Motorbike or Car as Permanent Transport?
I am turning 16 in a few months and I am facing the dilemma of choosing between a motorcycle or a car as my permanent mode of transport.
I have bike riding experience and I am aware of the dangers of riding a bike aswell as some of it's discomforts during winter.
I would like a bike (cbr/ninja 250) because it will be cheap and easy for me when I start attending university. A bikes fuel consumption is far lower than a cars and it is much more manoverable.
I live in Western Australia so I don't have to worry about riding in the rain or extreme cold.
Personally I think a bike will be a much better choice than a car but I would like to see some other opinions.
Thanks
Comments
It depends on what you have to do. In a majority of situations, a motorcycle is a 1 person transportation vehicle with very little or no storage. So you can only transport yourself around, and hopefully you aren't getting groceries or anything else as you won't really have anywhere to put it. (Now some bigger cruisers with lots of luggage, or adventure bikes with saddles, tank, tail bags are a different story.)
Since Aussieworld doesn't really get snow and terrible weather, I wouldn't think riding full year is a bad thing. I am in the midwest and ride about 80% of the year. I will still ride when it is <15-20 degrees as long as the road doesn't have snow on it.
Problem is, in my opinion, a cheap car isn't really that much more expensive than a decent motorcycle. A new Ninja 300 will run you about $4500. Could go get a used honda civic for about $5k that is in good shape. The Ninja will have about 40mpg, while the Civic will have about 30mpg. Since you are a young male, your insurance is going to suck pretty hard either way, probably worse for a motorcycle. Most motorcycles take higher octane gasoline than cars do, which further closes the gap of economy.
So now, you are basically in equal costing transport, but one is a lot smaller and versitile but at the mercy of the weather, while the other is a bit larger and bulky, but can drive in all weather and has space for stuff.
I never advise motorcycles as first vehicles. It just isn't worth it. I have done the math time and time again, and in about 95% of cases, motorcycles are NOT more economical than cars. The only situation where 2 wheels is more cost justified than 4 wheels is if you are older than 25, you drive a scooter or a dual sport, and you own that specific vehicle for longer than 5-10yrs. Any other situation is a wash or favored to 4 wheels.
Bikes are toys.
You may go for an electric transport solution. Electric bicycle is a growing popularity due to its flexible use. It is an exiting riding enable you to go faster and rather more fresher. It is quite light weight and comfortable to ride.
Well in first world economies like your Australia; bikes are considered as recreational tools. But look outside your country and you'll get the true picture.
China & India are the two most populated countries in the world (roughly 1/3rd the population of the whole world) and yet as much as 70% of their population use very small displacement motorcycles (<200cc) for daily commuting. We're talking about legions of people here!!! They ride them regardless of rain or shine, summer or winter, throughout the year so why can't you???
I see no problem.
Besides, there are people who've crossed entire continents on nothing but small Honda Cubs! The bikes you've mentioned are like light years ahead of a Cubs. I know, I had a Cub too! So get out of your comfort zone and you'll find bikes every bit as practical as a car. Well, almost...
Are you ever going to be taking more than 1 person anywhere?