Bike or Car, with the current gas prices rising.?
September 9, 2010 by Mixture Cars
Filed under hybrid car club
I have a question, my father and I are trying to figure out, whether i should get a car, or a motorcycle. First of all, my price range is $0(which i doubt there are any)-$20,000. I also live relatively close to my school. I am 16, (getting close to 17) and need some form of transportation. I have not taken the drivers test yet, because i have not decided. My friend, Eric, is trying to convince me to get a bike like his, a Kawasaki Ninja. And he wants to have a biking club. But, my main debate, is that motorcycles get more miles per gallon, for cheaper than going out and buying a hybrid car. I may also be carting around my girl-friend sometimes. But i would like some un-biased answers. Thanks for helping me out. 
Viva Deutchland!
Well not all motorcycles are better on gas than cars. Secondly, a motorcycle isn’t ideal for inclement weather.
For simple commuting and non highway usage the Ninja 250R is ideal. Again not so great in bad weather. Also insurance is more for a sport bike like the one Eric is trying to get you to buy.
You might want to find an old 4 cylinder car from the early 90s. They get 40+MPG.
A motorcycle would definately save you money, depending on what kind you get. I would advise against a crotch rocket, however. They are dangerous and your gf would not be very comfortable on the back of one. If you get a motorcycle, get a cruiser, like a Harley Davidson Heritage Soft-tail or a Road King. They are a little bigger, but much safer and more comfortable than a crotch rocket. My fiance has one and he gets 40-45 mpg. If you are not comfortable on two wheels, get a hybrid; but I have heard they are not the great deal everyone thinks. Do some research on them before you decide. Good luck!
The only trouble with motorcycles is rain(and snow of course), so it depends on how much it rains where you live. You can always get a car with good mpg.
I am a rain or shine motorcycler for some years; Even rode in the winter when I lived in Washington State near Seattle. (Not when it snowed though that was my line). Some facts that I have come to understand
1. Most motorcycles even the ones with “lousy” milage get 40mi/gal
2. Motorcycle tires cost about 200$ PER TIRE. Tires last between 4000 and 12000 miles. (4000=sport bike 12000=heavy cruiser)
3. Hourly rates for motorcycle mechanics are the same as A&P airplane mechanics.
4. Replacement parts should be gold plated based on cost. (I am not up on all brands here I’ve owned Hondas and BMWs both had extremely expensive replacement parts)
At one time I used to say that there was no way to make money owning a bike because of the cost of tires and maintenance. However, with fuel costs the way they are that might not be true. To those who want to take up a motorcycle as a daily driver I start with this.
“You are going to be going out there, during rush hour, with those cars in all weather conditions. You are placing yourself at risk, and make no mistake you will fall. I’ve fallen a total of 5 times, I’ve been lucky, the next one might be my last. Think about two things before you go any further. Think about lying on the pavement looking up at the sky, and ask yourself was the risk worth it? Do you get back on that horse? If the answer is no than you never should have rode it to begin with. Second do you love the idea of motorcycling? Think about the worst; A closed casket funeral because your body is too mangled to look at. The only thing your friends and family will have to hold on to; The only little bit of meaning that they will be able to pull is that you died doing something you loved. Don’t do it for the money it’s not worth the risk”
And if that does not dissuade them I usually follow with.
“Well you are going to be using it as a daily driver, which means, rain or shine. You need a motorcycle that is reliable, doesn’t have a propensity to rust, and for the rain I highly recommend anti-lock brakes. Despite what other riders may tell you, read the studies, anti-locks save lives. My brand recommendation is BMW or Honda”
bikes will crush cars in gas mileage, but if you live in a place where it gets cold, lots of rain or snow you will still need a car. the car is a better starting place as a result. the 250 ninja gets 60+ mpg though, but you can beat that with the 250 nighthawk. one testing agency averaged 90 mpg with it.
I look for the scoffing words of the “in” mob when I mention pedal assists, if your school is in the range of one of these they are cheap to buy and cheap to run, ( around 100 kms to a litre), or electric even cheaper, and no licence needed, looking at carrying a passenger?, you would save cash to put towards a larger one, motor bikes are my first love, my first was a BSA sloper with a chair, I’ve lost count of the bikes I’ve gone through since. The price of 20,000 sounds over the top for a bike, puts me in mind of a photo I took of a bike with L plates, the front wheel; was non existent, the car that was hit was in the pound next to it, that too was a write off, but I and my sons have all had bikes, we have either been lucky or careful, my last one I sold when I was 83. Don’t know why I went on like that, but think about it.