top of that, there's the additional insurance, which while minimal, is still a cost. Plus the gear which if purchased used will run about $300. And that's based on riding 5 days a week. There is something to be said for consuming less and occupying less space. Not sure what the value of that is in financial terms, but even if we took out $6k from savings, it would take 10 years for a payoff. ($50/mo for 120 months= $6k) Are there other financial impacts that I am missing here? You're right. Buying one for the sole purpose of saving gas money, doesn't really work out. You can, however, find a bike MUCH cheaper than $6k if you just want something to use as a commuter. I can't help but laugh at the people who trade their SUV in on a little car to save gas money. It makes no sense. You're not getting full value for your trade, especially now, and you're paying full price for the economy car. It doesn't end up saving you money. Personally, I own the motorcycle because I love riding. The gas savings is just an added benefit. You're right about spending less than $6k. I was just picking a price point for an entry level bike. If and when I do buy, it will most likely be a used bike in the $2-3k range. That way if I hate it, or it doesn't work, there's no lost money. Plus, if I break it, it won't be such a huge deal. I am looking forward to riding as I hear it's fun. Hopefully, my logs will indicate how much I enjoy being on 2 wheels... ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Veteran![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() D.Z. - 2008-09-08 9:16 AM DUDE. I've been drooling over the Triumphs for years, and I think I have found a new fantasy. Those things are GORGEOUS. I don't care if it never works right (who trusts British mechanical engineering?), I would ride that thing around and show it off to EVERYBODY. The military one is the best one of the bunch. Like others have said, buy used. There are plenty of Triumphs around used. However do not skimp on gear, check out www.newenough.com for good deals on gear. Here is my Triumph. Not the best model for comuting but fun to ride at the weekends in the local mountains. Edited by johnu 2008-09-09 11:50 AM (daytona small.JPG) Attachments ---------------- daytona small.JPG (95KB - 8 downloads) |
|