A few questions about motorcycling?

[zmlam]

I came across this same junction several years ago - um/ah'ing about if it was OK to get a bike because of its safety disadvantages. Also had parents that would freak out if I ran the idea by them.

Took me a few years later before I decided to take the plunge. Think that extra years added some maturity.

What I found really useful is to read up about it - books/this forum. There are resources out there on what to watch up for, pitfalls that people can make . I read them as part of my research into getting gear (which was before I got the bike), and for me, that has really helped me with a greater awareness and respect and preparation -> all helps with being a safe driver and being safe from drivers.

Also if you haven't gotten a helmet already - check out the discussion about Sharp ratings which influenced my decision on which helmet to get. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/en...orcycle-Helmet

Also for fuel consumption, 250cc bike are cheaper to run, though I have heard from other riders (and on mags) that bikes 400cc+ eat as much fuel as a 1.6l car!

Hope that helps.

[ynot slow]

Do it,go but gear then a bike,that way you have decent lid etc.Go the offroad bike way for learners and restricted.That way when you drop the bike damage is minimal,bikes like DR,XR, types,and are fun to ride to beach etc and learn a few skills and have fun at same time,the balance etc will be usefull on road,and buying a 250 road bike is costlier than a similar offroad type bike.

Then your driving will improve as you WILL look for bikes as you are one,best of luck and crossing the road is dangerous,look at Chch streets,anytime danger happens.

[NOWOOL]

Chances of someone else hitting you are 32% less if you are riding a motorcycle (based mathematically on size). Mind you, you have to take in account how you ride, where you ride, etc. Contrary to popular belief, riding a motorbike doesn't mean eventually at some time you will drop it or be in an accident. I've rode bikes and cars for 35 years and haven't had an accident with either (touch wood!).
It all comes down to how you ride and your experience level. I own a very fast car and a very slow car. I do notice I drive much faster in the fast car because it is fun. That's why (along with comfort) I bought a Harley rather than a sports-bike.

cost wise: once you remove the initial purchase price and insurance and are willing to do the small maintenance stuff yourself, a bike ends up costing about the same as a car per k (although the Harley hasn't cost anything for repairs while my cars have).

That all said, I woudn't rely soley on a bike for sole transport.

[aprilia_RS250]

I'm in my mid 20s and I've been thinking about replacing my car...

You forgot the added benefits of bikes being pussy magnets....

[GPXchick]

OMG do it get rid of the cage. I did. Had never ridden a bike in my life or a scooter. I went and had a training session with Trevor Birchall (awesome instructor) and sat my Basic Handling skills cert. Went straight to the AA sat my learners and went out and Bought my Kawasaki GPX. LOVE IT. I was a little green at first, however once you feel the bike and know it won't drop you or vice versa. You just ride and ride and ride and don't wanna stop. I have clocked 1165 kms in 14 days and still havent left auckland

30 bucks gas gets me 470 kms - just look at the price of gas. I should also state for the record i'm a chick, i was born blind in my right eye and had never ridden a bike EVER. You can do it.

[KevinD]

I don't believe dropping the bike is an inevitability (touch wood)

My experience (25+ Years) is expect to fall off about once or twice a year, once your experienced (2+ years). This means anything from dropping the bike while turning in a drive as a result of loosing your balance, up to throwing it down the road for a myriad of reasons.

Careful people don't ride (enjoy) motorcycles, they simply limp on

[george formby]

My experience (25+ Years) is expect to fall off about once or twice a year, once your experienced (2+ years). This means anything from dropping the bike while turning in a drive as a result of loosing your balance, up to throwing it down the road for a myriad of reasons.

Careful people don't ride (enjoy) motorcycles, they simply limp on

When I started riding, on a trail bike, I learned to fall off riding off road. Wet grass, bogs & streams take no prisoners but I never fell off on the road. I chucked my first big bike through a hedge, once, due to over exuberance & lack of ground clearance, had to drop a bike when I came across a lorry blocking the road late at night & in the last 18 years have had my bike get away from me once in the garage whilst learning to use a paddock stand.

I concede a new rider has a fairly high chance of a topple or two, trying to put a foot down on the long side of a camber, parking the bike facing downhill so it rolls off the stand, misjudging the weight etc but practice & education make this stage pretty short lived. After that it's all about thinking ahead & using good judgment.
I have friends who regularly have a topple after 30 years of riding & others who cannot remember the last time their bike went over.

