Having a motorcycle seems like an adventure – and it can be. But, it is important to acknowledge and learn about the downsides, too. New bikers should know the pros and cons. This can help them determine if buying a bike is a good option for them. It can also help them figure out if they’d like to have it as their main vehicle for commuting or if they might want to have it just for having fun on the weekends.
Pro: Social Activity And Fun To Ride
In recent years, the demand for motorcycles has risen because they are fun to ride and it can be a fantastic social activity. Groups of people can ride together, enjoying a gorgeous weekend and going on fun adventures. It is possible to ride alone, which can be fun as well, but there’s something about getting a group of people together to enjoy a fun activity and have a day or weekend together on the road.
Con: Can Be Dangerous
It is important to note that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. Things that would not be a hazard in a car will be on a bike. Plus, many drivers don’t see motorcycles as easily as they would spot another vehicle. Wearing the appropriate safety gear, riding with other bikers, planning the route carefully, and other safety tips can help to minimize the potential for an accident.
Pro: Lower Impact On The Environment
Motorcycles have a much lower impact on the environment compared to cars. They don’t pollute as much because of their size and they are far more fuel-efficient compared to a vehicle. For those who are concerned about the environment, riding a motorcycle can be a great way for them to cut down on their carbon footprint when they have to commute for work or run errands.
Con: Harder To Obtain A License
A motorcycle license is not necessarily difficult to obtain, but it is harder compared to a regular driver’s license. It is required for motorcyclists to take the test and obtain a motorcycle license to be able to ride on in most situations, so this is something to consider. Taking lessons can help give the rider a much better chance of passing on the first try, along with helping them learn how to ride safely.
Pro: Easier To Park
Since motorcycles are smaller than vehicles, they are easier to park. Even if a space is small, the motorcycle will still fit, and there are some places that offer motorcycle parking close to the store. Plus, parallel parking is much easier on a motorcycle compared to a regular vehicle because of how small they are. In places where parking can be challenging, having a motorcycle can be beneficial.
Con: More Prone To Theft
Motorcycles are, unfortunately, more prone to theft. Even if a motorcycle doesn’t run, it can be loaded onto a trailer quickly and easily, so someone can steal a motorcycle without knowing how to ride it. Those in states with a high amount of motorcycle theft will want to look into new ways to secure their bike to make it much harder to steal and consider parking in a garage where possible for added security.
Pro: Easier To Maintain
Motorcycles don’t have as many parts as the standard vehicle, so they’re typically much easier to maintain. It is important to note that rare motorcycles may not have an easily avaialble supply of OEM parts, but as long as the motorcycle is a more common brand, it’s going to be easy to repair as needed. Many bikers learn how to do a lot of repairs on their own, so they don’t have to worry about their motorcycle breaking down.
Con: Limited Storage Potential
While motorcycles can be great for running errands or traveling, it is important to remember that they do have a limited amount of storage. The rider can expand this by using a backpack or storage add-ons for their bike, but it still won’t carry as much as a car. When traveling, care should be taken to pack only what’s needed and to travel light. For running errands, a motorcycle is best for ones that don’t require carrying a lot of items home, like grocery shopping for a week or longer. Carrying a few days of groceries, though, should be easy to do.
Pro: Traffic Can Be Less Of A Concern
Motorcycles are more maneuverable and can go places that cars can’t, so they are perfect for driving during rush hour or other times when there may be a lot of traffic. It’s possible to go around and skip much of the traffic, so a motorcycle can get there faster than a vehicle in some situations. It is important to be careful when going around traffic and always pay attention to everything that’s going on to avoid an accident.
Con: Riding Limited By The Weather
Weather can be a limiting factor for bikers. When it’s raining a little bit, motorcyclists should take precautions to make sure they’re as safe as possible and highly visible to other drivers. If it’s pouring, though, it may not be recommended to ride. In a number of situations, it can be incredibly dangerous to ride in poor weather, so it’s better to leave the motorcycle at home and take a car that can better handle the slick roads or other hazards.
Riding a motorcycle can open up new possibilities and be a fantastic way to get out and have fun, but there are cons to consider, too. Those who are planning on getting a motorcycle should be aware of the potential limitations and take the time to learn how to ride safely to prevent potential accidents or injuries. Once you’re ready, there are plenty of new and used motorcycles to consider, so you can find one that fits your new lifestyle and will be fun to ride anywhere you want to go.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
