Question by Jazz Man: Motorcycle for College?
Hello, I am considering purchasing a 250CC motorcycle for transportation. I am currently a high school senior in his last semester of school. I have looked into most aspects of owning and purchasing a motorcycle, and in my case have found it to be significantly cheaper than maintaining a car. As it stands now, I have no means of transportation other than borrowing my parents car on a very irregular schedule. I feel having this small sized motorcycle will be advantageous for me and my life, not only in high school, but in summer jobs and college. My main usage for this bike would be to get around town, and (at the current point in life) commute to school. The college I will be attending is very close to home (within a mile).

My father is not quite as keen on the idea. He feels it would be a frivolous waste of money, but I disagree. His primary argument is that I should be saving money for college and working for my education. Don’t get me wrong, though. I have been saving for quite a few years now. I have more than enough to buy this bike and pay quite a bit of college on top of it. By the time college rolls around anyway, I will have easily made up this 1500 dollar investment and some, so I don’t feel that argument is very sound. Secondly, they seem significantly more supportive of me purchasing a car instead. I understand that with the winters we get, I won’t be able to use this bike for a few months out of the year. I understand I can’t fit my entire wardrobe in it. But I know that going into the purchase. I personally feel that the cost savings are worth the minor inconvenience (which is less than walking everywhere). So I know it isn’t quite as versatile as a car, but in my mind, it balances out, and as he is so concerned about, saves money.

He keeps referencing that I should “work for my money” and “develop a better work ethic”. Again, don’t misunderstand. I agree. He seems to ignore the fact that I own and operate my own business, as well as actively search for a summer job to bring in even more. It somehow seems rude to discount the fact that I have worked for years and years to be where I am at, and tell me I need to work for things in life.

My primary question lies here, though. I personally want to know the benefits to owning a small bike in college. Getting around campus isn’t really a problem, as it is easily walkable. My main reason for purchasing it would be to get around town, go to the store, etc. I can’t however seem to get this across in an eloquent fashion. What are some other uses for a motorcycle (or any means of transportation for that matter) in college?

Thanks in advance for the input.
The issue isn’t getting home. Although I could certainly use it for that, I would see myself using it more for around town transport. This could easily be many miles, hills, etc.

Best answer:

Answer by David P
If the college is less than 1 mile, get a pedal bike, that will be much cheaper and its no real effort.

It takes 5 miles or so to warm the engine (motor) to running temperature, before that you will be using a lot of fuel (gas).

Motorcycles require more maintenance than cars and the work is often more expensive. Tyres (Tires) can be 4-5 times the price of car types and only last a short time.

Most motorbikes have very limited space to carry anything at all.

Choose the model carefully to match your needs.

A scooter with under seat storage may suit.

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