Pros and Cons of Buying a Motorcycle

Personal transportation is a key component of your lifestyle. How you get from point A to point B is up to you, and there are many options that can serve your purposes. One of those options is a motorcycle. This type of vehicle is defined as a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motor with no pedals. That means even a Vespa could be considered a motorcycle.

No matter what your motorcycle looks like, riding one is very different from driving a traditional vehicle with four wheels. Maybe you are buying a motorcycle because you want to joyride along wide open country roads. Maybe you do not want to take care of a normal vehicle and would rather ride something that lets you feel the road.

If you are trying to decide whether or not to buy a motorcycle, then what can help you make the decision easier than a pros and cons list?

Pro: Cheaper Than a Car

Even the most expensive motorcycles tend to be far cheaper than most four-wheel vehicles that can go on the road. A motorcycle is much smaller than the smallest sedans. There are far fewer components, and the body requires way less material to construct. The result is a much more affordable vehicle that is less likely to hurt your bank account in the long run. In fact, the average cost of a motorcycle is about $10,000, though you could find a used one for a few hundred dollars or a brand new model for up to $60,0000.

Con: Less Protection on the Road

One of the most obvious disadvantages to owning a motorcycle is that it provides little to no protection while you are on the road. If you get into an accident, even something as small as slipping on some wet pavement, you could experience some serious bodily damage as a result. There is no protective shell that is between you and another several-thousand-pound vehicle. The only protection you may have from the road surface itself is leather clothing and a helmet. You are far more exposed to damage on a motorcycle if something goes wrong.

Pro: Easier to Maintain

A motorcycle’s engine is neither huge nor hidden. Often, the most important components of the motor are completely accessible, with nothing more than removing a piece of the shell. Also, because the vehicle is much smaller, there are far fewer parts involved. This makes maintaining a motorcycle much simpler and cheaper than a traditional car. If you take care of the battery life and keep up with maintenance, then a motorcycle can last you for a very long time. You can also learn to keep up with simple repairs more easily with a motorcycle than a car.

Con: Other Drivers Not Seeing You or Looking For You

Another big disadvantage that can be dangerous is that other drivers on the road may have a harder time seeing you. Your vehicle has a much smaller profile, so it is easier to disappear into another driver’s blind spot. Unfortunately, other drivers are also less likely to look out for motorcycles, so they may not even notice your proximity to them. This puts you at a higher risk of getting into a collision caused by another driver, in which case you should contact a Hendersonville, TN, motorcycle accident lawyer.

Pro: More Fun to Ride

One of the main reasons why investing in a motorcycle makes sense is because it can be a much more fulfilling experience when operating it. Very few people get excited to drive a car unless it is a muscle or sports car. However, motorcyclists often get to enjoy the experience of being on the road far more. They get to lean with the turns, feel the wind and sun on their face, and have greater visibility of their surroundings with no impediments.

Con: Requires More Strength to Control

A car is very easy to drive. You have two or maybe three pedals to control the gas and brakes. A power steering wheel makes it easy to make turns. Other than that, you get to just sit there the whole time. A motorcycle, on the other hand, takes a little more effort to operate. You need to maintain your balance and have the strength to keep the bike upright. Every turn requires manipulating the handlebars and leaning the vehicle a bit. For this, you need to have a greater focus on strength, dexterity, and balance. Learning to ride is a bit harder than learning to drive, so take that into account.

Joining the Ranks of Bikers Everywhere

Owning a motorcycle is a great privilege. You are joining a large community of people who love to ride their bikes and feel the road. However, as a rider, you are also more exposed to damage from collisions. Weigh the pros and cons of owning a motorcycle before you invest in a bike to make sure it is a good investment for your lifestyle.