Is a motorcycle a great alternative for commute?

SHARE THIS

FACEBOOK

  DELICIOUS

  SU

  REDDIT

Tired of your usual commute and thinking about switching to a motorcycle to get to and from work? It might be a great idea. Basically, a motorcycle can be a fantastic option for commuting, but you need to consider all the pros and cons before you go hit the motorbike sales floor. Here are some points to consider:

Pro: Cheaper on Fuel

Well, the fuel costs the same but you’ll use a lot less of it when taking a bike to work instead of a car. On average, you can get nearly 45 miles to the gallon on a motorcycle compared to around 24 mpg with a car, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Considering the price of gas these days, this is can be a huge bonus to the budget.

And speaking of costs, it’s also cheaper to insure a motorcycle than it is a car, though it may not matter if you still own a car that just sits at home.

Pro: Easier to Park

If you work at a location without a designated parking lot, you can ease up a lot of commuting stress by dealing with a smaller vehicle. Trying to parallel park on a busy street, or squeeze your car into that last narrow space next to a lamp post can ruin your entire day. Instead, slip your bike into the skinniest of spots and head off to work without the aggravation.

Pro: It’s More Fun

The freedom of speeding down the road on a motorcycle can be a wonderful feeling at the start and end of your regular work day. For a bike enthusiast, this can be a huge improvement to your commute time. Of course, it depends on the route you have to take somewhat. A lovely drive down a winding country road is going to be a bit more thrilling than a stop-and-go grind down a busy grid-locked freeway.

Con: No Weather Protection

This is probably the biggest problem with bike commuting. If you are working at a job that requires a certain level of formality with a suit or a crisp uniform, it can be awkward biking to work while staying presentable. Even a full riding suit can leave your clothes underneath a little rumpled, and an unexpected shower can ruin your day entirely if you aren’t dressed for it. A determined biker can just change clothes at work, so can still make it work.

Con: Little Storage Space

Trunk space can be vital for all sorts of errands, and if you are the kind of person who needs to make additional stops for shopping on your commute, a motorcycle is going to be a liability. To be fair, this isn’t directly an issue with the drive itself, just something to remember.

So, if you are thinking about using a motorcycle for commuting, these are just a few of the things you should consider. Some may or may not apply to you, like the parking or storage issue. At any rate, there are both pros and cons to commuting by bike.