Guest post by Kyle Allen
Motorcycles ridden for everyday transportation was a normal part of my life growing up in the 70’s and 80’s. With high gas prices playing a factor, I have fond memories of both of my parents riding. Dad had a 500 Yamaha with an aftermarket fairing that he’d ride rain or shine to work everyday, and on weekends would let me swing a leg over the passenger seat for a scenic afternoon cruise on the backroads. Mom rode a Honda 125 that was formerly used by the Shriner’s to put on riding agility displays at local parades. She would use it to ride back and forth to her part-time job while us kids were in school, or to pick up a few groceries or run some errands. As a kid, I viewed riding a motorcycle as just a normal part of everyday life.
By the time I was old enough to drive, my parents had sold both bikes (I suppose the logistics of shuttling 3 kids around played a part in that decision, but my Mom also said she felt like drivers were not paying attention to riders), and I ended up learning to drive on 4-wheels, but always with a thought about wanting to ride a motorcycle...someday.
Someday came when I started working as part of the marketing team here at Aerostich. After some training and practice, I got my motorcycle endorsement in the Spring of 2009. Donning a new Hi-Viz Roadcrafter Classic one piece, I threw my leg over a borrowed 1971 Honda CB350 and never looked back as I established my roots as a dedicated daily rider.
In the early Spring of 2010, I was offered a great deal on a lightly used, ’08 Kawasaki Versys, (that fit into the ‘bike budget’ I had been saving for) and logged the first ride of the season on March 11th, continuing to commute nearly every day that year through the end of November. Out of about 165 workdays during that timeframe, commuting on the new bike accounted for 145 of those days (with a few longer day trips and vacation riding days mixed in too). A quick run of the math proved that after the investment in the bike and riding gear, I was saving a fairly significant (to me anyway) amount of money by choosing to ride over driving a car too!
With my Aerostich gear and a determined mind-set, 2012 allowed me to ride (at least a few days) every month this year – not always easily, but enjoyable every time – from below zero Duluth, MN temps in January and February to sweltering heat and humidity in July and August. Riding (anywhere), for me, is always the most versatile, practical and economical (not to mention fun), way to get from point A to B. Gas prices were jacked-up most of that year too, creating an even bigger savings.
Flash forward another 5 years and I’m still riding the same Kawasaki (have changed the oil annually and put 2 sets of new tires and brake pads on it over the years) and wearing the same (road grimed) Hi-Viz one piece Roadcrafter Classic. The bike and gear have gotten very comfortable after over 7 years of use, not to mention that every mile and every day that I ride further adds to the long-term value of the investment in the motorcycle and riding gear. Every ride continues to save money over driving the car too. Looking at just the gas savings over the last several years, the economic benefits of riding become pretty easily apparent. The fact that riding gets me from A to B more efficiently, allows easier and more readily available parking options and is better on the environment is nice too. But the personal benefits from riding are where the real reward is. Anytime I ride somewhere, I arrive more alert, aware and ready to take on tasks at hand. If you choose to ride more I’m pretty sure that you would find similar results. Save money, feel energized and healthy and have way more fun!
Back in the $3-4/gallon days (up to January 2013), I kept a detailed record of my motorcycle and car costs. The bikes were both more expensive, original purchase-wise, than the car. However, I was surprised to discover that my per-mile cost for the motorcycle was, indeed, less than my crappy Escort wagon (http://geezerwithagrudge.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-vehicle-ownership-costs.html). That continued to be true until I retired. Then, my cage-to-motorcycle miles really jumped out of proportion as I quit commuting and spent a lot more time with my motorcycle-adverse wife. Still, my experience was different than a lot of the responders above. I do not put premium in either of my motorcycles and never will. So far, I have seen no consequences to that decision.
I too agree with Nathan. As an engineer I did the math comparing 2000 Toyota Avalon to 2002 GL1800A. Insurance was close to the same but cost of motorcycle tires offset fuel savings. Scale tilts in favor of Avalon if one does not buy tires mail order and install oneself. Local purchase adds about $150 to the cost of motorcycle tires mounted and balanced.
Then I traded Avalon for a Prius which got honest 50 MPG to GL1800’s 42, and used tires that cost much less than the Avalon’s which cost less per mile than the Goldwing’s. Quit riding much and sold the Goldwing. Currently ride an FJR1300 at 49 MPG. But using the twisted arguments used in this blog my Tesla wins yet again because its electric use costs same as 75 MPG gasoline. And apparently gasoline is the only metric used.
I agree with Nathan. I’ve been riding for 45 years and have 4 bikes in the garage. Until recently I commuted to work for 9 months of the year on the bikes because I enjoyed it. The commute probably consisted of 9000 miles per year. The main bike I used consistently gets 55 to 60 mpg, and my truck gets 23 to 24 mpg, so there is a win. The bike wants premium gasoline, the truck doesn’t care. Aside from all of the safety equipment and clothing required, tires are interesting.
Tires for the main bike cost a tick over $300 a pair for good Michilins, and last maybe 12,000 miles. I can get tires for the truck for less than $500 that will last almost 60k miles. I have a 15 year old Roadcrafter that cost well under $100 per year, although I have sent it in for a “tune-up” a couple of times. Like Nathan, I don’t ride to save money – it’s an affliction and I am happy to support it.
If you only look at the fuel costs; sure, you’re probably saving some money. Other factors to consider are motorcycle tires don’t last near as long as car or truck tires, good gear (helmet, suit, boots, gloves, etc.) is expensive & additional insurance cost. For me, my bike burns premium & the truck burns regular; so, I’m not really even saving much on fuel. BUT, I don’t ride to save money.
I, too, was on two wheels most of my life. From 17 onward, through my 20’s – I was the “Motorcycle Guy” in college.. post school, I bought my first Aerostich Roadcrafter in 1987 – and I haven’t looked back. I’m on my second Roadcrafter now – it should take me into decrepitude.
Leave a comment