"NaturallyAspirated" (NaturallyAspirated)
11/14/2014 at 18:06 • Filed to: two wheels good
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"NaturallyAspirated" (NaturallyAspirated)
11/14/2014 at 18:06 • Filed to: two wheels good | 0
| 14 |
With my Subaru out of commission last week thanks to a broken clutch fork, I had to get by bumming rides from coworkers and friends. I got to thinking that, since I do DD a high mileage car, it might not be a terrible idea to have a backup method of getting to work. I don't have any spare parking in my apartment complex, but several of my neighbors park motorcycles sideways in front of their cars in their carport.
I do not have a my motorcycle license, and I've never driven a motorcycle before. A friend of mine who is a certified motorcycle instructor suggested something intentionally underpowered for my first bike, like a Honda Rebel.
My other option would be a bicycle. It should be easy to store it on my 2nd story tiny back patio thing, less expensive than a motorcycle, require less safety gear, and allow me to get some much-needed exercise. Downsides are that the "safe" route to work is very hilly, I haven't ridden a bicycle in something like 10 years, and my office does not have showers.
I could also pick up a cheap scooter. I might have the "huge fat guy on a tiny scooter" image problem, but I'm well past worrying about what typical SoCal people think of me :D.
Google and my Subaru's odometer agree that my office is only about 7 miles from my apartment.
My mom would have a stroke if she found out I was driving a motorcycle (she's a physical therapist, so she has a valid excuse for disliking motorcycles), but as long as I didn't ride it to her house I don't know how she'd find out.
I know there are Oppos who are fans of bicycles and motorcycles; any thoughts or tips?
bob and john
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:08 |
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Let me put it this way...I use my motorcycle as primary transport,. The fuel consumption and easy of parking makes it a no brainer for me.
just make sure you learn properly and get the right gear. I can link you some article I wrote on the subjects if you want
I also had a list of good beginner bikes
davedave1111
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:10 |
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How often are you likely to use it? It's probably cheaper just to use UberX when your car breaks down.
Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:13 |
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A rebel would be the sensible choice.. If you'd like to have some fun as well I'd recommend a Kawasaki KLX250 (depends on how tall you are though).
Nibbles
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:13 |
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Get a bicycle. Not only will you steer well clear of the
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image but you will also gain the reverence and adoration of your coworkers as "the guy who decided to buy a bike and get fit". Doesn't matter if you never lose a single ounce, just having that bicycle removes so much stigma
And a Rebel is nothing more than a scooter really. So tiny.
Disclaimer: I'm likely talking out of my ass. I'm so tiny, like a Honda Rebel
SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:21 |
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Don't you have to insure a motorcycle anyway in cali? Why not get some stupid cheap beater for a few hundred bucks as backup?
BJ
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:22 |
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Get a bicycle. Do some practice runs on the weekends to learn the route and find alternatives before going all in. Your body will thank you.
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NaturallyAspirated
> SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
11/14/2014 at 18:44 |
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There's no available parking in my apartment complex, and the local cops will give you a ticket if you don't move your car in 48 hours. Otherwise, yeah, I'd get some cheap pre-smog (pre 1975 in Cali) beater and go.
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NaturallyAspirated
> davedave1111
11/14/2014 at 18:44 |
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Hmm, I honestly hadn't thought of that.
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SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:47 |
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Wow, that sucks.
Bluecold
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 18:51 |
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bicycle. If you worry about breaking sweat, don't stand so hard on the pedals. Also, if you buy the right bike, absolutely totally reliable. (chain case, hub gears, dynamo lights, full fenders)
Trevor Slattery, ACTOR
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 19:01 |
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I am a big cyclist. Raced for a decade, commuted for 20+ years. My ride to work is 13 miles EACH WAY. If you live someplace warm, get the bike. It is only 7 miles, you will be a healthier person for it.
this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata
> NaturallyAspirated
11/14/2014 at 20:57 |
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Honda Ruckus!
You can probably just pick it up and carry it into your apartment.
Lots of people make parts if you wanna modify. Even stock it looks more rugged and awesome than say a Vespa.
Because it's tiny you'll spend 10 cents a month on gas, and it will run forever because it's a freaking Honda. Also, I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you don't even need a license in a lot of states (less than 50 cc).
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NaturallyAspirated
> this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata
11/14/2014 at 21:37 |
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Wow, that's pretty cool.
McMike
> NaturallyAspirated
11/15/2014 at 09:24 |
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A little backstory about McMike; ages 19 - 23
After I lost my I started riding a bicycle everywhere.
After I bought the motorcycle, I stopped riding my bike everywhere
Once I bought a car, I stopped riding my motorcycle everywhere.
I rode the bike so infrequently, that it sat in the front of my parking space for months at a time. But I'll tell you what, when I was in the middle of a car repair and needed a part? Motorcycle to the rescue. When car was broken? Motorcycle to the rescue.
I vote motorcycle. Take the class, buy something cheap, and enjoy it.