Whether or not you already own a motorcycle, or are just thinking about it, motorcycles are not to be taken lightly. Sure, they can be thrilling to ride and give you a whole new way to experience the world; there are few experiences more glorious than riding down the perfect, winding road while the sun is setting and with wind blowing through your hair.
But the fact is, motorcycles can also be dangerous and even deadly. So, before you make that commitment to become a new motorcycle owner, it is important to take a good look at the pros and cons of motorcycle ownership.
The Pros of Riding a Motorcycle
It has cultural cachet—in other words, riding is “cool.” From Brando to Easy Rider to CHIPS, the motorcycle is a hip symbol of freedom and rebellion against the boring status quo.
It’s cheap. Let’s face it, these days, owning any vehicle is costly. But, with better gas mileage, less maintenance costs, and lower insurance, a motorcycle is less costly than a car.
It’s small. Let’s talk about the PCH again. Ever ride there on a Sunday afternoon? Find parking? With a motorcycle, it is not only easier to maneuver through traffic, but much easier to find parking. Plus, it’s small size means there’s less of it to keep clean.
It’s greener than most cars. Motorcycles are lighter, more efficient, and have lower fuel emissions than cars, meaning bikers have a smaller carbon footprint.
It retains its value. Motorcycles tend to retain their value better than cars do simply because they tend not to get used as much.
It’s fun. Motorcycles are more powerful and faster pound-for-pound than cars. They give you a thrill that cars simply don’t.
The Cons of Riding a Motorcycle
Motorcycling is not for everyone. Look at the cons below and decide for yourself whether you’re made of the right stuff for riding:
It can be dangerous. What is the main difference between a car and a motorcycle, at least when it comes to safety? When you’re in a car, you’re IN a car; when you’re on a motorcycle, you’re ON a motorcycle. The potential for severe injury is so much greater on a motorcycle than in a car. If you are ever in a crash, it is essential to contact a motorcycle accident law firm, one with proven track record. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can be the difference between getting the monetary damages you deserve after an accident and having to suffer both physically and financially.
It’s yet another license or permit. If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need a different license than the one that allows you to drive a car. This means more time, more classes and lessons, more money, more red tape.
It’s small. Sure, you can zip through traffic jams and find parking easier. But you also have very limited space for your belongings and passengers.
It’s got less longevity. Many cars can make it to 200,000 miles or more. Bikes often give up after half that, unless you’re extremely thorough with maintenance. Motorcycles may be cheaper, but you’ll be buying them more often.
It’s especially dangerous to operate in inclement weather. As difficult as motorcycles can be on the nicest of days, they are even more so in bad weather. Rain, snow, wind, icy roads, wet roads, and gravelly roads are all more difficult on a bike. Even extreme heat can be unpleasant. The possibilities of accidents greatly increase under such conditions.
If you decide to get a motorcycle, you should have the business card for a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in your wallet just in case the unpredictable occurs. At Law Brothers, we specialize in auto and motorcycle accidents. We know how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and convince them to give our clients max compensation for their losses.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you pay off your medical bills, repair or replace your ride, and get the settlement you deserve.
