I’ve been going back and forth for the past 5 months on the decision to purchase a motorcycle, so I pose the question to you…
Do I purchase a motorcycle? And if so, what kind?
My rationale to purchase is that I’m young, single and stupid. I have no responsibility.
(See poll in sidebar…)
Hmmmm, my husband had one for a while. The Pros- It will save lots of money on gas, it’s alot easier as far as maintenence, not to mention women love guys with bikes and well, you will just look cooler.
The Cons- (maybe obvious) You have to be alot more careful on a bike. Other vehicles just don’t SEE bikes half the time or don’t care, It SUCKS if it starts raining, and tailpipes get HOT!! TRUST ME!! Just make sure you watch where you put your boots, skin….etc.
Hope this helps!!
Good Luck and be safe!!
Comment by Terri — May 20, 2008 @ 11:06 am
what does your father opine about this?
Comment by savoury toothed tiger — May 20, 2008 @ 11:17 am
Jared, you of anyone would appreciate a motorcycle the way you drooled over Jeff’s.
He says go for it. And that’s kind of the thought I’m having.
Terri — thanks for the heads up. I’ll watch my footing.
Comment by Don — May 20, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Come join us Don… come join us.
Comment by Jeffrey — May 20, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Well, being that I’m a 45-year-old mom, I’m not sure if I’d be too keen on any of my kids wanting to ride a motorcycle. But, then again, that’s just me.
I guess, as long as you promise to be safe on one of those things, and make sure you obey all of the rules of the road, then go for it. You’re not a little kid anymore, so you’re old enough (and hopefully responsible enough) to make that kind of decision.
Just don’t tell my husband I said this to you… he wanted to get one awhile back, and I told him “NO WAY!”. But, that was different…it was some sort of a mid-life crisis thingy.
Promise me you’ll consider a Harley first. Those bikes just ROCK (again… don’t mention that to my husband, either!
Let us know what you decide, will ya?
xox,
Mama C.
Comment by Mama C. — May 20, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
From someone who has lost a family member on a motorbike, I vote no. You have zero protection on those things and it is too risky on the road. However, many people do enjoy them on properties where you can ride safely.
The fact that you are older and not a teenager is probably a good thing, you are less likely to be reckless. My brother in law (who I never had a chance to meet) died at 19 when his bike hit a telegraph pole. He had just left school two weeks prior and had started a job. Couldn’t afford a car and his mother let him have her motorbike. 34 years later it’s still a raw, big loss.
Comment by Mary B — May 20, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
You say your father says go for it, what does your Mum say? I’ll bet she’s not crazy about the idea.
Comment by Mary B — May 20, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
All valid points… and I can see why some would be extremely against purchasing a bike. I suppose that my rationale still stands. Not that am looking for harm to find me (knock on wood), it’s just that right now I have no responsibility. I’m not married and have no children. I’m free and clear of any dependents.
Interesting how this has really struck a chord. And this early in the poll, it’s a 50/50 split.
Comment by Don — May 20, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Being a young mum the protective motherly side comes and and says way too dangerous…..but then on the other hand if i was single i would be thinking “very cool” to the guy that turned up on a motorbike…..definate chick magnet
Comment by Jury Family — May 20, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
motorcycle=ok (like a Harley)
bullet bike=death wish=no way.
my .02
Comment by chiggidy — May 20, 2008 @ 10:30 pm
Don –
You say you are YOUNG, SINGLE & STUPID ……Well (sorry), but IF you decide to get a motorcycle & ride it the STUPID is gonna be “exponential”!!! And to your list of Young, Single & Stupid do you really want to add the possibility of MAIMED, SCARRED, PARALYZED, BRAIN DEAD ?!!?
Just Checking ??!?!
Even though you are almost 30 & unmarried & “un-obligated” to anyone; don’t you want to take care of yourself well so that you will be HEALTHY when a great woman (& later kids!) does come your way!!
Please DON”T DO IT !! You have too much going for you!!
A Concerned (OLD!) Mom
P.S. — HEY – ASK Your Mom & Dad what they think & then GO WITH THAT!!! ha
Comment by Anonymous — May 21, 2008 @ 2:50 am
Yes Court, more like a Harley. I’m not a fan of bullet bikes.
Comment by Don — May 21, 2008 @ 6:22 am
You do have responsibility Don- to yourself, your friends, your family. We all love you and don’t want to see you hurt. Not if you crash, but when… Remember Jason? Snowmobile or motorcycle- both reckless. Get a puppy instead!
