How many of you have a motorcycle and use it for going to and from work?

Do you do it to save fuel?
Do you just like riding?
If you do not have one, what would you buy?

I been looking at a new or used (if I can find one) Ninja 250.

Thoughts?

It would be my first bike if I get one, to replace the truck as a to/from work, or would I be better off with a cheep car?

 

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Good luck!
Also think about taking a riders safety course....it does help!

If you think you might have issues dealing with the elements then get a cheap beater car....

 

Sweet bike man!
More than I can handle, but its nice.

I was gonna look at getting one to save some fuel to work and back, but keep the truck for snow/ice during the winter.

I checked and there is a local class near me.

I always wanted a bike and thought I would ask around. It will take me some time to save the money for one, so it would be next year before I could get one, unless I finance it.

Just thought it might be something nice to have and ride, while saving some $ on gas.
I am in pretty good with the local shop, so I was told I can get a 250 at cost to them if I wanted one so long as I bought the gear I needed with the bike.

I just always wanted one, and passed up many because my dad hates them, but me and the g/f would like to have one now.

 

If you want one then get one.....my mom hates bikes too but I got one when I was 16.....26 years later she doesn't even remember it...

 

You gotta remember registering it and insurance. Will your insurance be raise dor lowered? If the insurance company raises your amount then will you really be saving that much on gas?

I have wanted a bike my whole life. I ride dirtbikes all the time and love them so much. I have some buddies that race and my neighbor has 2 harleys he rides. Like I said, I want one but I am concerned about living in San Diego and having to deal with so many stupid drivers. Especially in the summer time when the zonies (no offense AZ members) come to Encinitas and don't know where they are going and cause traffic.

Maybe I'll get a scooter!

D

 

I have used my bikes for everything but going to / from work. I travel to customer locations in a suit, and it is kind of hard to gear up and not wrinkle the coat in the bags or tail trunk.

The bike vs car you have to stop and think about rain, and how comfortable you will be riding in it, else you could be using the truck more than the bike depending on the weather you get in a given month.
Every year after a winter of riding in nothing but cold, I find the 1st rainy day on a weekend, wait for it to start, and suit up and go ride for 2 or 3 hours to get used to it again.

The cost, you need to compare everything.
Gear for riding ( over pants, good jacket with armor, boot and gloves along with the lid ) can add up real quick.
This gear alone can easily run 1,000.00, and you have not gotten into summer vs winter ( or cold ) gear if you are doing that, this can be another 500.00 to the cost ( if you go mesh pants and jacket - vented boots adds to it ).

Think of how long you will call a riding season, quite a few do not ride below 45*, that is common 60* is another common cut off for riding for people.

If the winter is not that bad temp wise, think of the dew to frost changes.
I got caught in a toys for tots run that went from 40* and mist to 33* in a flash ( the year the drunk killed the retired Sheriff ), which made riding a bit of a pucker factor for myself, and the cages driving like dolts.

If you are looking for a long term fuel saving comparison, the ZX-250 will sip fuel, that small tank will last forever, but think of how many days per year you can take advantage of it vs a used 'roller skate' car that gets ~ 40, and will not change the decision on to use it on the day that is akin to a cow pissing on a flat rock.

The ZX-250 will prove to be a fun bike, that ride will turn in quicker in a turn than my old ZX-9R track bike, and it will snap back in a second ( less mass ), making an easy ride.

The ZX-250 is not the best LD bike in my book, but I do recall someone at the 2005 Iron Butt rally ( 11K miles in 11 days ) running one, so it can be done, they are not just scooter replacements.

When it comes down to it, going bike for saving fuel might turn into a hobby, that will really burn through the fuel

 

Pretty much what was said by SScully, another thing to add..tires and oil changes. Bike tires are Expensive, and if you really enjoy riding,,,your gonna go through oil changes and tires incredibly fast. I bought one when I was 19 and thought i'd save money in the process, didn't quite work out that way.

 

Thanks guys, it may be something we could end up getting next year for enjoyment, but for right now I think we are just gonna hope a nice little car turns up somewhere.

Maybe next year, and a cruiser over a sports. Just something to go out on when its nice.

 

Nice bike there Mr 88.

I have one of these for ****s & giggles but use the beater for the work commute.

 

Nice....

Ya should've gotten the two tone anniversary .....black and silver then you would've matched....

 

Couldn't find one nice enough over here for the right money.

The all black is ok though as the two tone looks a little busy IMO on the dresser bikes when the fairing and bags are painted too.