NationStates Jolt Archive

As someone who just recently sold his car and bought a motor-bike, I have a question for NS. It's that time honoured arguement.

Which is better, two wheels or four?

Off you go...

I wish a motorcycle were a viable means of transportation for me, but I live in New England, so that's about 5 months out of the year that it's not safe to ride a hog.

Well, in England, its almost permanently raining. Or windy. Or both. Especially out in the Fens where I live. Having sold my car, I have a choice of my bike, or the car I share with dad that has no windows, and no roof. Yay.

But it's so much more fun than being stuck in a tin can, driving around like sardines.

Well, here, it's five months of either snow, ice, or sand on the roads. Makes riding a motorcycle very dangerous. Hell, it makes driving period dangerous, but a motorcycle even moreso.

Ah. Bad luck man. I won't rub it in too much.




Ah hell, yes I will.

As someone who just recently sold his car and bought a motor-bike, I have a question for NS. It's that time honoured arguement.

Which is better, two wheels or four?

Off you go...

None of the above. My favorite number of wheelsets are as followed.

1,3,5,6,8,10,12,14,18

None of the above. My favorite number of wheelsets are as followed.

1,3,5,6,8,10,12,14,18

Heh, tricycles rule.

Likewise, when I was in England I used two wheels. I lived most of the time in and around London, so a car was just very expensive heating, whereas a small bike actually meant you could get where you were going.

Now I live in Brazil, which does not have the best road surfaces in the world, nor the most reliable of drivers. I also have a family, so between bike with chair or a car, I prefer a car. I am, however, considering going back to two wheels in a decade or so, when my son is old enough to drive himself. But it would have to be a big cruising bike. Harley or BMW or the like.

Best bike I ever rode: Ducati T3. (I never actually got my hands on a dharma)

I just bought a mint condish. black Honda CB400 for £1200. Not exactly a T3 in terms of ride, looks, or performance, but, DAMN, is it a nice bike.

I just bought a mint condish. black Honda CB400 for £1200. Not exactly a T3 in terms of ride, looks, or performance, but, DAMN, is it a nice bike.

Cool. One of the best bikes to come out of the land of the rising sun. They handle like a dream.

Cool. One of the best bikes to come out of the land of the rising sun. They handle like a dream.

Yup, they sure do.

This is the bike I'm currently fawning over:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/maddillphatyo/img_Dyna_FXDL_p_c19_1.jpg

Yeah, it's nice, but I'm not a huge fan of Harleys. Not sure why though.

Have you seen the Honda Valkyrie Rune? That's my dream bike.

http://www.goldwing.at/Valkyrie%20Rune/Rune-011a.jpg

Have you seen the Honda Valkyrie Rune?

That's my dream bike.

http://www.goldwing.at/Valkyrie%20Rune/Rune-011a.jpg

I've always liked the lines on the low-riding Harleys the best.

I've always liked the lines on the low-riding Harleys the best.

I did see a poster for a new Harley the other day that caught my eye. The 2005 VRSC. Very, very nice.

I just bought a mint condish. black Honda CB400 for £1200. Not exactly a T3 in terms of ride, looks, or performance, but, DAMN, is it a nice bike.
Thats the bike I had!!! Though 'mint' wasn't a word you'd use around mine...('78).


I don't know why I got to decide, they both have their thrills. I'm getting another bike the moment I am able to (the CB400 ended up being too much-I could either keep it or the VW and since I do have to carry equipment now and then it had to be the VW I kept)

I liked having the bus to carry friends, equipment, etc. When I was just making runs between different things all day and it's just me the bike was a blast and got twice the mileage that my Bus does. Though now, thanks to the Discovery Channel (I'm a poser, I can deal with that) I want a chopper damn bad. But I like the old school ones, not the ones with the big fat tires.

A sport bike would be fun, but thats the problem I think. I would keep having fun, then more fun, then push it a little more, then more, then someone is pulling me off a fence....

