5 reasons why riding a motorcycle is better than driving a car
It might be very obvious that we are huge fans of riding a motorcycle. And that we get super excited whenever we spread that fire is an understatement. Does that mean we never drive car? Heck no. But we do rather ride on two wheels than on four. Why? We give you 5 reasons why riding a motorcycle is better than driving a car.
You will probably be aware of these reasons already, as a die hard motorcyclist. Are you new here and peeking around the corner into the world of motorcycling? Then maybe these reasons give you the last and final push to get you on that bike.
#1 RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS CHEAPER
THAN DRIVING A CAR
Riding a motorcycle is cheaper than driving a car. Some nuances left aside, of course. But even if you go all out with buying a super fancy bike, a nice motorcycle suit and the necessary fancy accessories, riding a motorcycle is cheaper than driving a car in the long run. Let’s take a closer look.
FANCY OR NOT SO FANCY
ALL ABOUT THE MONEY
For €10.000 you buy a super fancy motorcycle, but not a super fancy car. You can buy a car that brings you from A to B with quite some comfort. I have to admit to that. But! Buying a vehicle is one thing. Riding or driving one and the needed maintenance that comes with it are two completely different things.
WHY RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS BETTER
FOR YOUR WALLET
Riding a motorcycle – on average – is cheaper than driving a car. Most bikes just run cheaper. Of course we are not talking about the race bikes with fast riders and even faster wrists to control that throttle. I have to count myself among them every now and then, sadly. But my Suzuki GSXR ran quite economically. And I thankfully used it to commute for over three years.
A motorcycle uses one liter petrol on 15 to 20 kilometers on average, while a car uses one liter on 14 kilometer. Averages, ladies and gents! The insanely high petrol costs of today make you a sad person when your car uses 1 L on 14 km. And finding a bike that runs 1 L / 14 km of less is quite hard.
They exist, I know. I see it pop up on the dashboard of my RSV4 sometimes, to my regret. That glooming 1 L / 13 km notification. But hey. It just feels good to burn fuel sometimes. And we as motorcyclists safe money on more than fuel alone.
#2 RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS FASTER
THAN DRIVING A CAR
Another reason why riding a motorcycle is better than driving a car. Riding a motorcycle is faster. We burst off at traffic lights quicker on a bike than we do in a car. As motorcyclists, we hardly ever get stuck in traffic jams. Unless the road is fully blocked. And a road is hardly every really, really blocked. We often find ways around road blocks and find a way over roads that are undergoing some maintenance. And nowadays, bikes often have at least 150 trampling ponies hidden underneath the fairings. So top speed is quite good too.
QUICK AND AGILE
THE PERFECT COMMUTER
Maneuvering through traffic is also way easier on the bike than in a car. Your overview is just a bit better when you are on a motorcycle. Not just because motorcyclists look way more ahead – something you learn on day one of getting your motorcycle license – but also because it is easier to see past cars.
So a motorcycle is an ideal vehicle to use for commuting, since no one truly enjoys spending a long time on the road to get to work and even less when it takes ages to get home. Do you have to take lots of stuff with you to work, that does not fit into panniers of a big all road bike? Okay okay, then a car might be better. Just a bit. A teeny bit.
#3 RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS SEXIER
THAN RIDING A CAR
Reason number 3; riding a motorcycle is sexier than driving a car. We said it. We know it is no real reason to ride a bike. But still.. it is. A handsome man in a tough looking car is nice to behold. But hardly anything beats a man in a great fitting leather suit on a great looking bike. It is just that bit more manly, somehow. And a beautiful woman in a luxurious car is also dreamy to look at. But a good looking woman on an awesome motorcycle is just even more sexy. We can’t help it, sorry.
#4 RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS MORE ACTIVE
THAN DRIVING A CAR
Riding a motorcycle is also a more active activity than driving a car. How so? Because we don’t sit on the bike like a lump. At least, we hope you don’t. Riding a bike requires some activity in your body. An active upper body, active legs. Don’t be lazy and rest all that weight on those wrists. Sore wrists at the end of your ride? Then you better get that body in motion, darling. Or at least activate it.
Riding a bike is a semi sporty activity. Or very sporty. It all depends on your riding style of course. You move with the bike, or hang off to lean it into a turn. You use those legs, especially when you ride a sport bike. Going offroad? Then you better prepare yourself for some active riding as well.
Of course you can also sit semi active in a car, with slightly contracted abdomen. But let’s be honest. We do burn more calories on the bike than we do in the car. It might not be much, but a little already makes a difference.
#5 RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH
THAN DRIVING A CAR
Last but not least; riding a motorcycle is better for your health than driving a car. You have access to way more fresh air on the bike. That crispy cold on the early morning in spring, when you get on that bike to get to work.. that’s just a lovely feeling. All that fresh air wakes you up in the morning and keeps you fresh when you ride home. No complaints here!
Sitting in your car – nice and warm – when it rains might be a 0-1 for the car. But hey. A warm shower after getting soaked on the motorcycle does wonders as well.
THE FAMOUS ADRENALINE KICK
USE IT WISELY
Another reason why riding a motorcycle is better for your health than driving a car is the occasional adrenaline kick. It is up to you how often you get such a kick.. And yes, you could get one in the car as well. It is just easier to reach one on the bike. Is that a positive thing? Not always. Is is something you have to use responsibly.
Let’s save the discussion about the dangers of riding a motorcycle for another day. And we probably don’t have to do the math for you. More motorcycle accidents result in fatalities than car accidents. This could have many reasons. Maybe because lots of motorcyclists don’t ride all the time, but just some of the time. Or because you are less protected and more vulnerable on the bike. You know, due to the absence of bumpers, roll cages etcetera. Or because motorcyclists often move a bit faster through traffic.
A fatality is the worst thing that could happen. But luckily, it is not something that happens every day. And let’s pray it never will. So we still dare to say riding a motorcycle is healthier than driving a car. When you keep the tires on the road. At least one of them.
CONCLUSION
Riding a motorcycle is cheaper, faster, sexier, more active and healthier than driving a car. You save quite some money in maintenance and fuel. Little side note; you could loose al that preciously saved money quickly too. Because the motorcycle world is very good at seducing you to buy all the pretty accessories, outfits, modifications and sorts. But when you have the spine to resist those, you are better off money wise.
The fresh air, the focus and the occasional adrenaline rush keeps you healthy. More than a car does with its closed system. You could open up a window.. good point. But many of us rely on that air conditioning to keep us cool in the car.
Yes, riding a motorcycle comes with some risks. But severe motorcycle accidents don’t happen every day (thank God!). Let’s keep it that way. And that risk is almost insignificant when you think of all the wonderful moments you experience when riding a motorcycle.
So.. are you convinced? Will you take the bike tomorrow, or will you get back in the car?
