On riding and gas prices...

[LEFT]Note: I updated this two year old post a bit, to reflect current realities. I'm bumping it back up in the hopes it will help someone.

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OK... 'Cheap' gas is over three bucks a gallon in many places.

We all love to bitch about the price of fuel, myself included. But what can we do about it? Not much, probably, about pump prices, because people in this country won't unite to the extent that would make a boycott or similar measures really effective.

That pretty much leaves reducing our usage as the only viable money-saving option for most folks. I had an old Jeep Cherokee a few years back. Man, I loved that Jeep, but it only got about 9 mpg, downhill, with a tailwind. Yup, it was FUN to drive. Big block V8, four wheel drive, LOTS of power, and fast. But it only got 9 mpg if I was really lucky.

Well, I sold that monster back in 2001. Got myself a cheap, 4-cylinder minivan to haul the wife and Demon Children around in. Problem is, that gets about 24 mpg. Worlds better than the Cherokee, but nothing to write home about. And still overkill if it's just me going to work or running errands.

There are options available, of course. Public transit works for a lot of people, but doesn't serve all areas. Bicycles are great, if you aren't going far, and don't have more to carry than fits in a backpack. They're cheap, but lousy for grocery shopping. Carpools/vanpools are great for commuting and the like, but they depend on having at least one other person who needs to get to the same place at roughly the same time.

Consider a motorcycle.

They're relatively inexpensive to buy, register, and insure. They move through traffic better than any car, and they're easier to park, because you can often tuck one away in an odd place where a car won't fit.

I ride this: A Kawasaki Vulcan VN1600.

It's the mutt's nuts for me, agile, very fast, and economical to operate. 46 mpg, and my insurance [full coverage with towing] and registration combined are less than $200 per year. It's definitely not for everyone. And it's certainly no choice for a beginner.

There are other choices available for the beginner, or those who are into seriously reducing their transportation costs. Smaller scooters [think Vespa here] are making a strong comeback, but I don't think they're terribly safe. Most of them don't have the power to get out of their own way, let alone get out from in front of a moving truck. Same goes for mopeds, only more so. An exception would be the newer generation of 'super scooters' in the 200-650 cc class, like the Honda SilverWing or Suzuki Burgman.



Your basic 'beginner bike', like this Honda Rebel
lists at $3,999, brand new. There's lots of them out there used, and many good ones available in the $1,500-2,000 range. They're light, agile, and easy to handle, and they're extremely durable. I've seen some still on the road after 20+ years. And they get on the order of 80+ mpg. Plus, a fill-up will set you back less than ten bucks.

Don't know how to ride? Look into a Basic Rider Course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They're available pretty much everywhere, and generally cost about $125 for a 20-hour course. If you can ride a bicycle and follow instructions, this class can have you riding a motorcycle safely. I've seen it happen. Passing the class also gains you a card that [in most places] is good for a waiver on the state motorcycle skills test, in addition to a 10% reduction on your insurance for the first three years. Here in Vermont, they're run through the state DMV, and provide a bike to learn on, included in the course fee.

Other than that, you'll need proper safety gear. A decent quality helmet will set you back $50-600, depending on your choices. You'll also need a jacket, gloves, boots, and such. That'll run another $100 or more, again depending on your choices. There are those [like me] who ride in sneakers, jeans, t-shirt, and the barest minimum helmet we can get away with [or none at all]. Don't do it. Asphalt hurts. Ask me how I know.

With intelligent choices and practice, it's possible to extend the capability of bike and rider considerably. In my case, I ride anytime there's no snow on the roads. I have the gear to be comfortable on the bike at temps as low as 15* F, although that's pushing it a bit. I can also carry $150+ worth of groceries in a single trip, lots more if I'm buying meat and such.

And I can still buy a tank of gas for under fifteen bucks.

Motorcycles aren't for everyone. But they are an intelligent alternative for lots of folks. I'll answer questions if anybody wants to know more. I've been riding for more than forty years, so I maybe know a little about it.[/LEFT]