15 :: I Don’t Want A Pickle
I never really liked motorcycles, mostly for safety reasons. But after spending a good portion of last year zooming around on Chinese moto-taxis, I think I grew a strange affinity for their freedom and convenience. I’ve also been thinking about how I could save a lot of gas money, enjoy the weather more, and put a lot less strain on my car if I had one. So yeah … I’m seriously considering buying a motorcycle.
But I need some help … I’m not quite sure where to start the hunt. Here are the main factors I’m looking for:
- Fuel efficient, especially in city driving
- Seats two comfortably, with a little storage
- Can travel highway speeds safely and smoothly
- Dependable without requiring tons of maintenance
So … know a bit about bikes? Know someone who does? I’ve got a couple of friends in mind who might be able to help out, but the more opinions, the merrier. I’d even be open to a scooter or moped (but not a crotch rocket).
May 15th, 2008 at 11:04 am EST
oh, your mom is not going to like this one bit…
May 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am EST
I have actually talked to a buddy at work about what kind of bike to buy for myself, whenever I get around to it. Make sure you call me sometime in the evening to discuss, too many thoughts to post online and not enough time to type…
May 15th, 2008 at 3:02 pm EST
Oh, and I also know the best way to get a motorcycle endorsement for your license…
May 15th, 2008 at 4:40 pm EST
you could try this…
http://www.funonthenet.in/articles/one-wheeled-motorcycle.html
it says it MIGHT seat two…
or you could get an autorickshaw…
May 15th, 2008 at 4:50 pm EST
You totally don’t know me, but apparently we know many of the same people (so says Facebook). I go to church with you, I think. There’s practically an entire biker gang there. I’m sure there’s lots of advice they could give you!
May 15th, 2008 at 5:28 pm EST
Not to rain on your parade, but since you live in OH and will have to still license a car to drive in winter… by the time you pay for insurance, license and tires (unless you truly do get a moped) for a car and motorcycle, you will not really save any money. But they are fun!
If you really want to save money, get an older diesel and convert to run off of used fast-food grease - also environmentally friendly
May 16th, 2008 at 2:59 pm EST
Somewhat true, anonymous … but over time I really could save some dough, if I was smart about how I drove and insured it (and if I took other factors in consideration, like the wear-and-tear I’d save on my car). One thing’s for sure, I don’t want to have to be MacGyver just to get from A to B or keep the thing running!
Lindsey, I’ve already talked to Andy about it and fully plan to get lots of advice from the fellas at Four Corners once I learn a little more. Thanks for stopping by … it’ll be nice to meet you in person sometime too!
After some research today, I’m leaning towards a 250cc cruiser (like the Honda Rebel, Yamaha V Star 250, or the Suzuki GZ250). It’d be much cheaper, safer, gas-efficient, and easier to learn on than a bigger bike … and resale would be solid. I’d consider upgrading to a 500cc for something like the Buell Blast, if convinced properly … but I wouldn’t want to get too ambitious at first.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:55 pm EST
James’ dad has many words of advice for you. He had an enjoyable “getting run over” experience, as it were. Seriously, if you want to hear another point of view, look Mike up.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:11 pm EST
You can insure a bike for part of the year, and if you’re really ambitious you can even take your car off insurance in the summer. The safety thing is a big drawback. Its always the “other” guy who doesn’t see the motorcycler…
May 16th, 2008 at 4:14 pm EST
Yeah … I have another friend whose brother was recently killed in a motorcycle accident … and I saw many-a-motorist “get run over” last year. But I think I’m pretty comfortable with the risk vs. reward scenario right now. As long as I get a yellow plastic construction hat, I should be fine.
It’s a good thing my mom doesn’t read this blog anymore.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:02 am EST
Don’t forget to wear your white riding gloves…
May 17th, 2008 at 9:04 am EST
(
The photo I tried to insert did not go. How do I be cool like you Lance and put a photo in a comment? )
May 17th, 2008 at 9:29 am EST
I don’t know, it should just go. Can you click on the little “e” to edit the comment? Maybe edit the comment and try again …
May 17th, 2008 at 10:09 am EST
there isn’t a “little e” to edit comments for the commonfolk. or an easy way to add a photo via a simple button click. or a hyperlink. or… i bet word press has plug-ins for that kind of stuff…
May 17th, 2008 at 11:07 am EST
Are you actually logged in to webeldotnet? If so, I’d expect the little “e” to be next to the timestamp on your comments (though I could be wrong).
I’ve tried to upgrade the commenting system, dood … there’s really only one WYSIWYG comments plugin that I’ve found, and the installation hasn’t worked at all. Perhaps there’ll be a (slight) redesign of this site sometime this summer … if so I’ll definitely be revamping the system for comments. Until then, I’m gonna stick with what’s working.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:51 pm EST
am i really the first one to say that you need to get the honda, so that you’ll have a webel rebel?
May 17th, 2008 at 4:46 pm EST
i am logged in, and there’s no “e”
May 30th, 2008 at 7:28 am EST
Canucks rookie Defenseman was killed yesterday after his ‘bike was hit by a truck!!!
Your mom (but not your easily influenced nephew Nate) might disown you if you don’t get killed first….