Question by diamnd15: Getting into Motorcycles?
Hi, im 18 and am thinking about taking one of those msf courses for learning to ride due to my the current rise of gas prices in ca. After that i hopefully I might getting a motorcycle. I have ridden dirt bikes almost all my life so riding is that hard at that level, but have been advised to take the course anyways. I would just like to know if its worth it to switch to a motorcycle for the better gas mileage, how much is insurance going to cost even I get a used 2001 Yamaha from a current friend of mine that’s moving, and how much could I possibly save on gas, any other helpful tips would be great. Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by gsschulte
well a bike gets like what 50 miles to the gallon or something like that so yeah youll save money even if i have the figures to high. the reason to take the course is so you can learn the test with a dirt bike you can take the test easier depending on how they do it and they will help you get a permit and everything or they should at least. not sure about insurance or if you even have to have it as its not classified as an automobile but look online if you want a quote.
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Take the motorcycle course…it will give you an appreciation to riding a bike and it will also teach you to respect the two wheels on the road…as for insurance call your local insurance companies and call several so you can get multiple quotes…as for prices, depends on your driving record!!! Becareful there are many people that dont see motorcycles on the road…
I If you live in a BIG city, I would reconsider.
Your ins on a Goldwing would run around $ 150.00 a year. 48 mpg. a goldwing is like a convertable car.
depending on the Bike you have, crotch rockets will be HIGH $ $ $ for Ins. since your 18.
There many many advantages, with the exception of: BIG city…18 and a Crotch Rocket…..
other than that, it’s all good.
If yer just going to have a bike, get some rain gear.
and take some mechanics courses, for when it breaks down (thats the expensive part)
and I got modulating (flash from one to the other, like cop headlights, but not colored) headlights installed on mine cause idiots dont see motorcycles.
and lots of leathers and a back pad and gloves….. etc, you know the drill.
Motorcycle is great on gas. And we are legal in the HOV (carpool) lanes in CA, which is a bonus. My V-twin (HD Low Rider) gets about 50 mph, and I’ve heard the Japanese bikes do even better. I don’t like being out in weather so much though, so I still have the car.
The rider course is really good even if you’ve been riding a while because most insurance companies will give you like a 20% discount. It’s worth the time and money just for that.
I was you once. Little tip on the course…if you aren’t used to a bike bigger than a 750 don’t bring one to the test. Go small, light, and easy to ride. Something like a 500cc honda. You will spend most of the rest of your life getting used to one bike or another so practice before you ride in. I paid 72 dollars insurance for a full year, and I ride year round so it works out just fine. I have a 5.7 gal fuel tank and one fillup will last a week and five days. I put on around 60 to 150 miles a day. I never broke a bone in the body but I average one accident a year. some are bad some are fine. ragdoll out of any crash. I miss the dirt bike days. I look back and wonder how I’m not dead.
I highly recommend the training. It will help you learn the limits of the bike. Motorcycles average between 30 and 60 mpg, depending on the size of the engine, the type of engine (V-twin or Inline 4) and riding style (how aggressive you are). Gas tanks average in size around 5 gallons. I’d be very careful in the “big city” as people like too bully the little guy on the road, if they even see you. Insurance in NJ on my ZX’s was approximately $ 350 yearly, and my V-MAX was approximately $ 450 yearly.
Dirt experience, according to Jamie Elvidge, is the best. But it would still be good to take the class, like you said.
You will definitely get better mileage regardless of what type of bike you settle on. Mileage does vary of course, but I would guesstimate that with your average cruiser in good working condition, you might get something like 40mpg….
Insurance will also vary depending on your gender, age, location, style of bike and CC’s. Since your an 18 year old male (I assume), if you go with a sport bike, prepare to pay through the nose. Cruisers will be cheaper. And of course the more CC’s, the more $ $ ‘s. Call your insurance person and see what they have to say.