For someone who spent his formative years riding dirt bikes, quads and three-wheelers, you would think that I would have naturally transitioned to a motorcycle first chance I would have gotten. The truth is that I didn’t get my motorcycle license until my late 20s and have ridden four street bikes ever: the 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 my brother Zack owns, a 1991 Kawasaki 1000 GT-R Concours touring bike and 1981 Yamaha XJ1100 Maxim that a friend of mine bought to restore a few years ago, and a mystery Honda that was easily the most frightening thing I’ve ever ridden in Arizona while doing a favor for a guy. I’ve had passing thoughts about getting a bike as a good commuter ride for the fuel mileage benefits over the years, but I’ve never pulled the trigger. It wasn’t until Zack cut me loose with his Vulcan recently that the thought started working it’s way into my head again. Now, I must point out where I stand in regards to bikes: I don’t like crotchrockets because they are one-trick ponies that are uncomfortable to ride long distance, I’m not looking for the leather-and-patches look, and long distance touring isn’t exactly what I’m going for, though I’m not against it. I’d rather just tool around on a bike on my daily commute when the weather is cooperative.
A quick search through my local Craigslist turned up several good bikes that could considerably be a commuter bike. Over 750cc, good size without being big, and all are at least close enough to good street condition to consider. Sure, things like chains, tires, and brake fluid (if applicable) would have to be checked, but if you do the same thing for a used car, you do it for a bike. And again, that fuel mileage is a tempting factor.
The downsides are obvious: If weather hits, your day will suck, you’ll have to pack around riding equipment like a helmet and jacket, accidents occur, and other drivers are idiots. If anything were to happen to you on a bike, it’s gonna hurt. I don’t know…I wouldn’t buy one, at least not yet, but I can’t deny how fun they are. What do you think? Would you commute, or would you do something else with a street bike? Let us know below!
Are you kidding? You guys are hot rodders and don’t ride bikes? When I got tired of virtually every type of drag racing being nothing but bracket racing, what with indexes, factoring and all, I went heads up motorcycle drag racing. Finally got to 7 flat at 192 MPH. My street bikes back then (early ’90’s) would run about 180mph. My newest bike isn’t very fast, it’s done at about 140, mostly due to aerodynamics. But I’d ride it anywhere, any time, any season. I don’t think you can be a motor head and not be like that.
In an in-between-project phase I thought about picking up a motorcycle and getting a license. But I see too many idiots on the road and don’t trust other drivers. One of the guys I work with just got back from 6 months of physical therapy after someone ran an intersection and T-boned him on his bike and another guy who used to work with us is still in the ICU after someone pulled out in front of his Harley. No thanks.
Rode a Kawasaki Concours (GT-R 1000) for years and years. Great bike. Used it as a daily commuter, been across the U.S. and back twice, rode over 35 Alpine pass roads in Europe. I gave up riding motorcycles because these days everyone has their eyes on their smartphone instead of on the road. Unless your commute involves a twisty mountain road then stick with the cage. For everyone that still rides…Good luck out there.
I ride a 1973 Triumph Trident 3 cyl. Nice bike but definitely a summer you! Back in the day was a real bad ass, still is. Great bike. Oh and my twin brother rides a 1972 Triumph Trident!
I own and ride a 1979 Honda CBX 1000 inline 6. I never ride in heavy traffic nor would l ever commute on a bike. I have been clobbered twice (on different bikes)by in attentive drivers. But if l were to commute l would get a mid size displacement dual purpose bike. (400-600 cc) Upright seating ,nimble, quick, good on gas, plus l could have some fun on it on weekends.
Man I’ve always lusted after a CBX. I am so envious!
CBX ‘s rule they sound wicked .My bike right now is a retro CB 750 four . One of my past bikes that I’ll always regret selling was a V Max with a kerker pipe .
I ride an 02 kawasaki ZRX1200, its fast, comfy, and easy on gas (30-38mpg) at least compared to my 60s-70s mopar 318, 360, 440s… its a handsome bike, to me anyway, and bought it because i couldn’t stomach the thought of buying a civic or any other faceless commuter car… what do i do if it rains? i used to commute on my 68 satellite, or ask my wife for a ride, but now i put a rainsuit and ride like a man, goddammit! its also great in traffic, and parking’s a breeze! get a ZRX or one of the great muscle UJM bikes available, like a fazer1000, bandit1200, maybe a VMax! you won’t regret it! they’re way too cheap, fast and confortable for their own good! happy hunting
I ride daily. It’s fun, safe, and economical. 1st: Sign up for an MSF Basic Rider Course, then after a couple of months take the MSF advanced rider course. Trust me I’ve been riding for 18 years now and these courses make you a better/more responsible/more responsive rider. The bike you choose is up to you…but I recommend my first bike a mid 70s CB750 Four. Spirited chassis, plenty of power, style, and it’s fun and easy to work on. The 80s-90s successor (Nighthawk 750) can be bought for a song too.
I own 4. (in order of purchase) an 03 Harley dyna wide glide, an 03 Kawasaki klx250sf, a 2012 sportster 883l, and an 06 night rod, I ride every day here in Texas. Yeah there are idiots, but the idiots at the airport never stopped anyone from flying…
I am recovering from a motorcycle accident right now myself. I got t-boned by a driver who was looking at mapquest instead of the road. It’s been two months since I’ve been able to walk or drive and I have no idea how much longer it will be.
I had dirt bikes as a kid, did a little motocross racing in high school and had a GS750 Suzuki for a few months when I was in the service. I would love to have a motorcycle and it would really save me money on my 60mi. round trip commute every day, but people here in the Seattle area continue to drive while suffering from severe cases of “cranial rectitus”, they just don’t pay attention. I have a friend who has been permanently handicapped, both physically and mentally, because a woman pulled out right in front of him and have another one who was killed in the same type of accident. I’m nervous enough driving my 55′ Chevy to work occasionally, so no, I won’t be buying a bike anytime soon.
I’ve been riding since 1966,started off on a 1959 Triumph T-110,a miserable bike….broke down everytime I rode it.I soon graduated to a 1936 Harley EL with a suicide clutch and after mastering the technique needed to ride a foot clutch/hand-shift I rode it as an everyday commuter.In 1973 I purchased my first Electraglide and that bike and I were inceperable for many years..many cross country trips and adventures on it.I cannot blame people who refuse to ride nowadays,with the advent cell phones and GPS units people just don’t pay enough attention to their surroundings when driving.It’s a shame that you have to be on constant guard while trying to enjoy a simple ride on your bike.
Used to commute on a bike until someone in a Jeep pulled out in front of me without looking, I grabbed too much front brake, and dropped the bike at about 40 mph. Luckily I didn’t hit the Jeep, so I was able to walk away with a small scrape on my elbow (the leather patches on the elbows of my mesh jacket weren’t quite wide enough) and a little soreness. I swore off night commuting on a bike at that point. Ended up selling the bike as I didn’t have much time to just get out and ride without using it for a commute. Might get another sometime in the future if I can spare the money for it.
Riding in the rain wasn’t bad with a rainsuit, although it could get bad if the rain stopped and things heated up while I was still wearing the rainsuit.