Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels
MSNBC on the pros and cons of scooter ownership
As we cover the rising costs of gas and the downturn of the U.S. economy, we also often highlight the fuel saving opportunities that riding on two wheels offers. There is no doubt that many scooters and small-bore motorcycles on the market are capable of returning exceptional fuel economy, but there are many drawbacks too. MSNBC currently features a very good article, written by a longtime scooter fan, that factually breaks down the positives and negatives of choosing to ride a bike as opposed to traveling by car.
Perhaps it would be possible to add a scooter or small motorcycle to your stable of vehicles. Instead of completely removing the car from your garage, maybe a scooter would be able to offer you an alternative for short trips where the car is overkill. If that sounds reasonable to you, be sure to peruse this article, which offers plenty of suggestions for you to consider.
[Source: MSNBC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan 8:10PM (3/26/2008)
As a motorcyclist, I can say the pros and cons of two-wheel commuting are accurate. Weather protection is a big challenge. Even in sunny Southern California, it's a huge committment to ditch the car for a bike or scooter full time. Figure on 10 rainy days a year on workdays and winter mornings in the 40's to low 50's. 95 degree summer days aren't much fun either.
Most of the article applies to motorcycle commuters too, except motorcycles are less practical for commuting because of high maintenance. Still, you may want to check the maintenance schedules and get an estimate on things like valve adjustments.
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Whopper 9:33AM (3/27/2008)
Here in 'Bama I ride my Sportster year round. I avoid rainy or snowy days and take the truck, but cold weather just means I plug in the heated gloves.
The SINGLE BIGGEST SOURCE of danger to a biker is the DWD (driving while distracted) driver. OK, AutoblogGreen drivers, how many of you drive and talk on your cell phone or, worse, text message? That's as bad as DUI folks.
Whether a scooter or a 1500 cc crotch-rocket, if you're gonna ride, dress for it. Leather gloves and jacket, ankle protecting boots, a helmet and eye protection are simply "musts".
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Evander O. 12:45PM (3/27/2008)
Sigh, the good old days... gas prices approaching $3 a gallon.
I'm considering changing my dependence to a two-wheeler in NYC. Parking, gas prices, insurance are killers. The way people drive here (into PARKED cars), being on a two-wheeler may be a killer as well. Price of owning is very attractive though even as cost of living here gets stupider and stupider.
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Brouhaha 5:44PM (3/27/2008)
"I'm considering changing my dependence to a two-wheeler in NYC. Parking, gas prices, insurance are killers. The way people drive here (into PARKED cars), being on a two-wheeler may be a killer as well."
Join us! You'll be glad you did...
http://www.nyscooterclub.com
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