Only thing i think of is the bad weather that comes around, But if you live in an area where it doesnt snow or doesnt ever get too cold, i dont really see a problem

 

I live in a Suburb of Austin, TX. Some of the best riding weather is our so called "winters" in Texas. That's about the only argument I've gotten so far though is the weather argument. Thanks!

 

That's about the only argument I've gotten so far though is the weather argument.

Or if you purchase a large-ish item that can't be shipped to your home.

 

Ah, good argument. I guess on those rare occurrences I'd have to borrow my sister's or friends car.

 

In Arkansas we get all 4 seasons......... as much as I try to ride year round, it's just not really possible. My ol Bronco probably only get about 2000 miles a year on it from day when it snows ,or is below 0 , or like today pouring rain.
I wouldn't be completely without a "cage" ,there are just time ya need one to haul something from the hardware store that ya can't get on a bike ( like lumber)



Rat

 

In the UK we ride bikes in all conditions all year round and we can have some very cold periods in Winter and the amount of rain we get even in Summer.
Still keep a cage though as they can be very handy at times

 

You both make good points. I've definitely thought of those things. But I can't seem to let it go, my idea that is. It's probably wishful thinking that I could manage in a world made for cars only on a bike. Sure it's possible, but there would definitely be challenges involved. But I know people that have done it. I guess there is no one right answer on this, and I'll just have to keep pondering until I've reached my own decision.

 

I spent three years in South Carolina with no vehicle except a bike. Getting groceries was a pain, but other than that it was OK. Get a good riding suit and tough it out. With gas the way it is right now, I ride everywhere.

 

I've heard of the pain of getting groceries, but I think I'm willing to tough out the challenges. Thanks for all the responses so far!!!

 

Go to the Areostitch website. They make stuff that makes bike-only life possible. Luggage, riding gear, etc. All top notch and a hilarious catalog to boot. Try to spot the fake items, like the Spray-on Road Grime and the Analog GPS!

 

Thanks. I'll definitely check it out.

 

I know a guy that did it, and I'm essentially doing it- I own a car but I never use it. And it sounds like your weather is a lot nicer, so if I were you I'd go for it.

 

You could just pay off the cage and keep it. My truck is 14 years old and I can not see myself selling it.. it works perfect for those homeowner details and trips, and the bike works perfect for just about everything else. We still have my wife's car when she wants to go places dressed up.

 

It looks as though I may have sparked a discussion here. I will continue to take everyones tips and advice into account. I'll definitely let everyone know what I end up doing.


It's definitely a big decision to make, one that's hard to go back on if I regret it later. But, I am a single guy that owns my home and loves to ride. It's tempting with no end in sight to the rising gas prices.

 

I think it's best to have a car and motorcycle. You can still ride the bike at every available opportunity but when you need to pick something up or give a couple people a ride or if the weather is really nasty it would be nice to have a car. I would suggest an old cheap hatchback or small truck just in case. No need to spend a lot.

 

I would suggest an old cheap hatchback or small truck just in case. No need to spend a lot.

Liability-only insurance for such a vehicle should also be pretty cheap.

 

Riding friend of mine in Atlanta, GA area went for several years (8? 10? I forget exact number) without a cage. In fact, the only reason he got a cage, was the fact that somebody needed some cash in a pinch and sold him a great looking truck for about $1500.

I think his initial interest was to "turn a quick dime" on it, but decided to keep it. I bet he hasn't put 100 miles on the truck in the last year of ownership either, and likely 70 of those were driving it home.

 

Yeah, if I do sell my cage, I won't be cageless forever, but it'll definitely be awhile. Loved your response man!

 

Motorcycles Only

Yeah, there was a time when all I had WAS a motorcycle.... we're talking well over 30+ years ago, but dang they were 'fun' times. I’d say it can be done BUT it depends on your circumstance. Who the heck wants to ride a bike through the winter’s snow and ice? But I’ve seen dudes doing it (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) – tougher birds then me that’s for damn sure. But at 19 when my father said get out (and rightly so) all I had was a bike. Luckily I was in beautiful Santa Barbara / Goleta, California at the time – so seriously it wasn’t a problem. Granted I had a Full Dresser at the time, so getting my weekly supply of TV Dinners and Beer back to the room I was renting then was a peace of cake. Sure, going to the factory on the graveyard shift at 3 am and it would be pouring rain was annoying! But I’d just bring a dry set of clothes with me and change in the bathroom at work. Dang, back then I was making minimum wage (LESS then $2.00 an hour) but I had more coin and time for bikes, women and fun…. swear it was seriously the BEST of times! Am I missing them times now?! Dang straight….. nuff’ said.

LRG

 

Well, it sure never snows where I'm at, and if it did I do have a "plan B" in place for random days like that. I'm definitely not 19 anymore, but that's sure where I wanted to be when I was, just me, the Army, and a bike. But it just was never possible then. Now, I'm 28, single, and own my home. To me, this may be my second chance. Thanks for such a great response!

 

Yep it is definately do-able in your situation. Grocery getter tip: Use a back pack that will strap down to your seat. It is always bigger in your mind while you are shopping than it really is! Take it in with you and load it while you shop. Paper or plastic...no thanks...nylon.

I have worn the backpack loaded and it can be heavier (awkward) than you think - you'll just have to try it for yourself. Some things that you carry won't readily lend themselves to being 'strapped' down'. It's nice to have a big tank bag for over-flow - or it's down the jacket! But grocery store is only 7 blocks away for me. I aught to walk! Saddlebags can be a blessing. Seems mine are never on unless I'm going touring.

I have hauled three 1 gallon paint cans and on another occasion I hauled 3 rose bushes (Wally World is 20 miles away!) in the backpack.

As a home owner and do-it-yourselfer there have been some things that I could not haul...lumber, roofing metal, bagged concrete mix, etc. That's where those 'Plan B's" come in!

Adding a girlfriend can alter the equation or ; depends on the individuals! Having a passenger cuts down your available space. And if you are always using her car for dates (sometimes mc are not conducive to cute hairdoos and wearing dresses, etc ) be sure to pony up some expense money! Lessons I've learned...no learning..... But my girl's a rare gem (to put up with me)!

 

Thanks for the advice iamgumby.

 

*Update*

Most recently I have posted a few ads to see who might be interested in my car.

 

I own a car, but I seldom drive it anymore. That's why I have so many miles on my Sportie. It has been at least 2 weeks since I have been in it.

 

It gets awfully cold and snowy where I live in the winter, so the bike-only option is not a viable one for me.

 

It depends on how close to everything you are, groceries especially. You could invest in a trailer and solve a lot of problems, but I know those aren't cheap.

For a while I lived without car or motorcycle; I rode my bicycle everywhere. It basically has the same challenges. If you're within 5 miles of groceries, you could get a bicycle and trailer for the hauling and use the motorcycle for everything else.

It sounds exciting, I'd definitely give it a try. You only live once, right? Have an adventure.

 

*Update* since the last *Update*

I'm actually having an old Army buddy move in and rent out a room from me for a while. He only has his Sportster right now, so I think we'll share the car on the crappy days, and ride on all the other days. Thanks for all your input, advice, stories, etc.