Anyway-no need to decide. I like them both.

I've always liked the lines on the low-riding Harleys the best.
Absolutely, those lowhangin' seats, almost below the rear tire with the duck tale fenders. I like the Night Train (http://www.route66riders.com/images/FXSTBPic.jpg). For some reason a blacked out engine is pretty cool. Though I would want that one lowered a little more.

Absolutely, those lowhangin' seats, almost below the rear tire with the duck tale fenders. I like the Night Train (http://www.route66riders.com/images/FXSTBPic.jpg). For some reason a blacked out engine is pretty cool. Though I would want that one lowered a little more.

That's pretty hot. The blacked out engine is sweet. I like the two tone paint job on the other one, though.

Just as an aside, if anyone felt like donating the $1900 so I could make the down payment on that bike, it would be much appreciated.

I liked having the bus to carry friends, equipment, etc. When I was just making runs between different things all day and it's just me the bike was a blast and got twice the mileage that my Bus does. Though now, thanks to the Discovery Channel (I'm a poser, I can deal with that) I want a chopper damn bad. But I like the old school ones, not the ones with the big fat tires.


Good bikes huh?

But yeah, that week of choppers on Discovery co-incided with me being in Canada and being able to watch it. Suffice to say, I want one. Bad.

who needs wheels when you have tracks?

Yeah, but driving a bulldozer down English motorways is a good way to get yourself arrested.

Which is better, two wheels or four?

It al depends on the job that needs done. My current transportation is a bicycle, so I can sympathize with the motorcycle idea. If you just need to transport you, it's a great way to get around, plus a lot more fun than a car. But if you need to haul some friends around, or some cargo like groceries, I'll take the car.

I really shouldn't have put the third option in. Should have spent time spell-checking the other two instead.

who needs wheels when you have tracks?

Well, yeah, if I could drive an M-1 Abrahms around, I would. But it's a bit unwieldy.

[QUOTE=McLeod03]Which is better, two wheels or four?/QUOTE]

It al depends on the job that needs done. My current transportation is a bicycle, so I can sympathize with the motorcycle idea. If you just need to transport you, it's a great way to get around, plus a lot more fun than a car. But if you need to haul some friends around, or some cargo like groceries, I'll take the car.

I'd say screw 'em, let them bring their own car and use their petrol instead. As for groceries, just learn not to eat anything you can't fit in a backpack. Works for me.

[QUOTE=Robbopolis]

I'd say screw 'em, let them bring their own car and use their petrol instead. As for groceries, just learn not to eat anything you can't fit in a backpack. Works for me.

Works for me (I'm still single). But I still like to buy stuff over at Sam's Club, and it's hard to fit much in the backpack from there.

Four wheels are better. You can go through thicker, deeper mud and throw more of it around with four wheels. *nod*

I've tried riding in deep mud on a bike. Beyond a couple feet deep, it's just a great way to do a faceplant. :p

Four wheels are better. You can go through thicker, deeper mud and throw more of it around with four wheels. *nod*

I've tried riding in deep mud on a bike. Beyond a couple feet deep, it's just a great way to do a faceplant. :p

Aren't faceplants in mud fun? Your picture would seem to indicate that they are.

Yeah, my girlfriend's kinda pissed off, cos now she has to either sit on the back of the bike, which she doesn't really like, or drive her car. I reckon a nice romantic meal and a nice bunch of flowers might just do the trick. If not, bah, I'll find a new one.



Car, that is, in case she reads this...

Four wheels are better. You can go through thicker, deeper mud and throw more of it around with four wheels. *nod*

I've tried riding in deep mud on a bike. Beyond a couple feet deep, it's just a great way to do a faceplant. :p

True, but I have no intention of riding through deep mud. Nor would I drive through it, especially in a car with 18 cms of ground clearance when empty.

Aren't faceplants in mud fun? Your picture would seem to indicate that they are.

