im just wondering because i always wanted a motorcycle and i want to know what im getting into before i buy one. Im 17 right now legally old enough to ride one
A motorcycle is better for gas mileage and impressing women, that's for sure. But then again, it's harder to find parts for a motorcycle, tires are much more expensive and they don't last as long as cars. A car can push 150-200k before it bites the dust. A motorcycle will hardly ever break 40-50k. You can't safely text or drive on a motorcycle, at all. There's no a/c or heater on a motorcycle. You can only have one passenger (usually) on a bike, as well. Unless you buy an expensive helmet, there is no music on a motorcycle. (It's hard as hell to get headphones to stay in when you put on your helmet.) Flying objects hurt like hell when they hit you on a bike, too! Basically, the only things better about motorcycles are the gas mileage, cool-factor and much cheaper insurance.
Motorcycles are usually not effortless in anyway shape or type. We experience for the reason that we love to ride. A few of us are fortunate adequate to live in a part of the nation the place we can ride most all yr long. Sure, I still own a automobile and a truck. It's particularly tough to carry groceries and lumber on a bike. A full costume Harley is in regards to the WORST commuting bike there may be. They're expensive, wreck down too often and are very high-priced to preserve, in particular should you do not do the work your self. There are excellent commuter bikes, however they aren't fancy Harleys and so they most likely are not anything everyone stands around the water cooler and brags about. The Vaquero is often more safe than a Harley, however again, it's now not relatively a commuter bike. It isn't going to be less expensive to function than the Harley. A Kawasaki KLR650 is a good commuter bike as is a Suzuki VStrom, a Kawasaki Versys, a Suzuki Bandit, a honda Nighthawk, a yamaha FZ6 or FZ8, a BMW 650cc or 800cc (various types), Triumph Bonneville or any of various different non-enjoyable 600 to 900cc motorcycles. They all have their pluses and minuses. Careful consideration of it is reason is key to purchasing a motorcycle. A Full costume Harley or Vaquero is not there for use, it can be there for appears and bragging rights. Yeah, they can be ridden, but that is particularly no longer what they are made for.
Most motorcycles are NOT cheaper to operate than cars. Yeah, there are only two tires, but they need replacement in less than 10,000 miles and cost over $100 each plus install where you can buy 4 car tires for $450 bucks and they will last for 70,000 miles! Maintenance is more expensive on motorcycles if you cannot do it yourself. Insurance is more expensive on motorcycles than most cars. You have to ride that motorcycle in all kinds of weather if you rely on it to get to work. If you live in the north, you won't be riding for a few months a year. Motorcycle do not age well if kept outside. The gear is necessary and expensive. Insurance can be more than the monthly payment if you buy a sportbike. And what 17yo doesn't want an R6 or GSXR1000? If you can keep your ego out of it and buy a sensible bike for commuting, then you can save money. Something like a KLR250 or KLR650 costs less than $3000 used and will run for years with minimal maintenance. There are huge online communities devoted to these bikes and tutorials to learn how to do all of your own maintenance. Tires last a long time (for bikes) on these bikes and are cheaper to buy. You can actually spoon these tires on yourself if you learn how. Insurance is dirt cheap. And, they are great commuting bikes. People ride long distance on the KLR 650 - several have gone around the world on them. Choices for sensible road bikes might be the Kawasaki Versys or Suzuki's SV650 or VStrom. Still cheap to buy and insure, maintenance is reduced over some bikes.
