Safety First: Moped, Scooter, or Motorcycle?

[Sid Post]

I have experienced being a human projectile in a MC crash and the six months afterward learning to walk again. I like my "cages" as you two-wheelers like to call them.

Owning a pickup and a car, I can honestly say I won't be giving up my motorcycles anytime soon. Being in a cage is no guarantee for a safe journey ... my last three accident have been by people who were driving way too fast because they were late to work or had a really important text message on their cell phone. With two broken seat backs and a totaled Grand Marquis I'm glad I can still walk. On my motorcycle, I could have avoided two of them .....

At least I can still walk and ride my motorcycles.

 

[Sid Post]

FWIW, I took a look at a Yamaha V-Star 250 today. I'm not used to the foot forward riding position but, the overall body position and ergonomics were really good for me. I would prefer a slightly wider handle bar with a little more sweep but, that is an easy upgrade of nominal cost. Yamaha has a solid entry level motorcycle in that little twin. Hmmm ....

 

[Noctis3880]

Bankruptcy is only 7 years, not a lifetime.

Is your quality of life really worth the stress you are under? Honestly, it sounds like you would be better off somewhere else. Sure, starting over is hard but, do you really want a lifetime spent in your current situation?

Honestly, I'd probably work a year after starting my career, then move the hell out ASAP. Problem is, time is limited, and every obvious alternative will set me back some.

Moving to another state has some appeal, if only so my dysfunctional family doesn't stalk me at work back to my new place, but the mainland is usually more harsh in terms of weather and crime, as well as road rage. Plus it takes some time for in-state tuition rates, as well as the fact that I don't know anyone.

Moving to another place increases the financial burden, and might open me to the risk of a potentially psychopathic/obsessive mother/brother to stalk me at work/school. Work would go straight to 40 hrs/wk as a necessity, taking 8 hours away from school/study/projects/homework. Still doable, but I already have back issues due to work, and it's not improving with a 40 hour work week(I've had sharp pains in my back since summer started and I went from 32/wk to 40).

This situation is the shortest in terms of time, which would have me getting my BBA in 4 years. I'd already be graduating at 30 and wouldn't be able to start my career until then.

My motive for a motorcycle is because work conditions are deteriorating, and so I want to shave off transit time(because I want one is part of it too, I won't deny it). Car = 1 hour for parking at the campus. Moped = 1 hour because I spent half that hour going uphill.

 

[Sid Post]

Moving to another state has some appeal, if only so my dysfunctional family doesn't stalk me at work back to my new place, but the mainland is usually more harsh in terms of weather and crime, as well as road rage. Plus it takes some time for in-state tuition rates, as well as the fact that I don't know anyone.

Moving to another place increases the financial burden, and might open me to the risk of a potentially psychopathic/obsessive mother/brother to stalk me at work/school. Work would go straight to 40 hrs/wk as a necessity, taking 8 hours away from school/study/projects/homework. Still doable, but I already have back issues due to work, and it's not improving with a 40 hour work week(I've had sharp pains in my back since summer started and I went from 32/wk to 40).

This situation is the shortest in terms of time, which would have me getting my BBA in 4 years. I'd already be graduating at 30 and wouldn't be able to start my career until then.

Whether a car or motorcycle, you have more freedom of movement with your own transportation. The lower initial price of a motorcycle is appealing to many on a tight budget. I find parking a motorcycle to be easier because cars usually end up "way out yonder" versus motorcycles which in a lot of cases have parking next to the handicap parking.

In terms of a financial burden, living in a college dormitory while not appealing to many is relatively cheap and a relatively protected environment. Stalking and crime in general are very low in most places. I can understand the idyllic appeal of Hawaii but, there are other very nice, picturesque, low crime areas to choose from on the mainland.

In terms of financial burdens, out here you can find 1br apartments for ~$425 a month plus utilities. While this rent level won't put you in the "rich" part of town, a lot of people earning a meager living seem to have a good quality of life. The difference in rents would go a long way to easing the financial burden and could allow you to continue living with a 32Hr work week.

As a tax paying citizen, most states will give you in-state tuition. Heck, even illegals in some states get in-state tuition levels. If you are looking at things objectively, I think you will find the trade-offs between Island living and a lower cost mainland location to be more favorable than it may initially appear to you. Sure you don't know anyone yet but, the people you do know in Hawaii don't seem to bring much happiness to your life.

