To Painful to Look

[2LZ]

I was on my way to work this morning in my trusty S10, blazing down Madison Ave, enjoying my cup of coffee. You have to understand first off, Madison Ave is a main thoroughfare that connects Sacramento with 'everything east' and rus parallel to HWY 50. It's 3 lanes, 50 mph speed limit...which means, before rush hour starts, you're doing 70 and so is everyone else.

One of the things that's happened here with the high gas prices now is motorcycle sales have gone through the ceiling. EVERYONE thinks they need a bike, including a ton of first-timers, like....the guy I saw this morning.

Madison was cooking along. I see ahead....cars swapping lanes, almost panicky. My ears perk up. Brake lights, rear of vehicle lifts, snap over a lane. I was getting concerned like maybe there was a car limping along with a flat or something, in the center lane of this madhouse. I was on guard. Now I'm slowing. The 4X4 truck in front of me and I are now down to about 35-40 mph. Cars are whipping by us. He finally gets a spot and snaps out into the left lane and floors it......just for me to see the rear end of a brand new, Ninja 200 with a dealer plate coming swiftly at my grill. 8O
I just about had a seizure. :o This guy was averaging between 30 and 40, sporatically. He was on and off the throttle, weaving and jerky.

I finally got around the guy but he had NO BUSINESS being out there on that bike! He's not going to see friday!

You can't even by a bike in the PRK without at least a permit and insurance. I can't help but think this guy got through the beginning MSF course and drove straight to Kawasaki.

I know a Husaberg may be a bit much for a newby....but at least Doc's friend was on the dirt and not Madison Avenue commute traffic!! :roll:

[FastDoc]

That is upsetting.

Buying a bike to save money on gas won't work. If a guy adds up the GREATLY higher maintence costs of a bike, and the fact that the expensive tires only last 5,000 miles or so on most bikes, and the cost of riding gear etc it will take a LONG time for the bike to pay for itself is fuel savings, if ever. The exception being a good CB like a Q or Zong or a luckier Hondoid. Even then only if the aquisition cost of the bike is less than $1,800 or so.

Saving a few bucks on gas is not worth injury or death.

[katoranger]

That is upsetting.

Buying a bike to save money on gas won't work. If a guy adds up the GREATLY higher maintence costs of a bike, and the fact that the expensive tires only last 5,000 miles or so on most bikes, and the cost of riding gear etc it will take a LONG time for the bike to pay for itself is fuel savings, if ever. The exception being a good CB like a Q or Zong or a luckier Hondoid. Even then only if the aquisition cost of the bike is less than $1,800 or so.

Saving a few bucks on gas is not worth injury or death.

I did the math and most cars that get above 30mpg are cheaper to operate than the typical "commuter" bike in the US.

I have the advantage on the scooter. Initial low purchase price. Ease of DIY repairs. Cheap tires. 70mpg. Weather that is accomodating.

Sad to say, but a prius is a better option for most of these people.

[FastDoc]

I think I'd rather be run over on a motorcycle than drive a Pris, but your point is correct and valid. 8)

[BillR]

I think I'd rather be run over on a motorcycle than drive a Pris, but your point is correct and valid. 8)
:lol: :lol: :lol:
I do have to agree...BR

PS: Then you have to look out for the "idjits" like me...Neon yellow helmet and jacket...and I ride my bike "assertively"...might I say.
I love the "Ooops :!:" looks from the "left lane campers" driving a Prius, when I come swooshing up behind them with the headlight flashing... :lol:
BR

[katoranger]

That is why I am on the scooter. Won't be any prius in my driveway. Most likely be another Ford of some type later.

[SpudRider]

I hope that new rider survives long enough to learn how to ride safely! 8O

Spud :(

[SpudRider]

That is upsetting...
X2! :(
...Buying a bike to save money on gas won't work. If a guy adds up the GREATLY higher maintence costs of a bike, and the fact that the expensive tires only last 5,000 miles or so on most bikes, and the cost of riding gear etc it will take a LONG time for the bike to pay for itself is fuel savings, if ever. The exception being a good CB like a Q or Zong or a luckier Hondoid. Even then only if the aquisition cost of the bike is less than $1,800 or so.

Saving a few bucks on gas is not worth injury or death.
I agree on all points, Brother Bill. ;) I paid $950 for my new Zong. My $45 rear tire will last about 4,500 miles. My $23 front tire will last about 8,000 miles. I do all my own maintenance, and my Zong gets 85 miles per gallon of gasoline. I have ridden my Zong for 40,000 miles, and it has paid for itself several times over. :D

Spud :)

[makenzie71]

Buying bikes or Prius doesn't save money at all if you already own a car...especially in Texas where commutes are 25~50 miles and you have to have a practical bike to pull it off. I've been preaching that for years. It makes my heart flutter to see it written somewhere else, by someone else.

The Prius, just to mention, has never saved anything. I wouldn't say its environmental impact is astronomical, but it's pretty big.

[katoranger]

My $750 ford escort got 40mpg. No extra batteries needed.

[FastDoc]

Katoranger's got it figured! The best solution is a cheap older 4 cylinder manual transmission well maintained car.

[SpudRider]

Katoranger's got it figured! The best solution is a cheap older 4 cylinder manual transmission well maintained car.
For purely practical purposes, you are absolutely correct. ;) You can't ride a motorcycle on snowy, icy roads, even if you wished to do so. You can't haul the kids to ballet class on a motorcycle, et cetera.

However, if you wish to ride to the mountaintops, or travel many miles on pavement to view the beautiful scenery in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, et cetera, a 200cc, Zongshen 200GY-2 will save you a lot of money! :D

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

Agreed Brothr Spud!!!! :P

Indeed I gave a practical answer, but we all know the joy of motorcycling is not supposed to be practical. Good gas mileage is a side effect of the joy we receive from the feeling of freedom we get while riding.

For me I'd rather be free than safe. That same thought carries over to all areas of my life. :wink:

[katoranger]

I really like the ride, but sometimes being in a cage is nice.

Spud, while helping with the wall a guy on a tw cruised by. It was way too shiny.

[SpudRider]

I really like the ride, but sometimes being in a cage is nice...
Amen! When I lived in Pennsylvania, I rode a lot in the rain. :roll: Riding in the rain is not only uncomfortable, it is unsafe. :( If it's raining, I am riding in the automobile! When it is below freezing, I am riding in the automobile! Automobiles are wonderful inventions. :)
...Spud, while helping with the wall a guy on a tw cruised by. It was way too shiny.
Some of those TW200 owners ride only on the street. :roll: I think if someone wants a small motorcycle to ride only on the street, he should look for a good deal on a used Ninja 250R, not a Yamaha TW200. ;)

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

My rough rule of thumb for the bike is above freezing and dry. I will ride well below freezing IF it's sunny and I can catch some radiant heat off the sun.