Upgrade Jeep or commuter bike?

I commuted to work by bicycle practically every day for a year in Redmond. It rains there a lot. It was 2.5 miles each way and I could usually get there faster than by car. You're paying more than we are in Colorado and you're a lot nearer the coast. Maybe we get it from Texas. I have a 1999 Honda Civic HX that gets 45 mpg or pretty darn close, even in the mountains. Those Harleys are shiny, and you would look good in leather. If that's not your style, BMWs are shiny too and you would look good in Gore-Tex.

The obvious thing is to move closer to work or if that is not feasible buy a bus pass. As I remember public transportation isn't so good in Seattle though.

Cheers,

Earle

Jeep's are for mud and rocks IMHO. ;)

What is your height and weight AND I say AND how long is the commute? Live in Seattle? eh Do you have a son or daughter and what is your age?

I was once an avid rider EVERYWHERE, dirt, street, you name it in southern calfifornia. Once I get those tidbits, I will gie you my advice, well for free. LOL

I would say that what ever the cost in gas it's much lower than dealing with the vast army of mindless fsking morons that will pull in front of you, take your lane, or basically try to kill you while on a bike.

Of course I'm also looking at getting back in the saddle with a small enduro or vespa for putting about.

Look for a low mileage bike from the mid '90's and you shouldn't have to spend more than $2000 to $3000 (700cc, non crotch-rocket).

I've been riding an 84 Honda since 1990 and I spent about $1500 for it then. Same bike STILL goes for that much NOW! (In good condition - I've ridden mine hard.)

As for safety, just ride about 50 times more defensively than you do in a car and you'll do OK ;-)

...

First question. Have you ridden before, recently? If not then get something light and cheap because odds are that it's going to get a bit banged up while you're learning, and picking up a little dual-sport or beginner bike when you drop it at a stop sign or in a parking lot is a lot easier than picking up a full-dress Wing when you drop it, not to mention it hurts a lot less when it falls on you.

Next, if you haven't ridden before (or even if you have but have never taken it), take the MSF course--among other things you'll get some feel for at least one brand and model of small bike--might be the Buell, might be a Ninja 250, might be something else, and may get a chance to try more than one.

Now, 7 grand will get you a bike capable of carrying two people from California to Tierra del Fuego, and 3500 will get you a bike capable of finishing an Iron Butt Rally--don't get all caught up in the notion that you need a big full dress tourer. But it won't say "Harley" or "Buell" on it--you're paying a significant premium for the name.

If you think that the Buell Blast might be a good fit for you, take a look at a Kawasaki Ninja 250, which while it is small, is not a toy--it can top 100 and cruise 70 all day, and costs about a thousand bucks less.

Now, another consideration. Commuting in Seattle, you're going to want a _good_ pair of waterproof riding boots--otherwise you're going to be miserable every time it rains--BMW Santiagos are good and are comfortable to walk in as well, as are TCX Infinitys (same basic boot, different label and a little bit different detailing). They aren't cheap though, so figure that into the price, along with a good waterproof riding suit--cheap rain suits are OK for many localities but for a Seattle commute you're going to be wearing it a lot and you'll want something that's going to hold up.

A lot of my coworkers are looking into motorcycles and scooters to save on gas right now. I don't have anything pro or con to say about it except that Jeeps really don't make good commuter vehicles. :)

If you're looking for a cheap commuter bike in the sub-5000 range, check out Bent Bike in Lynnwood and Auburn:

In article , brianc wrote: #So the high cost of gas has got me thinking about a motorcycle as a #daily commuter. Unbelievably the wife has bought off on the idea?! I #don't believe in carrying debt (whenever possible), and these days I'm #of the opinion that if I can't pay cash for it, I don't really need #it. If anyone of you has priced bikes lately, you know that 6 to 7 #grand doesn't buy much bike no matter what brand your looking at. #However, that same money could do a whole lot for an aging 92 YJ. Gas #is $4.41 for 87 octane up here in Seattle. Fill-ups are damn near #$74.00. I'm getting 250 to 325 miles to the tank depending on #traffic. The low end Buell bike is claiming 52 city, 73 highway, not #bad for a 500cc bike. # #My intention is not to start a bike flame war, but your thoughts #should be interesting and amusing nonetheless.

Have you looked at used motorcycles? Craigslist Seattle has a bunch listed for under 6 grand. I saw a '95 HD for 4600.00.

/herb

As much as I hate to say it, get the commuter bike.

Later, when thins settle down economicaly, you can go play Jeep.

K.

My intention is not to start a bike flame war, but your thoughts should be interesting and amusing nonetheless.

bjc

Yesterday I was at the local Jeep dealer looking at the 2008 Wranglers. He was making noises like they're really willing to deal on price considering the shape of the economy etc. This dealer also has the Honda franchise. He has a new 2007 Honda 750 Shadow and would throw that in for his cost less a $500 rebate from Honda. He says the Shadow gets around 60-65mpg. Is that a realistic estimate on the mileage for that size Honda. It's been a few years since my last bike. :-)

Add $1000+ for decent riding gear. Add the high risk factor of commuting in traffic. Add the cost of insurance, registration, $300 for tires every year. Ignore the fact of better mileage because you will be riding more on weekends, and finding the long way home from work. If you are looking at it for "green" reasons, even with better mileage bikes generally have dirtier exhaust than cars, they cant carry all the pollution control devices If it still looks good, do it Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, even if you already know it all. They ARE all trying to kill you.