I have been motorcycle-only for about 18 months now,. I’ve been riding for several years, though and even when I had a pickup truck, I rode about 80% of the time. I’m willing to ride in any weather, with the one exception of ice on the road, say after an ice storm. Even then, I’ll usually ride the day after, if the roads are reasonably clear. I’m living in the Alexandria, VA area now and the traffic, although a PITA really isn’t all that big a deal to me. Mainly it’s frustrating for a guy used to riding at, shall we say, a rather brisk pace.
In the interest of full disclosure, I just moved out here this spring. Before this, I was in Monterey, CA (one season year-round) and before that in North Carolina, so the aforementioned ice storms never stuck around for long. I’ve done some riding in snow and lots in the rain. I do plan to continue with just the motorcycle year-round, although I will see exactly how bad the winter is here. Generally speaking, I’m pretty stubborn when it comes to riding.
I have a Kawasaki ZRX1200R and own saddlebags, a magnetic tankbag and, of course numerous backpacks and the like, depending on my needs and mood. Yes, motorcycle commuting can be an real hassle:
Negatives:
Cagers - a negative term for anyone not on a motorcycle, although I don’t consider everyone in a car to be a cager.
Cold weather, although honestly, even in weather down to 25 F or so being dressed in seasoable clothes, a decent motorcycle jacket, gloves and a neck gator take care of me well enough to ride, as long as I’m not planning an all-day trip.
Always remembering to bring rain gear (just in case), changing in and out of rain gear at work.
Where to put it - Finding a place to stash gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, riding boots if you don’t want to work in them) including possibly wet rain gear or bike luggage, when you don’t want to leave it on the bike. I usually leave luggage on the bike, except for my small magnetic tank bag.
Last minute shopping - Having enough carrying capacity to swing by the store for the wife’s last-minute “Honey could you swing by the store?” requests. Although this was something I promised my wife when I went to bike-only mode. Usually not an issue.
Passengers - Can’t help out friends and coworkers with a ride home/to lunch, etc. (although maybe this could be a positive)
Positives:
Parking. Many places in this area have motorcycle-designated parking. Even in places that don’t you can put a motorcycle pretty much anywhere. I do try to be considerate when parking in a non-standard spot.
HOV lanes - YES! Nothing like cruising along at 85-90mph and seeing the non-HOV lanes standing still. In this area, this is a huge incentive.
Gas mileage - even with a large displacement engine and rather sporty riding, I never get less then 35 mpg and can get up to 50mpg on long highway trips.
Finally, the main positive - I’m a motorcyclist and I’m on my motorcycle for at least some part of every day. I love it. A few years ago, I was in a one-vehicle accident (completely my fault), but there’s no way I ever plan on quitting.
Honestly, it’s the best part of my day, even in traffic, as long as I’m not standing still on the beltway.
What to ride? That kind of depends on you. My generic motorcycle advice: few people need a motorcycle, and honestly just about any street motorcyle will fit the purpose you’ve listed (basic commuting transportation, so here’s my two cents: buy the type of motorcycle that turns you on. Within reason, keeping in mind not to get in over your head.
Love sport bikes with all the plastic? Get one. I second whoever recommend the Ninja 250 or 500.
Can’t stand all of that plastic, want to see the engine, but want to be able to go fast when you feel the urge? Get a naked standard, maybe a used Yamaha Seca II or a new Suzuki SV 650, even an older Honda Nighthawk 750.
Don’t like those? Love Harley-Davidson and the like? Maybe a H-D Sportster 883 or a used Yamaha V-Star 650.
Honestly, just about any bike will do. Mainly I tell eveybody just to get a bike that absolutely trips your trigger every time you look at it. Otherwise, you’ll make excuses not to ride and it’ll sit in the garage. Heck I’m even flexible on the displacement issue, if you’re a reasonable mature adult who understands that a motorcycle isn’t a toy, but it isn’t a barely-restrained death machine either. My first real motorcycle after completing the MSF rider’s course was a full-liter sport bike. I don’t recommend it, but it may work for some.
Whatever you do, get training. I can’t recommend the MSF beginning rider’s course enough. Wear good gear. At a minimum, helmet, gloves and boots. And finally, buy used for your fist bike. You will drop it in a parking lot, your driveway, somewhere and it’s a lot less painful with it hasn’t reached it’s first service, yet.
Course locations can be found here.
Sorry for such a long post. This is my favorite subject.
