Sometimes, it is possible to have it all, but what happens when you have to make a choice?

If you’re a keen motorcyclist, but you don’t have the time, the budget, or the space for bikes and cars, should you opt for a life on 2 or 4 wheels? If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of cars versus motorcycles, here’s a useful guide to help you make the right call.

Questions to ask yourself

When it comes to getting around, many of us rely on a vehicle of some description. The majority of people own a car, but motorcycles are a popular option. There are advantages and disadvantages of each option. To help you choose, here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide.

What is the main purpose for getting a new car or bike?

If you had to list just one reason why you needed to buy a new or used car or bike, what would you say? If you need a car for work, you ferry children or pets around on a daily basis, or you need space to house and transport equipment for hobbies, for example, sports or DIY, it’s wise to opt for a car. If you don’t have people relying on you for lifts, you can commute via motorcycle or public transport and your primary motivation is a love of being out on the roads and embracing the thrills and spills, investing in a bike may be a more appealing option. Think about your lifestyle and how you would use the vehicle.

How much do you want to spend?

The cost of both motorcycles and cars varies hugely according to the make and model you buy, but generally speaking, it’s much cheaper to buy and run a bike than a car. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way of getting from A to B, and you don’t need extra space for multiple passengers, you might find that you could save a substantial amount of money by opting for a motorcycle. The cost of buying bikes is often lower, especially compared to newer models of cars, and repairs and new parts also tend to be less expensive. If you take a look at sites like solomotoparts.com, you’ll get an idea of how much you’ll need to spend if your bike requires replacement parts. Fuel is also a consideration. If you drive considerable distances for either work or pleasure, it’s advisable to think about how much filling up the tank is going to cost you. Eco-friendly cars are cheaper to run, but many bikes offer better fuel economy than older petrol cars.

hat kind of driving experience are you looking for?

When you get behind the wheel or fire up the ignition, what kind of driving experience are you looking for? Motorbikes are popular because they offer a thrilling, exhilarating ride, which is very different to the average car journey. Many people who buy motorcycles enjoy being out in the open and they live for the adrenaline rush of whizzing around on two wheels. If this scenario sounds familiar, you may be reluctant to give it up for a more measured experience behind the wheel of a family car. Of course, there are plenty of cars out there that prioritize performance, but they tend to come with a hefty price tag. If performance is key, it’s worth exploring both cars and bikes and booking some test drives.

How much space have you got at home?

If you have a sprawling driveway or a garage, space isn’t likely to pose a problem, but if you live in a block of apartments with communal parking, you don’t have a driveway or a garage, or you’re living with friends or family, and there’s no room for any more vehicles at the inn, a bike may be the best option. It’s much easier to find space for a motorcycle than a car.

How important is safety?

Statistically, travelling by motorcycle is much more dangerous than getting around in a car. Research based on accident statistics in the US suggests that the risk of fatal crashes is around 28 times higher for motorcyclists than car drivers. This is largely due to the fact that you’re much more exposed when riding a bike, and that injuries are likely to be more severe. For more information, take a look at this article https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyamohn/2018/05/03/motorcycle-deaths-down-but-still-28-times-more-frequent-than-other-fatal-crashes/#6262ae4c5a05.

If you love to drive, but you don’t have the space or the budget to switch between 2 and 4 wheels, how do you go about choosing which type of vehicle to buy? If you’re trying to decide whether to go for a motorcycle or a car, hopefully, this guide will point you in the right direction.