A few questions about motorcycling?

**AshNZ** · 22nd February 2011, 19:51

I'm in my mid 20s and I've been thinking about replacing my car with a motorcycle as usual vehicle for daily commute. However, I have few questions -

- Fear/safety on road is my biggest concern - and thoughts on that? How much more dangerous is it to drive a bike compared to, say driving a car? Is it reasonable to assume that you will get hurt sometime?

- What are the costs of running a motorcycle compared to cars? Is it cheaper to motorcycle or a car (taking all costs into consideration)?

It's also worth mentioning that I have never ridden a motorcycle before (except for small scooter). Any advice welcome!

**bogan** · 22nd February 2011, 20:01

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.

You can run a motorcycle for less than a car, but it takes the fun out of it a bit!

When learning to ride, make sure to learn the limit, of yourself and the machine, for the basics find someone to help you learn, then when you got that down you could head along to a rider development day. Also riding books can be pretty informative.

**oneofsix** · 22nd February 2011, 20:08

As a new rider sooner or later you will drop the bike.
Factor in the cost of full bike gear and wear it. you may have seen ATGATT mentioned in the threads, All The Gear All The Time, a piece of advice I was given when talking of taking up riding.
You are responsible for your safety! You have an accident you are going to hurt, this inverse of the SUV think.
Don't believe the hero riding you see on TV, you aren't Rossi. Ride like a Nana, or like your Nana is your pillion passenger.
I find the bike cheaper than public transport but the cost of tyres are always a wake up call. Maintenance has to be more regular, unlike the car don't try to get away with just putting the petrol in. Look after your chain and controls. Check your tyre pressures, you only have two and they often have to work individually.
Weather, if you are serious you will be riding in all weathers so learn how it affects traction etc. Hot days, soft tar can equal loss of traction as does the first sprinkling of rain.
I wish I followed my on advice

Relax and enjoy the ride.

**Smifffy** · 22nd February 2011, 20:17

Originally Posted by AshNZ

I'm in my mid 20s and I've been thinking about replacing my car with a motorcycle as usual vehicle for daily commute. However, I have few questions -

It's also worth mentioning that I have never ridden a motorcycle before (except for small scooter). Any advice welcome![/QUOTE]

Ok, I'll bite, at the risk of being slapped down.

How much scootering have you done?

- Fear/safety on road is my biggest concern - and thoughts on that? How much more dangerous is it to drive a bike compared to, say driving a car? Is it reasonable to assume that you will get hurt sometime?

You can't ride, much less commute with a fearful mind. In fact you can't achieve much in life at all with a fearful mind. This is not to say approach everything as if you are 10 foot tall and bulletproof, just that you need to know your limitations and be aware of your surroundings/environment. I personally believe the risk of getting hurt is about the same whether in a car, on a bike, bicycle or as pedestrian. Also if you are ATGATT then the injuries are likely to be less, if something happens cf on a bicycle or as a pedestrian.

- What are the costs of running a motorcycle compared to cars? Is it cheaper to motorcycle or a car (taking all costs into consideration)?

Short answer is it depends. There are plenty of threads on here comparing the economy of various bikes regarding fuel consumption. The rego costs are well publicised, then there are chains, sprockets, tyres and oil/services. My bike isn't a commuter as such, and costs more to run than my nissan pulsar, but less than my fairmont. Depending on what you have in mind they can be very cheap to run too.

It depends a lot on your reasons for getting a bike too. Is it so that you can lane split?

I used to commute in Auckland on a bike a long time ago - it was my only transport at the time. I'm glad that I was able to develop most of my riding skills in a quiet country town, rather than in the hurly burly of the city.

Remember also that storage space will be limited on a bike, for any of those lunch time or after work errands. It can be annoying to say the least commuting on a bike in the winter.

After saying all that:

Go for it! Just be sensible.
Go for it

**FJRider** · 22nd February 2011, 20:17

If you are concerned at all, on the safety aspect of motorcycling ... BUY A SMALL CAR ...

**nadroj** · 22nd February 2011, 20:17

People who drive a motorcycle don't fare too well until they learn to "Ride" the motorcycle.
Spend the time learning to ride properly and ride within your limits and experience and your chances will increase greatly.

**patarch** · 22nd February 2011, 20:23

Yea i agree with the all the gear all the time call.
I'm starting riding in the city soon. spent 1500 on gear because i know i will eventually have an accident and want to be prepared for it.
Will let you know what i reckon about the safety side of it once i get out on the road.
Main reason im getting a bike is because of traffic and shitty trains that take an hour and a half to get to work. not expecting to save money because i will still have the car but things should be a little easier and more fun on the weekends too

**steve_t** · 22nd February 2011, 20:24

Originally Posted by oneofsix

As a new rider sooner or later you will drop the bike.

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

**Smifffy** · 22nd February 2011, 20:34

Originally Posted by patarch

Yea i agree with the all the gear all the time call.
I'm starting riding in the city soon. spent 1500 on gear because i know i will eventually have an accident and want to be prepared for it.
Will let you know what i reckon about the safety side of it once i get out on the road.
Main reason im getting a bike is because of traffic and shitty trains that take an hour and a half to get to work. not expecting to save money because i will still have the car but things should be a little easier and more fun on the weekends too

Sorry to say, but I think you will eventually have an accident. Only because you know it already, and are already preparing for it.

**Rhys** · 22nd February 2011, 20:35

Originally Posted by steve_t

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

I have never dropped a road bike yet!

**awayatc** · 22nd February 2011, 20:44

Bikes are expensive to run.....way more expensive then a car.
unless you buy sub 250 or so....

Bikes are also less safe etc...

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

**patarch** · 22nd February 2011, 20:52

Originally Posted by Smifffy

Sorry to say, but I think you will eventually have an accident. Only because you know it already, and are already preparing for it.

well lets hope its not serious. And better to be prepared than surprised and missing a leg.

**Smifffy** · 22nd February 2011, 21:00

Originally Posted by patarch

well lets hope its not serious. And better to be prepared than surprised and missing a leg.

Why not ride with a positive mental attitude, and application of roadcraft, with the expectation of arriving safely at your destination?

Use all of your skills to do so, and develop those skills at every opportunity.

Wear the gear for that 1 in a million outside chance that something does, (deity of choice) forbid, happen, but FFS don't ride around expecting it is going to.

Yes, when I was a kid I knew personally an older guy who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident. I'm still not sure which piece of ATGATT would have lessened that.

Stay safe, ride safe and keep it shiny side up. Look out for the other crazy bastard.