Comment by tweedlediva — May 21, 2008 @ 6:45 am
My vote’s no cause you live in Utah and we all know that state is full of reckless drivers
And as attractive as a motorbike may be, it might send the wrong message if you are hoping to change that list to “old, married, smart, and accepting of responsiblity”.
Comment by Brenda — May 21, 2008 @ 7:45 am
Brenda, very valid point!
…and yes I do remember Jason, April. He was a good man. As for the puppy idea… I think that falls into the category of responsibility — something I’m trying to avoid.
Comment by Don — May 21, 2008 @ 8:30 am
#1 – Guys on bikes are definitely HAWT.
#2 – Riding around town = fun
#3 – There are lots of ways to get maimed or paralyzed. No one seems to mind that you bobsled and that’s a little on the crazy side.
#4 – Young, single, and stupid is a great way to be while you can be it. Just as long as you don’t plan on being old, single, and stupid, becasue that borders creepy wierd old guy at church with a motorcycle that kind of freaks out the young women.
Good luck making a decision! If you get a bike, I FULLY expect an awesome ride.
Comment by babyoscars — May 21, 2008 @ 8:57 am
I didn’t say I didn’t mind him doing the whole bobsledding thing. But, he asked about a motorcycle, not about bobsledding.
Why are you trying to avoid responsibility, Don? Is that something you care to share with us, or is that far too private?
Oh, and another thing I thought of… of COURSE your dad said to “go for it”…wasn’t he the one who came inches away from becoming paralyzed a few years back in Hawaii? Ask your mom what she thinks, instead. I’ll betchya five bucks you’ll get a very different answer from her!
xox,
Mama C.
BTW — if you ever get the itch to become a bit more responsible again… my 26-year-old niece thinks you’re hot!
(And SHE probably wouldn’t mind you riding up on a Harley, either!)
Comment by Mama C. — May 21, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
Ha ha ha! (rotflol)
Mama! You are too funny! …and you owe me $5. My parents are fine with it.
I’m not so sure you are dead set on me NOT getting a bike. You tell me that I should be responsible, and go out with your niece; then you tell me to be irresponsible and pick her up on a Harley!
Deep down, everyone likes bikes!
Comment by Don — May 21, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
Okay…as long as your mom says she’s fine with it (and she seems like a fine, level-headed woman), then I’m okay with it, too.
And yes, I guess you caught me. You see, the mom side of me is the one saying “oh, no… you shouldn’t be riding one of those silly things… you’ll kill yourself!”. BUT… the rocker chick in me is screaming “YEAH, BABY!!”
Next time you’re in Boston, you’re welcome to come see me, and hit me up for that five bucks. (Just don’t show up at MY doorstep on your Harley… my kids would have a conniption!
)
Comment by Mama C. — May 21, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Oh, and another thing… I’m not “telling” you to be responsible; what I said was, “if you ever get the itch to become a bit more responsible again”. There’s a HUGE difference between the two.
My vote? Stay as irresponsible as you possibly can for as long as you can. Enjoy your life (and your freedom), while you can, so that as you move forward into the realm of “permanently responsible”, you can be proud of who you are, and how far you’ve come. Most importantly, you’ll have no regrets.
::Stepping off the “Mom” soapbox now!::
xox,
C.
Comment by Mama C. — May 21, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
This subject has been bothering me all night, and I see that you have had many more comments. As you are an adult, it would be highly unlikely that your parents would interfere with any decision you make. True, there are plenty of ways you can get hurt badly. When I really thought about it, there are those people who love bikes, cars, ATV’s and anything else that burns fuel and goes fast. Then there are those of us that find a roller coaster harrowing and only really drive because they have to. Risk takers or those of us who would rather die quietly in a chair with a book. Be safe Don. Get married and have some kids. Then you will know what real fear is, the fear that something will happen to them. I’m on the other side of the world and I am worried for you if you get the bike.
Comment by Mary B — May 21, 2008 @ 7:29 pm
haha, I see you posted that it was 50/50 on your poll. I voted no, so it’s now 11 to 12 in favor of no.
That being said…pray about it. My dad has a URAL,and it was a neat little bike with sidecar. I’d love to be able to buy him one someday.
You’re probably responsible for someone though — I bet you promised a girl in heaven you’d locate her on earth.
