My wife and I went out looking at motorcycles today. Personally, I have set my sites high and expect to own a Ducati Hypermotard in the next couple of years. My wife has never ridden, though, so we decided to start small. Today we looked at a Suzuki GZ-250, which goes for about $3000-3500. The dealership has a June financing special that would allow payments of $39/month for the first two years. Now, obviously you would only take a deal like this if you planned on paying it off early, so there would be a self-imposed increase in payment each month. Here's the thing, though - It gets 70-80 mpg. right now, my wife drives the "good" car back and forth to work, while I drive the "old" car around with our own business. The old car needs new brakes, new shocks, new tires, etc. We just replaced the battery. I also spend about $45 per week in gas (average). That's $180/month plus repairs. By buying a brand new motorcycle and using it for the business as well as errands, I would be paying $40/month in gas (on the high side), $39/month in payments plus whatever additional on the principal. This frees up to $100/month.
I realize all this is hypothetical, and more thorough analysis is needed to make a sound decision, but it's something to think about if you are being crunched by gas prices.
Buy A Motorcycle!!!
June 1st, 2008 at 05:37 am
June 1st, 2008 at 12:43 pm 1212324227
I loved the idea, as i drive 48 miles daily and even with my Honda i spend about $30 to $35 weekly on gas. But i ruled out the Vespa becus:
1. the danger of other drivers and safety issues increase, even on the back roads i take to work. A spill on a bike is much more serious than a fender bender in a car.
2. I wouldn't want to use it on rainy days, so i'd have to pay special attention to weather reports to make sure i didn't get stuck in rain coming home.
3. I couldn't use it in winter, so that's half the year righ there.
4. I'd have "helmut hair" when arriving at work.
If it works for you, though, that's great. I'm holding out for 2010 when 3 car markers will introduce "plug-in hybrids" which get 100 mpg and go about 40 miles on one charge; they're called hybrids becus if, say, your commute, like mine, is more than 40 miles, the gas part kicks in, but it still saves you money becus the gas is used to recharge the battery. The plug-in technology requires that you plug the car in your garage each night to recharge; they will also sell portable rechargers so that if you're traveling, you can plug in anywhere. It works with a conventional electrical outlet.
June 1st, 2008 at 03:58 pm 1212335934
June 1st, 2008 at 08:51 pm 1212353491
Sorry, but this chick's *asterisk* isn't getting on a motorcycle!
:-)
I'll eat ramen noodles instead, LOL
June 1st, 2008 at 10:45 pm 1212360307
Get a great helmet and some decent leathers.