You haven't lived until you are suddenly and violently planted into four feet of mud with only one foot sticking above the surface. :D

True, but I have no intention of riding through deep mud. Nor would I drive through it, especially in a car with 18 cms of ground clearance when empty.

Then where's the fun? :eek:

I love motercycles but I guess I am biassed being a minnesotan where it is too cold /icy /snowy to ride 7 months a year :p

And living on a farm out of town (way out of town) I have come to appreciate my truck :) (couldent get home about 50 percent of the time without it lol) not to mention them damn grain trailers :D

Then where's the fun? :eek:

Granted, it may not seem as fun, but getting my kit to drift round roundabouts at 60 mph, on the edge of losing control gives me such a rush, its way more fun than off-roading. Ditto going fast on a motorbike. It's all about the rush, and trust me, you can get it without being caked from head to toe in mud.

Granted, it may not seem as fun, but getting my kit to drift round roundabouts at 60 mph, on the edge of losing control gives me such a rush, its way more fun than off-roading. Ditto going fast on a motorbike. It's all about the rush, and trust me, you can get it without being caked from head to toe in mud.

It's groovy that you know what moves you. :)

Unfortunately, I've always seen roads as 'the way to get to where the fun is' than the fun itself. *shrug*

Try it some time. Trust me, it's amazing. Opens your eyes. Just don't crash, like some people have been known to do.

:shifty:

Wasn't me, right?

Try it some time. Trust me, it's amazing. Opens your eyes. Just don't crash, like some people have been known to do.

:shifty:

Wasn't me, right?

Crashing is half the fun. :)

Yeah, it's just expensive. Very, if I do it.

Yeah, it's just expensive. Very, if I do it.

I know. I have a horrible tendancy to bend front wheels in half on my bike while crashing.

I put my first car into a ditch sideways. Good job there wasn't anyone else in the car, cos the passenger side was caved in to almost halfway over the passenger seat. I got out and walked away with little more than bruises, cuts from broken glass, and a big repair bill. Ended up scrapping the car and buying a cheaper, older one. My first bike I managed to keep in good nick road right up until January when I rode into the back of a car. Hit a patch of ice, and realised I couldn't do anything. A little bit terrifying.

2 Wheels good 4 Wheels Bad(EDIT BETTER)

2 Wheels good 4 Wheels Bad(EDIT BETTER)

My interpretation:

Freedom good, cage bad.

My interpretation:

Freedom good, cage bad.

The other interpretation:

Road rash good, cushion bad.

4 wheels. Its just more practical.

I am glad I do not have to make that choice as my only means of transportation
I own 4 cars and 2 motorcycles but in your case, I would have bought a Honda helix scooter like the one I own, great fun and some protection from the rain

I actually have to make this choice on Monday. I've put together about $2,500 US, and I need simple transportation. I've had my "M" stamp on my license for about 3 years, but I haven't ridden since before I went overseas last year. So, now, in Vegas you can ride year round, and gas is up around $2.75 /gallon, so a bike is definetly an alternative. On the other hand, the drivers in this city are often, well...unaware. Do I get a bike or a car?

The part thats blowing my mind is, I had thought that the bike would be the cheaper alternative. Thus far, looking in the paper and on the net, its really not all that much cheaper. The bikes are lower mileage at that price range, but in terms of model, make, and year, it seems like a decent used car isn't all that much more than a decent used bike.

For a car, I'm looking at an 89 BMW 325i with about 110k miles, for the bike, I'm drawn to a late 80's Kawasaki Vulcan. If I was alone on the roads, I'd go with the bike, though.

