My credentials: I rode four different bikes over about 28 years. I sold my last bike a couple of years ago.
No, and here’s why. About 20 years ago I got a job in downtown Washington, DC, that required me to commute from Columbia, MD. (I don’t have to explain for Trunk, but for other readers, this is roughly equivalent in distance and road types to the commute he described.) At the time, my only vehicle was a motorcycle, and I had been riding for ten years. But, like you, I thought I would try making the trip on the bike and see if it was practical.
On the very first day, I pulled over on the BW parkway to help some people who were struggling to get a motorcycle off the road surface and on to the shoulder. These good samaritans had stopped to help a motorcyclist who had been knocked off his bike and was lying on the side of the road waiting for an ambulance.
Although not superstitious, I took this as a sign, and bought a car within the week.
YES! Unless some or all of the following conditions obtain, I would strongly advise against commuting by motorcycle:
[ul]You have a car you can switch to whenever you need to and with little difficulty. I.e., not your mom’s car 10 miles away that she may not be able to let you use for the whole day on a moment’s notice.
[li]You can choose to be late or absent to work with little notice and without repercussions. [/li]
[li]Your normal commute will not be during normal rush hour periods, or will be in light traffic (this appears to be contrary to what’s described in the OP.)[/ul][/li]
The issue, obviously, is weather. Riding in heavy traffic in rain, snow, sleet, or freezing conditions will drastically increase the chances of an accident. Putting yourself in a position where you have to choose between your safety and your job is, IMO, a Bad Idea.
Even if your commute were shorter and didn’t involve heavy traffic areas, there’s also the issue of weather and work clothes. My job in DC was a jacket-and-tie type position, and I think wearing a rain suit over that would have been a pain in the neck. Depending on what you’re expected to wear at the office, this may not be a deal killer, but it’s something to think about.
Finally, the thing that really worries me is that you have zero motorcycle experience going in. If you had been riding for years and wanted to start commuting, I would probably still recommend against it on general principles, but I would grant that at least you knew what you were getting into and had enough experience to provide a modicum of safety. But with no experience at all, you’re just walking into the lion’s den.
It’s not uncommon for novice riders to have accidents in their first year or two of riding. I did. But in two early accidents that came about due to my inexperience I was the only vehicle in the area. If I had gone down in rush hour traffic, I might not be here now to offer you my humble opinions.
Note that, facing a commute very similar to yours, and with ten years of riding under my belt, I decided to get a car.
If your primary reason for considering this is financial, IMO, the savings aren’t worth the risk to life and limb. If you just think it would be a fun thing to do, I’m here to say that in heavy traffic on rainy or snowy days, not so much. And no matter what your reasons, I don’t believe that a daily 30-mile commute is the best place to learn how to ride a motorcycle. You’re far too likely to find yourself in a situation that you won’t have the experience or reflexes to handle properly.
My two cents.
