Recently, owning a motorcycle has become cooler than ever. Hollywood has along history of making motorcycle related films, and the recent release of “Wild Hogs” is the latest chain in the motorcycle genre. Recent stats from countries like Japan show that adults are participating in motorcycle gangs more than youth are, and in North America it is the baby and echo boomers who are shelling out the money to buy Hogs. Being in a gang does not mean you are living the lawless life of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper from the 60’s classic “Easy Rider.” But there are lots of weekend warriors out there who have created their own gangs with like-minded friends and family, or they are part of a larger organization such as the infamous Harley Owners Group (HOG). Maybe they just go riding on Sundays, or maybe this is a true lifestyle change – whatever the case, this might just be something you are interested in learning more about. This article will focus on the weekend warrior – what he is riding, clubs, rides, and other stuff for the guy looking to ride a steel horse into an urban sunset.
Getting Out Of The Gate
Interested in riding? Before you take the plunge and shell out thousands for your new model, there are few things you need to consider. (Note: We highly recommend tapping into friends and family for a few free ride demos, prior to picking out a bike of your own.)
What Are You Buying It For?
Like cars, bikes come in many varieties. There are dirt bikes that are made specifically for off-roading (the gas powered equivalent of a mountain bike). There are bikes that look amazing, but aren’t much good for anything other than show and cruising in the city. There are bikes that are very economical, and are made for city drivers who are just looking to go from point A to point B. There are also city bikes that are customized or customizable, and they come loaded with everything a luxury car would have. There are also power bikes (crotch-rockets), built for speed and power. Finally, there are bikes made for cruising long distances on the highway. They are designed for comfort, and are often feature rich; saddlebags and storage compartments, stereos, and much more.
Choosing Your Bike
Unlike a car, a bike brings with it some extra challenges. First, you do not have four tires. This means the height, balance, and weight of the bike should all be considered. Yes, they do come with kickstands, but you should feel comfortable handling your bike at a red light.
Second, the way your bike is powered is a major factor when it comes to maintenance costs. (Belt, chain or shaft driven). Just like a car, bikes require regular maintenance. Chain driven bikes usually require the most regular maintenance, but they are also lower priced.
Third, insurance costs. If you buy a $10,000 bike that costs $3,000/year to insure, you will not be a happy person. Some bikes have lower insurance rates, and the overall rates vary wildly between insurance agents, and from state-to-state and country-to-country. Find out the annual rate before you buy, as some bikes are more expensive to insure than cars.
Fourth, costs. Aside from the purchase price, there are loads of extras for bike buyers – and we are not just talking about apparel! Custom handlebars, seats, electronics, and more – the list is endless, and you will want some of them! The dealer might throw in a few extras, but make sure you comparison-shop; even if you have to check out a different town. You also need to check out your financing options, as bikes can run well into the 10s of thousands.
Fifth, annual costs. You need to factor in insurance and maintenance as your primary costs. Depending on your insurance costs, these bills will average between $200-$500/month.
Training
Some sort of licensing is usually the norm when you are renting a bike, so make sure you look into this before you buy. In some areas there are motorcycle accident rates as high as 100%! This does not mean that the riders are unsafe. In fact, a lot of motorcycle training teaches you how to avoid accidents, as motorists are often to blame when it comes to bike-car collisions.
I’ve Got It, Now What?
The cool thing about owning a bike is riding it. The last thing you want to do is park your $20K machine in the garage, where it becomes an expensive dust collector. There are lots of options to consider if you want to do more than ride your bike to work.
Join A Club
If you spent the dough and bought a Harley, you can join their H.O.G. organization. They currently boast a membership exceeding one million members, and they are located in almost every country. Their motto is “To ride and have fun.” And they do. They have rallies all over the place, and members congregate to do group rides and other fun things. The annual H.O.G. rally is moved around within a country, giving members the chance to plan new, longer rides to explore and challenge their riding skills.
Create Your Own Club
If Homer Simpson can make his own gang, then so can you! You might just find that you have a lot of friends that own bikes, or maybe they just need a little incentive go out and buy one. Now you can start planning your own rides, rallies and cross country excursions!
Join A Local Club!
A quick Internet search will reveal lots of bike clubs in your region – some bike specific, some not. In any case, you will quickly meet a lot of fellow bike enthusiasts, who just want to ride, meet new people, and have a good time. Head to Sturgis! Every summer, bikers of all types head to Sturgis, SD for one of the largest rallies on earth. Thousands head there each year to party, ride, and hang out with fellow aficionados.
Keep On Riding!
Remember that weather is a factor for riders, so make sure you use that bike! Joining or forming a club will give you the motivation you need to max out your riding time. Summer is coming up soon, and the open road is calling!