Not something I would worry about. Just don't buy brand new on HP for your first bike.

[superman]

You get a bike because you love it...
not to save money, because you won't

For me it's both.

Transport everyday with no bike $18 (2 hours 20mins). Transport everyday with bike, $9. (1 hour 30mins)

Haven't dropped her yet, came close once in the garage when the side stand hadn't sprung out to full extension but managed to grab her and shove her back level. 250s are only light.

Including rear tyre, rego, oil, insurance (only 3rd party) bike is cheaper and much more practical. Minus all the gear. But I'd definitely recommend getting all the gear, as with a seat belt you want a just in a case. Even if you ride like Katman (you'll find out...)

I got my bike in November, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, gives your brain a good workout every time you ride it. Also be prepared to get into things like oil changes (way cheaper to do yourself, and happen quite often on these high revving machines).

[george formby]

For me it's both.

Transport everyday with no bike $18 (2 hours 20mins). Transport everyday with bike, $9. (1 hour 30mins)

Haven't dropped her yet, came close once in the garage when the side stand hadn't sprung out to full extension but managed to grab her and shove her back level. 250s are only light.

Including rear tyre, rego, oil, insurance (only 3rd party) bike is cheaper and much more practical. Minus all the gear. But I'd definitely recommend getting all the gear, as with a seat belt you want a just in a case. Even if you ride like Katman (you'll find out...)

I got my bike in November, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, gives your brain a good workout every time you ride it. Also be prepared to get into things like oil changes (way cheaper to do yourself, and happen quite often on these high revving machines).

Fair call, I change the oil every 5000k, a bit anal maybe but it is the life blood. $40ish a pop for oil & a filter every 10k, about $8.
It was a lot cheaper for me until I found out my bike has two drain bolts

I chew a back tire up in about 6-7k, $360ish

[superman]

I chew a back tire up in about 6-7k, $360ish

Bugger, with the tiny 130/70 Ninja back tyre I'm just getting my first replacement, a pirelli sport demon for $158 fitted... granted it is a sport demon...

[george formby]

Bugger, with the tiny 130/70 Ninja back tyre I'm just getting my first replacement, a pirelli sport demon for $158 fitted... granted it is a sport demon...

I bet it lasts a helluva lot longer too.

I'm going to put a begging bowl out, rego for the car & bike are due, rear tire is poked & the tax man has just had a word with me. Received the rego & tax request on the same day, it's ok, I can give up eating to compensate.

[Drew]

Bugger, with the tiny 130/70 Ninja back tyre I'm just getting my first replacement, a pirelli sport demon for $158 fitted... granted it is a sport demon...

Sport demons are good tyres. Last well and plenty of grip.

[scracha]

My experience (25+ Years) is expect to fall off about once or twice a year, once your experienced (2+ years). This means anything from dropping the bike while turning in a drive as a result of loosing your balance, up to throwing it down the road for a myriad of reasons.

Careful people don't ride (enjoy) motorcycles, they simply limp on

Then you're doing something SERIOUSLY wrong? On the road, I fell off six times in the first 3 years and then once over the next 14 years. I don't think crashing every year is normal. Twice is just bonkers.

[KevinD]

Then you're doing something SERIOUSLY wrong? On the road, I fell off six times in the first 3 years and then once over the next 14 years. I don't think crashing every year is normal. Twice is just bonkers.

I didn't say CRASH, I said drop the bike. My best drop I think was on the desert road where I hit black ice in the early morning, all you can do is lay back and enjoy the slide (or not ) while watching the near new RZ500 shed plastic all over the road. In those days I did 25000-30000 km a year.

[CookMySock]

The safety depends largely on rider attitude, I feel more at ease on a bike due to the increased visibility. A number of near accidents for me were avoided largely because of increased awareness, of course if I was in my bright yellow van they may not have been near accidents at all. Respect the ride, and chances are you'll be fine.

bogan is right.

On a bike you occupy far less space and should a sticky situation arrive you simply ride around it. Bikers often come to grief when they panic and grab a huge dollop of front or rear brake when they would be better served to just steer. Gaps between cars even in opposing lanes will easily fit a large motorcycle down them.

Of course, it becomes clear very quickly you can now be a complete arse on a bike and mostly stay out of trouble - with the caveat that you had better make sound decisions well in advance.