In the end, I hope you find a solution that makes you happy and fulfilled and avoids the entrapment you currently seem to be in.

And again, I will suggest considering a mainland job that offers FREE or low cost education options. $12~16 an hour with health benefits and free tuition is a good option for many. I even went to school with a person who was a janitor at the local hospital. While the job wasn't glamorous in any way, shape, or form, he got his education the same as I.

So, while a $4K motorcycle and $2.5K in protective gear would get you off the bus in Hawaii, it might be better spent getting you into a different environment that lessens your stress and improves the quality of your life. Your desire for the quickest way to a Bachelors degree is a good idea but, 2 years at a community college with the last two at a "big" name college is more cost effective. Community colleges also have class schedules that are more "compatible" with people who work their way through school so that could be advantageous as well. Add a bicycle to the mix and I think you and many others would be surprised what they can achieve with their meager budgets and limited time split between work, school, and a cheap apartment close to school.

Before you dismiss the bicycle idea, consider the people in Europe. Whether a college student or working professional, lots of people commute on bicycles everyday. Sure, most of us won't consider a 10 mile bike ride to and from work or school to be acceptable but, lots of people in Europe consider that a normal part of life. Heck, I would rather spend 45 minutes on a bicycle versus 45 minutes in traffic. While this won't work in L.A. or most parts of the west, in the Midwest and back East bicycles and public transportation are a reasonable alternative. This would free up some money to support your education.

 

[Noctis3880]

I'm not off-hand dismissive of bicycles, it's just that:
A) I feel awfully naked without gear for road rash, and I am not wearing leather in Hawaii weather if I have to work up a sweat at the same time.
B) Riding uphill to campus leaves me exhausted and sore, and barely able to walk. And my day job is largely physical labor.

My current job pays me a little over $16.25/hr and provides health insurance paid for by my employer, which is why it's so difficult to replace.

I'm already inquiring with a law firm about how to dissolve the mortgage. I figure I'll drop the bomb casually that I'm taking the MSF course, finally put my foot down that I'm getting a motorcycle, and show her recorded video as I rent out a 50cc Chinese PoS moped and ride the thing uphill to the campus. If she won't listen to reason, then I'm obviously not dealing with a reasonable person and have no obligation to try anything reasonable in the future.

 

[Sid Post]

With body conditioning, riding up-hill would be less demanding over time. This is similar to many physical day labor jobs. I remember how hard it was in the beginning to balance a hay bale on a pitchfork at first and then "toss" it into the hay loft. After a few weeks I could pick up and fling a hay bale into the loft with relative ease. I must admit that a hay bale elevator would have been welcomed though!

When you get your V-Star or Rebel, be sure to investigate the "free mods" that derestrict the motorcycle to give you a little extra boost after the break-in period. And, if you find it a little sluggish for your body weight going up steep grades, consider putting a larger sprocket on the rear. Generally, you can add three teeth without changing the chain. Three extra teeth will take away some top end speed but, it will also give you more torque for pulling away at a stop light and going up a steep section of road.

Best wishes for positive outcomes on all fronts! And please post updates to share your experiences learning to ride, getting your license and, living with your new motorcycle.

 

[Noctis3880]

Whether a car or motorcycle, you have more freedom of movement with your own transportation. The lower initial price of a motorcycle is appealing to many on a tight budget. I find parking a motorcycle to be easier because cars usually end up "way out yonder" versus motorcycles which in a lot of cases have parking next to the handicap parking.

For most parts of town yes. Home parking has me in a somewhat bad position as I'd have to park it in front of my mom's car. Relatively out in the open(not blatantly in plain sight, especially with a tarp over it), but nothing solid to secure it to(legal BS and all). I figure my bumper plate solution ought to be okay for the most part.

In terms of a financial burden, living in a college dormitory while not appealing to many is relatively cheap and a relatively protected environment. Stalking and crime in general are very low in most places. I can understand the idyllic appeal of Hawaii but, there are other very nice, picturesque, low crime areas to choose from on the mainland.

True, though the advantages are quite nice, being a small island and all. I did end up on the freeway by accident once and had to turn myself around at the airport 5 miles away, but I figure in the mainland I could end up at the next state at least once a week.

