Question for motorcycle commuters

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!"

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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.

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.

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!

My sister has a Hyosung 250.  It goes 85 mph freeway with no issues.  Just sayin.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/models/classic.html

Get one of these.

So wrong, but I love it!