An 89 Bmw 325 with 110,000 miles on it is going to be a maintenance nightmare and the parts are expensive, my suggestion would be a mid 90's GM front wheel drive car with the 3800 V6 in it (one of the most reliable engines GM has made in a long time) or a Ford Crown victoria from 88 to 91 with the 5 liter V8 (302)
very reliable and safe car

if you are going to use a bike for your daily transportation, you really want a windshield and saddlebags on it

Ironic, I was the girl in my class who watched Top Gear and liked cars. I could do the spiel and my friends would be thinking 'what?' Only one other girl in my year has not got a license. Doesn't help my parents wouldn't let me near their cars / I was going to America / London. So...I want to learn to drive a motorbike: cheaper, less petrol, easier to store, park etc. Unfortunately I can't ride a bicycle and I'm broke.
Guess I'll still be using my passport as pub id. :(

u ought to have an option for "depends on the circumstances"
as someone who lives in MN you cant have a bike as ur only mode of transportation so it depends on the circumstances

An 89 Bmw 325 with 110,000 miles on it is going to be a maintenance nightmare and the parts are expensive, my suggestion would be a mid 90's GM front wheel drive car with the 3800 V6 in it (one of the most reliable engines GM has made in a long time) or a Ford Crown victoria from 88 to 91 with the 5 liter V8 (302)
very reliable and safe car

if you are going to use a bike for your daily transportation, you really want a windshield and saddlebags on it

sorry but are u a little out of it he said that the gas price there is something to consider
a crown vic is one of the biggest gas guzzlers cuz its such a huge car with a big engine
you would want a smaller car with a V6 and 80's and 90's jap cars have good efficiency despite the fact that lots are ugly

Japanese cars are ugly?
Where have you been living? I'd have to say most American cars are the ugliest things I've ever seen, whereas something like the Toyota Celica, the Honda NSX, Nissan 350Z at some angles, Mitsubishi GT3000, the Eclipse and the rugged Evo?
And the reliability! Ok...shut up now...

Eventhough I voted car in the poll, I would have to say both. There is nothing like hearing a muscle car (or driving one), but on a pretty day there is nothing like driving a bike.

Eventhough I voted car in the poll, I would have to say both. There is nothing like hearing a muscle car (or driving one), but on a pretty day there is nothing like driving a bike.

By the same token, there's nothing like the sound of a 1.8 Zetec running through twin cherry bombs, or indeed the whine of a Hiyabusa at 10 thou. revs.

Motorbikes are death traps.

Deviltree, crown vics get about 20 MPG overall, I have had 3 of them
the GM 3800 cars get about 27 overall
the little money he saves in gas with the BMW will not compare to the extra he will spend in maintenance on the BMW because it is a BMW

for the money he mentioned, he is not going to get a toyota or honda in good enough shape to be reliable.
You do not want to buy a carburated Honda car, they are money traps with their wonderful CVCC heads

at 41 years old, I have owned about 40 cars or more, I currently own 4 cars and 2 motorcycles, I am just trying to help him get RELIABLE transportation in the price range he mentioned

if he were to buy a newer Crown Vic with the 4.6 V8, it would get 23 MPG overall, but the early versions had some problems

Motorbikes are death traps.
They arn't if you have any control over ballence...

They arn't if you have any control over ballence...

Damn. My sense of balance = de shiznit.

Ploor and Deviltrainee both make good points, I guess I should think more about what my priorities are.

I know mileage is important, but if I'm getting, say, 30 mpg over 20 mpg, that works out to something like 500 gallons/year vs. 750 gallons/year at 15,000 miles/year. So, if gas fluctuates around $2.50, thats a difference of about $625 a year. A single major repair on the BMW could cost that much. Right now, I feel more concerned about reliability. (But milage is still a factor, maybe a secondary one).

So, if the BMW is going to be maintenance/repair intensive, I'm willing to look at both domestics and Japanese cars that might be more reliable/cheaper to service. I like the old Celicas, and I like the mid 90's Crown Vics, the ones I see just tend to be high mileage (which is to be expected, now that I think about it).

Or, I guess I could get a night job and buy a Harley...the new Sportsters are supposed to be much improved...and my wife says they're sexy.

Cars are better for many reasons, they are more practical, they are more fun to drive in, you can listen to the radio, eat, pick up friends. I could go on and on.

Oh and try having sex in or on a motorcycle.