My 2 cents…
I just recently bought the a ninja 250cc… it’s my first ever motorbike. Before that I have only ever drove cars, and for the last few years I also got a scooter to help me get from a to b.
For me the +’s seriously outweighed the -‘s.
Tell your parents…
1. The MSF Course
MSF Taking a MSF will make you a better driver. Not only to ride a motorbike, but also as a car driver. It opened my eyes to how badly I treated motorbike users around me before. Now that I ride my bike, I must admit, when the cars cut in front of me, or simply look at me, then pretend I don’t exist and still change lane when they know I am still there makes me secretly smile… I used to be one of those arrogant people as well.
2. Costs
I live in a capital city. Not only is there the traffic jams, but also parking to consider. I use to burn through petrol in my car as if it were as cheap as water. My Mazda 3 had a 1.6 engine, and sitting in the traffic moving at a snails pace was upsetting as I watched the petrol needle simple go down and down. Not only that, but once parked, I then had to pay by the hour just to be parked close to my office. With a motorbike, my consumption is not even close. I drive as I would in my car. As the lights change to red. While the other cars remain behind each other, I use the opportunity to slip between then all and drive between the lanes. By the time the light changes back to green… I normally find I have jumped 15 cars in front of me, and am normally at the front of the queue. Your petrol costs will therefor be much less. I don’t condole swerving in and out of traffic (driving like that is suicidal)… but once the cars are at a standstill, there is little danger.
Also, with the bike I can park almost wherever I go. Meeting friends in a bar or restaurant… I simply park right in front. On the sidewalk hidden by trees, there is always a spot. jajaja thinking about it (more for you than your parents) it is actually cool when I arrive at starbucks and everyone starts looking at you. I can tell the guys in suits are looking thinking with envy… yep. Driving a motorbike had a spot in ever mans heart I am realizing.
3. Environment.
Think about the CO2. I am sure (you have a jeep, right) Your MPG is going to be considerably less. As I said, I have had my bike now for 3 days… I filled the tank half full and have drove around a little… I don’t seem to remember the needle moving that much at all… if indeed it HAS moved. a 250cc engine uses so little petrol… it’s so cheap.
4. Time
My commute time to the office has been cut to 33%. I can leave home at 8:40, and still get to work for 9am. I used to leave a little before 8.
5. Enjoyment.
You know, I never realized how free-ing a motorbike is. I find myself driving just to drive now. I realize I am out more often, meeting friends, meetings, whatever the occasion. I always find an excuse to jump on the bike and go there. There is no other similar feeling that just suiting up, jumping on the bike, twisting back the throttle, and feeling that thing go. It’s addictive. Anyone here will I am sure agree with me. Trying to explain the feeling to someone who has never done it before is so difficult. My girlfriend had an almost phobia about motorbikes. It took me a year to convince her that I wasn’t going to crash and die in 24 hours. I drive carefully, don’t do stupid tricks, and generally take every precaution I can. She changed her mind. She is now glad that I have my bike. She can feel how happy I am, and she knows that if life says it’s your time to crash… be it in car, bike, horse, wheelbarrow, roller skates… whatever.. Crash is crash.
Look. Do you want to wake up aged 60 and think… I wish I would have drove a motorbike? I waited 32 years… and I feel like I missed something.
I have plenty of friends who have had car accidents. Yeah sure, they are still alive to talk about it… but it doesn’t make a difference. We could all get hit by a bus tomorrow. Life is…. just that. Life. You never know.
So. be paranoid. Sell the jeep. Wrap yourself up in cotton wool…. or enjoy life. Get a bike. Get protection. Take a MSF. Be a respectful, careful driver. And have an experience that is unforgettable.
I only have had my bike for 3 days… I feel like I will never be without a bike for the rest of my life.
It’s such an enjoyable feeling.