In terms of financial burdens, out here you can find 1br apartments for ~$425 a month plus utilities. While this rent level won't put you in the "rich" part of town, a lot of people earning a meager living seem to have a good quality of life. The difference in rents would go a long way to easing the financial burden and could allow you to continue living with a 32Hr work week.

I actually wouldn't be opposed to a 40-hour week if I can get a few key factors out of the way and my school workload isn't too overwhelming. Mostly just want non-graveyard shifts to keep a good circadian rhythm pattern.

As a tax paying citizen, most states will give you in-state tuition. Heck, even illegals in some states get in-state tuition levels. If you are looking at things objectively, I think you will find the trade-offs between Island living and a lower cost mainland location to be more favorable than it may initially appear to you. Sure you don't know anyone yet but, the people you do know in Hawaii don't seem to bring much happiness to your life.

Immediate family and boss, no. Coworkers however are super cool(other than the 2 old-timers in the graveyard shift with me), very friendly, and very supportive.

In the end, I hope you find a solution that makes you happy and fulfilled and avoids the entrapment you currently seem to be in.

Hopefully it's just paranoia and overreaction on my part. My mother didn't yet bite my head off when I told her I'd need a ride back from the MSF course in the next city over. She was however, still insistent that I buy a scooter or something "innocent" looking. I did of course point out that most scooters(above 50cc) would be capable of going just as fast as a motorcycle.

And again, I will suggest considering a mainland job that offers FREE or low cost education options. $12~16 an hour with health benefits and free tuition is a good option for many. I even went to school with a person who was a janitor at the local hospital. While the job wasn't glamorous in any way, shape, or form, he got his education the same as I.

Outside of apprenticeships for trade schools(welding, pipefitting), I don't know of any jobs that offer to chip in for your education.

So, while a $4K motorcycle and $2.5K in protective gear would get you off the bus in Hawaii, it might be better spent getting you into a different environment that lessens your stress and improves the quality of your life. Your desire for the quickest way to a Bachelors degree is a good idea but, 2 years at a community college with the last two at a "big" name college is more cost effective. Community colleges also have class schedules that are more "compatible" with people who work their way through school so that could be advantageous as well. Add a bicycle to the mix and I think you and many others would be surprised what they can achieve with their meager budgets and limited time split between work, school, and a cheap apartment close to school.

Actually, I'm currently in the community college network. Plan is 3 years for General Education requirements(utterly useless IMO, what kind of Accountant needs to know Anthropology?), then the last year in the local University for the core business requirements.

I'm also looking at used Nighthawks and similar in the event that sinking 5 grand(after tax and other dealer fees) into a V-Star is impractical(or will end up getting me murdered). I'm just not sure what the expected lifespan of motorcycles tend to be, as I'm looking at a Nighthawk from 1992(22 years old). I also prefer a high initial cost as opposed to high regular upkeep(gas, maintenance, etc).

Though members of a motorcycle forum have been flaming me quite a bit for wanting to buy anything new, saying I won't be married to my bike. Frankly though, I don't see why I wouldn't still enjoy riding even after college.

 

[Noctis3880]

With body conditioning, riding up-hill would be less demanding over time. This is similar to many physical day labor jobs. I remember how hard it was in the beginning to balance a hay bale on a pitchfork at first and then "toss" it into the hay loft. After a few weeks I could pick up and fling a hay bale into the loft with relative ease. I must admit that a hay bale elevator would have been welcomed though!

I'll admit there's some laziness on my part as well. It's just that "I'm working slower than usual because my muscles are cramped up from riding uphill" isn't an excuse that will fly with my boss.

When you get your V-Star or Rebel, be sure to investigate the "free mods" that derestrict the motorcycle to give you a little extra boost after the break-in period. And, if you find it a little sluggish for your body weight going up steep grades, consider putting a larger sprocket on the rear. Generally, you can add three teeth without changing the chain. Three extra teeth will take away some top end speed but, it will also give you more torque for pulling away at a stop light and going up a steep section of road.

So long as it's legal of course.

Best wishes for positive outcomes on all fronts! And please post updates to share your experiences learning to ride, getting your license and, living with your new motorcycle.

Thanks!