Comment by Erica — May 21, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
Well, Don….I see that you have gotten alot of responses since I posted. Many with some very valid points….But when it all comes down to it, you are an adult, you’ve seemed to put have put alot of thought into this, weighed the good and the bad, which to me shows that in spite of what you said, you ARE responsible. I feel that you know this is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. So, with that said, as fun as this poll has been, when all is said and done, it is YOUR decision and I know that you will make the right one. Just please promise us that if you do, you will be safe!
As far as the puppy goes…..it kinda reminds me of a song….”And they called it….” Oh, nevermind!!
Sorry, couldn’t resist!!
Comment by Terri — May 21, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
Again… All very valid points to consider; and, I will.
However, the poll is still open, and will remain open until the end of next week.
It’ll be interesting to see what the final verdict is. I’m excited!
Comment by Don — May 21, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
wow. that’s all i have to say.
keep me posted on what you decide
i support you, either way!
{c}
Comment by chiggidy — May 22, 2008 @ 8:54 am
Why not get a girl instead of a motorcycle?
Then your life of singleness and no responsibility would be taken care of!
Comment by amesbury — May 22, 2008 @ 10:33 am
Thanks, Court…
Amy, I think I’ll go with the bike. (Oh, there are a lot of comments I could make to this. But, I’ll choose to keep them to myself.)
Comment by Don — May 22, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
I think you should get a bike. The gas milage is way better and with summer gas prices coming on, it cannot hurt! (of course, you’ll probably spend the money you will save on gas on the bike, so kind of counter productive).
Personally, I don’t think motorcycles are hot, just a comment from an abnormal girl. I don’t like riding them. Good thing you aren’t picking up on me
I think people who ride around without helmets and gear are REALLY stupid, so please get the proper gear if you do get a bike.
But if you want to, just do it. And your gas milage will be better.
Comment by Treat Queen — May 22, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
There are quite a few comments I could also make regarding your “getting” a bike instead of a girl (and they range from the completely benign to the downright racy!
, but, like you, I choose to keep them to myself! 
When are you going to put us all out of our misery and let us know what your final decision is?
xox,
C.
Comment by Mama C. — May 22, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
The poll hasn’t closed yet. I’m still hoping the “yeses” will pull through. Though it’s not looking good.
I’ll post once the poll is finished.
One more week.
Comment by Don — May 22, 2008 @ 11:07 pm
Well
I bought my husband a bike for Father’s Day one year when we were done having our kids. He loved it. Although now it is sitting in our garage in need of repair as he underestimated what a gravel road does to a Harley.
Definitely a Harley is worth it. I have ridden on the back of my husbands and it is so COOL. I do wear a helmet(although my cousin died even ehwn wearing a helmet-internal injuries-no head injuries-wrong place at wrong time at 19 years old).
Yes go ahead and purchase on as you are an adult and you are responsible. But remeber
#1 Harley
#2 Helmet, leather pants and jacket(saves the skin from being peeled off the pavement when you fall)
#3 Motorcycle Safety classes-in Alaska the local Harley Dealership gives motorcycle saftey classes all the time. Teaches you how to ditch the bike so you don’t get so hurt if needed.
#4 BE CAREFUL
Take Care
Lori M
Fairbanks Alaska
Comment by Anonymous — May 23, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
I agree with the above. A definite yes on getting a bike and a definite must for all would be motorcycle drivers, “take motorcycle safety classes.” It has made me a better car driver and it also teaches proper bike turning techniques and etc. A friend of mine owns a Harley V-Rod and he is a family man, he goes on rides with his buddies and sometimes by himself, he rides on the Colorado country roads to avoid congested areas and seems to enjoy it very much–and he is a very level headed guy who owns a very successful business. I remember him telling his wife that he wasn’t ready for her to ride along because he wasn’t ready yet. So goes to show that motorcycle riders aren’t all rebels. Good Luck with your decision.
Comment by Rijon — May 23, 2008 @ 11:56 pm
Still hoping that you are giving SERIOUS CONSIDERATION about getting a motorcycle. Please Read Below & it HAPPENS EVERY DAY — Hoping that you DO NOT get one, DON —- PLEASE
Bourdon Killed in Motorcycle Crash
Posted: 2008-05-29 19:26:41
SHIPPAGAN, New Brunswick (May 29) – Luc Bourdon, a promising rookie defenseman with the Vancouver Canucks, was killed Thursday when his motorcycle struck a tractor-trailer in a crash near his hometown. He was 21.
Comment by Anonymous — May 29, 2008 @ 11:08 pm