10 Benefits of Owning a Motorcycle

Owning a motorcycle is something that goes through the minds of many people at one point in their lives. The allure of a two-wheeler can be incredibly tempting, whether you are young, aged, or anywhere in between.

That said, getting a new or used motorcycle might not be the easiest choice, especially due to financial issues, conflicts with parents, and fear over safety. Motorbikes also tend to have a bad reputation since they are usually associated with danger, recklessness, and disobedience. However, when used appropriately, motorbikes can bring a lot of good things into your life. Here are a few benefits of owning a motorcycle.

Motorcycles are cheaper

The obvious benefit of owning a two-wheeler rather than a car is that motorcycles are much cheaper than vehicles. In fact, a motorbike costs around half the price of a car on average, meaning you can save or use the extra money to buy a better make or model. However, before purchasing a motorbike, be sure to carry out thorough research and compare several different dealerships and private sellers.

There are also motorcycle loan providers out there if you don’t have the money to pay for a motorcycle outright. Online lenders can finance your purchase, allowing you to pay for the bike in smaller installments. This makes motorcycle ownership more feasible.

Easy and affordable parking

Finding a parking lot can take a lot of work for most car owners, especially during rush hours. It usually takes a lot of time to find a free parking area, whether waiting for a slot or scoping the whole car park.

On the other hand, finding a parking space isn’t an issue for motorcycle owners. There are plenty of allocated parking areas for motorcycles, meaning you won’t have to struggle to find one. Moreover, you wouldn’t have to worry about difficult parking situations like cramped or parallel parking. Motorcycle parking fees are also generally cheaper; you can expect to pay $38 per month or $450 per year at the meter.

Improved fuel efficiency

Motorcycles have a unique benefit over cars when it comes to fuel efficiency. Since they have smaller engines and lighter weight, they consume significantly less fuel compared to standard four-wheeled cars. That means motorcycle owners can enjoy considerable savings on their fuel costs.

You can also opt for a fully electric two-wheeler rather than a traditional combustion engine motorcycle. Electric motorbikes are powered by electricity, which is cheaper than fuel, meaning they can offer substantial cost savings in the long run. Depending on the bike you choose and how you ride it, you could reduce your fuel cost by half.

Motorcycles are easy to maintain

Taking care of any machine is necessary, especially if you want it to look and run at its best. Motorcycle maintenance is also crucial if you wish to retain its resale value.

Most of the time, owning a motorcycle translates into reduced maintenance costs compared to maintaining a vehicle. Motorbikes have fewer components, simpler mechanics, and generally need less regular servicing. Motorcycle spare parts and repairs are also more affordable than those of cars. With regular inspections and maintenance, you can enjoy hassle-free rides and long-term cost savings.

Great resale value

Unlike vehicles, motorcycles typically hold a more excellent resale value and are not heavily affected by depreciation. While this usually depends on the make and model of the bike you have, this often applies to most motorcycles.

When you buy a brand-new car from a dealership, it loses up to 11% once you drive it off the lot. You will instantly lose 11% of your motorcycle value when you drive it off the lot. However, though the percentage is the same, it’s relatively different numerically compared to a vehicle. This is because a brand-new motorcycle costs much less than a brand-new car. Motorcycles also hold up their resale value much better than cars, even after instant depreciation.

Become part of a neutral community

The social side of owning a motorcycle is similar to that of people who smoke. Whenever you go outside to light a cigarette, you will find yourself making friends with fellow smokers.

When you ride a motorbike for a while, you acquire a sense of belonging to the motorcycle community. You can do casual hand-outs, motorcycle road trips, or biker events once you meet other riders. There are also riding clubs that usually arrange meet-ups with other like-minded riders and arrange rides upcountry.

Riding is more involved than driving

Of course, riding a motorcycle comes with its risks. Unlike a car, a two-wheeler exposes you to the elements, meaning you won’t have the metal frame to protect you and reduce the impact if you get into an accident. This increases your chances of being seriously injured.

However, learning how to lean into a corner (almost to the point of touching the ground) can be particularly fun and rewarding. Not having a framework to cover you also means the wind is constantly hitting you in the face, making your chances of flaking out at the wheel incredibly slim to none.

Motorcycles are good in traffic

Everyone has better things to do than sitting in heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic. Well, the good news is that owning a motorcycle can be the solution.

As long as it’s safe, you can conveniently weave in between stationary vehicles, which means you will avoid traffic and get to your destination faster. However, this can still be dangerous, so be sure to ride with caution. You should also be careful not to break traffic laws since most states allow lane-splitting, and some don’t. Check with your state to see their status regarding this form of navigation.

Unlimited customization options

Like a vehicle, a motorbike has several components that can be changed, modified, or removed. With the right demeanor and modifications, your bike will not look the same again. You can also make it your own, whether you choose a gleaming motorcycle fresh off the showroom or decide on a doer-upper project.

While new tires might sound like an obvious swap, you won’t get far without a set of premium tires, no matter how great your bike looks. Fortunately, there are models for on- and off-road travel and even a combination of both, thanks to tire technology, which has greatly changed in the past decade.

Many companies also create after-market exhausts that can bring you the power and sound you crave. Check out these additional motorcycle safety and technology features that can help you customize your motorcycle to the maximum.

Riding a bike can boost mental and physical health

There is nothing more rejuvenating and refreshing than traveling on a long ride through a picturesque route. While it has not been scientifically proven, motorcycle riding is therapeutic.

Some studies have shown that riding a bike can alleviate stress and enhance muscular and cerebral functions. Hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin release happy thoughts in your mind, which happen only when you feel excited. Riding a motorcycle makes you happy, and this comes from the physical experience of cruising through the world’s nature on two wheels.

Riding a motorbike also boosts your heart rate and blood circulation, which in turn reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It draws strength and is comparable to light exercise since it burns calories and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Summing it up

People usually underestimate the benefits of owning a motorcycle. However, as you can see, there are countless benefits to riding a motorcycle, and there is a reason to own one.

While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right motorcycle to buy, there are a few notable characteristics that make some bikes more approachable to new riders. Look for an affordable, cheap-to-repair and lightweight motorcycle.