A Ride to Remember
There’s something about motorcycles that seems so freeing and adventurous. However, the practical side of you may discourage you from giving motorcycles much thought. That being said, there are positives to owning a motorcycle, just like there are reasons to own a car. This list breaks down the pros for both cars and motorcycles and may just leave you with a harder choice on your hands.
1. Parking Pro
Parking is undoubtedly easier when driving a motorcycle. This is because the small size and shape of the bikes make it easier to fit into tight and less-than-ideal spaces. Plus, the bikes take up less space, so it’s easier to store them too, leaving your garage open for other interests.
2. Fuel Economy
It goes without saying that motorcycles will save you money since they need less fuel. A motorcycle can make it farther on one gallon of gas than its car counterpart ever could. With gas prices constantly rising, fuel efficiency is definitely something to keep in mind when choosing a vehicle.
3. Traffic Be Gone
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic. However, it’s all too easy for motorcycles to weave in and out of lanes. In fact, it’s easier to take off the moment a light turns green or navigate heavy and intimidating traffic jams. This is something cars definitely can’t do.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Since motorcycles require fewer gallons of gas to make trips, you’ll be benefiting the environment just from choosing one. Car emissions are terrible for the environment and for air quality, which is why this is something every driver should keep in mind.
5. Better for Health
Did you know riding a motorcycle actually burns calories? Not only will it help you manage your weight, but it will also strengthen your physical strength and balancing abilities. Not to mention there are mental benefits too!
6. Easy to Clean
Cleaning a car can be a day’s work. There are crumbs and garbage to pick up from the inside, and plenty of scrubbing to do on the outside. However, you won’t have to worry about that with a motorcycle as there isn’t much to clean. Few parts of the vehicle are exposed, and you can probably get it done within an hour or two.
7. The Cool Factor
Obviously, motorcycles are pretty cool. People will be interested in your vehicle of choice and may be hopeful to get a ride. While some cars can elicit the same cool factor, it’ll cost you a pretty penny. On the other hand, any motorcycle, even a cheaper one, will make you seem cool.
8. It’s a Hobby
Unlike cars, motorcycles have a community revolving around them. From joining groups that ride together to tinkering with your vehicle, there is plenty to do, and it’s all very accessible. Of course, cars can be a hobby too, but it’s probably easier to join a motorcycle club.
William Daigneault on Unsplash
9. Cost-Effective
Motorcycles will save you money in plenty of areas.
Not only will you save on gas, but the insurance for motorcycles is generally far cheaper compared to cars. Plus, motorcycle maintenance is relatively affordable too and is often simpler than car fixes.
10. Feeling Free
The reason many people choose a motorcycle is to experience that sense of freedom and adventure. There is nothing between you and the open road. You can breathe in the fresh air and take in the sights, getting as close as possible to nature as you want. Nothing can keep you contained, not even traffic jams. There’s no price on that kind of freedom.
However, there are plenty of things that cars excel at, and you should keep those factors in mind when comparing the two vehicles.
1. Convenience
Cars are simply more convenient than motorcycles, mostly because you can get a lot done. From family trips to quick errands, they’re easy to work with. Plus, buying or leasing a car is a pretty straightforward process, and finding options is simple enough.
2. Weather Durable
Motorcycles are all good and fun, but you’ll likely be freezing driving in winter with all those winds hitting you. Plus, snowy roads and motorcycles just don’t mix. On the other hand, most cars are able to handle everything from rain to snow.
3. Passengers Plus
A motorcycle is likely able to fit one other person, but anything beyond that gets tricky. On the other hand, cars have plenty of space for multiple passengers. This is why cars are a solid choice for big families too.
4. Safety First
Motorcycles are infamously dangerous, probably because the tiniest impact is enough to send them flying. Meanwhile, cars are more durable and will likely keep the passengers safe. Plus, seat belts are a nice layer of extra security.
5. Cargo Space
Cars come with ample cargo space, making it easy to take things with you wherever you go. On the other hand, the best you can do on a motorcycle is a bag. Imagine if you were getting takeout from McDonald’s — where would you put the drink on a motorcycle?
6. Comfortable Ride
Rain or shine, cars are simply a more comfortable ride. With temperature control and a nice backrest, it’s much easier to enjoy a car ride. While motorbikes are thrilling to drive, they lack the comforts and climate control.
7. Lasts Longer
Since cars require less maintenance than motorcycles, they are able to last longer. If you plan on doing a lot of driving and ramping up those miles, then a car is simply the more practical choice.
8. Easier Resale
Motorbikes often lose a significant chunk of their resale value due to the wear and tear of driving so exposed. This means selling them can be a discouraging process. While cars also depreciate, they don’t lose their value as quickly as bikes.
9. Flexible Driving
Motorcycles only work in certain spaces and are practically unusable if you plan on going off-road. Meanwhile, cars are able to traverse snow, make their way across hurdles, splash through deep puddles, and easily go off-road. Additionally, there are cars specially designed to do exactly that.
Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
10. Long-Distance Friendly
Road-tripping is a fan pastime that can serve as an impromptu vacation whenever the feeling strikes. However, road-tripping on a motorbike is much harder. In a car, there’s room for your GPS, and you’ll be able to comfortably ride thanks to the climate control and seat material. Meanwhile, several hours on a motorcycle can leave you feeling worse for wear.
