Reasons to Consider Getting a Motorbike
Motorbikes, or scooters, represent an incredible asset to have at your disposal for a number of important reasons. While there are certain limitations to consider, such as winter-driving, or driving at high speeds in heavy traffic, they also provide users with a few unique benefits. They can also come in handy during a situation when resources are limited or travel by conventional means may be difficult.
They are Cheap
You can get a really good scooter, from top-names such as Honda and Yamaha for less than $2000. They are surprisingly easy to maintain, and repair costs are far lower than what you will pay to service a car or truck. Parts from popular bikes are easy to obtain, don’t take a lot of space and can be installed with common tools. Registering and insuring a motorbike is also very inexpensive when compared to a vehicle or motorcycle as well.
They are also very fuel-efficient, and you will be amazed at how far you can get without needing to fill up the tank. This is a very important feature to consider if you are dealing with fuel-supply problems, and a good scooter will get you around town without draining your resources.
They are Easy to Drive
The distinction between scooters and motorcycles is that a scooter is automatic. You don’t need to learn how to change gears or get training on various other driving characteristics associated with motorcycles. They are also pretty fast, despite their delicate appearance. Anyone who can ride a bicycle can drive a scooter with minimal practice.
Most states also don’t require drivers to get special licenses to operate scooters. Generally speaking, as long as the bike is automatic and between 125-175ccs, a standard driving license will do just fine. However, specific rules vary from state to state, so it’s important to research requirements before heading out on the road.
They are Compact
Driving a motorbike through traffic and finding parking spaces are two very popular reasons that they are so popular in congested areas. You can get from point A to B in a fraction of the time that it takes a vehicle to inch through city traffic. They are also very easy to store and secure, and this can make them less likely to catch the attention of thieves or vandals.
Limitations
Scooters lack the power to carry heavy people uphill, and they are not all that practical when hauling heavy or bulky loads. They also don’t perform well during inclement weather. While it is possible to safely operate a scooter in the rain, driving one through storms, wind, snow or sleet is very dangerous because they are far less stable than motorcycles in these conditions. They are not ideal for traveling great distances, and transporting a standard cart full of groceries can be a challenge as well.
However, they do fill a niche that may be of particular interest to the Prepping community. They can be ideal for running errands, tootling around a property and being used as a small-scale workhorse when a car or truck is not really necessary for a particular job.
Yes, they look silly against the backdrop of all of the other vehicles on the road. Yes they have their limitations and are not as powerful or versatile as motorcycles. However, with their low cost, ease of operation and versatility, they can make an important and practical contribution to enhancing mobility options.
